About Zipline

Zipline is the world’s largest and most experienced drone delivery service. We are on a mission to serve all humans equally by ensuring access to food, medicine and essential goods anytime, anywhere. We design, build, and operate the world’s largest autonomous logistics system, delivering critical supplies quickly and reliably. Today, Zipline operates on four continents, makes a delivery somewhere in the world every 30 seconds, and has completed millions of deliveries to date, including blood, vaccines, medical supplies, food, and retail products.

Our customers include the world’s largest and most prominent healthcare systems, governments, retailers, restaurants and global businesses who rely on us to save lives, reduce emissions, increase economic opportunity, and provide delivery from point A to point B as fast as possible. The drone is only 15% of what we’ve built to enable seamless, reliable, global operations.

Our system strengthens supply chains, reduces congestion, and gives people time back. With more than 140 million commercial autonomous miles safely flown, Zipline is redefining access to healthcare, consumer products, and food across the globe.

We operate at a global scale and are looking for practical problem solvers who thrive on real-world challenges and rapid growth. Our team is motivated by building systems that have a direct, meaningful impact on people’s lives and by scaling the future of logistics. We are seeking people who sculpt from first principles, enjoy facing adversity, and can do the impossible at record breaking speeds.

About the Role

Zipline is seeking a Chief Pilot to lead our Australian drone flight operations. This role is responsible for managing all aspects of flight safety, operational training, crew oversight, and regulatory compliance. You’ll play a key role in shaping operational policy and ensuring seamless coordination between our Australian and HQ teams. This is a key leadership appointment in our Australian operation and reports to the Managing Director of Zipline Australia.

This position combines traditional Chief Pilot accountability with modern autonomous aviation operations leadership. The Chief Pilot sets operational standards, ensures regulatory alignment, oversees crew proficiency and performance, and partners cross-functionally to integrate evolving aircraft platforms and autonomous capabilities. The role is critical to maintaining Zipline’s safety culture while enabling rapid, disciplined growth across multiple operational sites.

The ideal candidate is a certified pilot with both manned and unmanned experience, has a deep understanding of CASA regulations, and thrives in dynamic, high-growth environments.

What You'll Do

Lead and oversee Zipline’s Australian drone flight crews across commercial operations
Own and maintain operational documentation, manuals, and procedures for sUAS missions
Develop and manage training programs, including ground and flight qualification, in partnership with global stakeholders
Monitor operational safety, flight compliance, and training currency
Conduct risk assessments, safety audits, and assist in new site setup prior to launch
Act as a mentor and instructor for flight crew development and performance
Continuously improve operational policies and processes for scale and safety
Ensure CASA regulatory compliance under a certified operational framework

What You'll Bring

CASA Private or Commercial Pilot Certificate
CASA Remote Pilot Certificate
Bachelor’s degree
3+ year experience in the UAS sector
Expertise in developing flight manuals, procedures, and training content
Strong organizational and leadership skills
Ability to work independently and solve complex problems in real-time
Must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident

Bonus If You Have

Flight instruction or standardization experience (manned or unmanned)
Working knowledge of Safety Management Systems (SMS)
Experience supporting certified aviation operations or regulatory engagements

What Else You Need to Know

Zipline is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion or religious creed, mental or physical disability, medical condition, genetic information, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, military or veteran status, citizenship, or other characteristics protected by state, federal or local law or our other policies.

We value diversity at Zipline and welcome applications from those who are traditionally underrepresented in tech. If you like the sound of this position but are not sure if you are the perfect fit, please apply!

Chief Pilot, Australia

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