> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/279941-autonomy-flight-test-specialist](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/279941-autonomy-flight-test-specialist). Every page supports `.md` or `Accept: text/markdown`. Links point to the HTML versions so they work for humans too. Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md).

---

# Autonomy Flight Test Specialist

- **Company:** Zipline
- **Location:** San Francisco, CA, United States
- **Salary:** $76,960.0 - $93,600.0
- **Contract:** Permanent contract
- **Skills:** Command-Line Interface, Software Debugging, Desktop Computing, Systems Development Life Cycle, Tablet Computers, Laptops
- **Published:** May 24, 2026
- **Apply:** https://www.careerjet.com/jobad/us36568912a91bacec3475c489b01ed01f

## About the Role

* Experience in aviation or similarly operational environments (e.g., pilot, student pilot, aircraft mechanic, UAS operator, field robotics, military, or other hands-on technical operations roles)
 * Willingness to travel frequently (up to ~75%), including multi-week deployments, irregular schedules, weekends, and early-morning or night operations
 * Strong mechanical and technical aptitude-comfortable working with tools, hardware systems, aircraft-adjacent equipment, and field troubleshooting
 * Ability to independently execute complex field operations with limited oversight while maintaining strong judgment, organization, and attention to detail
 * Experience troubleshooting technical issues in real time, including hardware, software, sensors, networking, or operational workflows
 * Familiarity with FAA regulations, airspace fundamentals, and safe operations around aircraft, airfields, FBOs, and remote flight environments
 * Comfortable working in dynamic flight conditions while operating laptops, tablets, sensors, and mounted equipment in helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft
 * Ability to remain calm and effective in high-pressure or physically demanding environments, including motion-heavy flight conditions and variable weather
 * Strong communication and coordination skills in fast-moving operational environments
 * Ability to lift and transport 50+ lbs of equipment and support field deployment logistics with or without reasonable accommodation

Nice to Have

 * Experience with cameras, sensors, or data acquisition systems
 * Comfortable using computers and command line tools to run systems or debug issues
 * UAS or flight test experience
 * Familiarity with networking, telemetry, or embedded systems

## Description

We're looking for an Autonomy Fight Test Specialist to help us gather real-world data that drives our next generation of systems.
This is a field-first role. You'll travel around the country, work alongside aviation professionals, and operate our aerial data collection rigs. From start to finish you'll own all aspects of the data gathering process.
You'll often operate independently, so being able to think on your feet and make good calls without a lot of oversight is key. A big part of the job is completing the task at hand in real world conditions-figuring things out quickly, staying adaptable, and ensuring we safely come back with the data we need.
Beyond technical skills, we value a proactive, hands-on approach and strong real-world problem solving. Successful candidates are highly resourceful, hands-on operators who enjoy solving practical problems in dynamic real-world environments.
What You'll Do

 * Own aerial data collection missions end to end in support of Zipline's Detect and Avoid system development
 * Travel across the U.S. to collect real-world flight data from helicopters, fixed-wing aircraft, and specialty aviation platforms
 * Operate Zipline's data collection rigs in dynamic flight environments while maintaining strong safety awareness
 * Independently manage mission prep, equipment setup, troubleshooting, data capture, and post-flight wrap-up
 * Build effective working relationships with pilots, flight crews, vendors, and cross-functional teams to execute safe and efficient flight operations
 * Debug hardware, software, sensor, and data collection rig issues in the field to keep missions moving
 * Own field logistics, including packing, transport, setup, teardown, aircraft integration support, and gear accountability
 * Ensure collected data is complete, reliable, and useful for training and validating autonomy systems
 * Identify ways to improve tools, rigs, workflows, and future flight campaigns


## Related Videos

- [Agentic employees in world's most downloaded FinTech app](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100123-agentic-employees-in-world-s-most-downloaded-fintech-app)
- [Reality and Beyond: Coding a Drone Using {Unity 3D .NET} and ChatGPT AI!](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/702-reality-and-beyond-coding-a-drone-using-unity-3d-net-and-chatgpt-ai)
- [Football for Good: Hackathon Finals - Live Pitches & Awards](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100330-football-for-good-hackathon-finals-live-pitches-awards)
- [WebAssembly Revolution: Elevating JavaScript's Reach and Performance](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1149-webassembly-revolution-elevating-javascript-s-reach-and-performance)
- [Synthetic Insiders: The New AI Risk to Your Org](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100057-synthetic-insiders-the-new-ai-risk-to-your-org)
- [A Brief History of Data Storage](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/974-a-brief-history-of-data-storage)

## Related Articles

- [Highest Paying Tech Companies for Developers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/220-highest-paying-tech-companies-for-developers)
- [Fully Remote Software Engineer Jobs](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/447-fully-remote-software-engineer-jobs)
- [Why Upskilling And Reskilling is Important For Developers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/428-why-upskilling-and-reskilling-is-important-for-developers)
- [9 Claude Code Skills to Speed Up Your Workflow](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/740-9-claude-code-skills-to-speed-up-your-workflow)
- [Is Software Engineering Over-Saturated?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/418-is-software-engineering-over-saturated)
- [Liuba Gonta and Yuliya Khadasevic - GitHub Copilot Beyond the Basics - 10 Ways to Elevate Your Coding](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/490-liuba-gonta-and-yuliya-khadasevic-github-copilot-beyond-the-basics-10-ways-to-elevate-your-coding)