System Test Operations Technician

About Zipline
Help us build a resilient global supply chain for billions. Zipline transforms the way goods move by creating instant delivery systems that serve everyone equally. Our electric aircraft support national healthcare networks, COVID-19 vaccine delivery, on-demand retail, and home care across Rwanda, Ghana, and the United States. By decarbonizing logistics we cut fossil use, congestion, and pollution while giving equitable access to critical supplies.

About You and the Role
Zipline aircraft must fly safely through heat, wind, rain, and dust. The System Test team recreates these stressors in custom rigs—wind tunnels, thermal chambers, rain stands—to accelerate system validation. As an Operations Technician you will run autonomous aircraft on these rigs, instrument tests (thermocouples, strain gauges), collect data, analyze results, and maintain equipment. We need an organized, safety-minded builder who loves hands-on electronics, mechanics, and learning new software tools.

What You’ll Do

• Assemble and maintain autonomous drones with precision mechanical & electrical work
• Upgrade and fabricate test assets—panels, fixtures, chambers, cabling
• Instrument one-off tests using thermocouples, strain gauges, and data loggers
• Wire and terminate cables, build harnesses, solder, and crimp
• Operate aircraft on test rigs via custom software
• Generate and analyze test data; write clear, concise reports with root-cause findings
• Schedule shared test equipment and coordinate maintenance

What You’ll Bring

• Strong attention to detail and written/verbal communication
• Proven experience assembling or servicing electromechanical systems (drones, robots, aircraft, vehicles)
• Ability to read mechanical drawings and electrical schematics
• Hands-on skills in one or more of: precision mechanical assembly, fabrication of test panels/equipment, harness manufacturing, soldering/crimping
• Enthusiasm to learn in-house software for test control and data processing
• Experience scheduling shared hardware or lab space

Location & Logistics
This is a full-time role based in South San Francisco; remote work is not available. Zipline is an equal-opportunity employer committed to building a diverse team.