Operations Manager, Prime Air - Data for Autonomous Aircraft (DA2)

Description

Amazon Prime Air is developing autonomous drone delivery to safely deliver packages to customers in under an hour. The Data for Autonomous Aircraft (DA2) team collects real-world data through representative flight operations to support development of sense-and-avoid algorithms and support FAA certification documentation. We are seeking an experienced Operations Manager to lead our multi-disciplinary operations team encompassing flight operations, transit phase operations, testing and special operations, as well as the standards, training, and compliance program.

In this role, you will own end-to-end operational delivery across multiple data collection programs, managing crew leads, crew deployments, vendor relationships, budget oversight, capacity planning, and metric reporting across sites in Seattle, Austin, Phoenix, and more. You will drive daily execution while building strategic plans to meet Prime Air's growing data requirements. The ideal candidate thrives in ambiguity, has a bias for action, and can balance tactical day-to-day delivery with longer-term operational strategy — all while fostering an inclusive, high-performing team culture.

Key job responsibilities
-Lead operations across collections functions, including crew assignments, deployments, and task distribution across Seattle, Austin, and Phoenix sites
-Own Daily Business Reviews and Weekly Business Reviews coupled with metric reporting; escalate risks and drive corrective actions to close collection gaps
-Manage capacity planning against deliverables and align crew allocations to program priorities
-Oversee operational budgets, contracts, hiring, onboarding, and performance management
-Own vendor relationships and coordinate with Technical Program Managers on feedback loops and data quality
-Conduct 1:1s, performance reviews, and career development for direct reports
-Drive process improvement, incident response follow-up, COE completion, and compliance with operational and Prime Air standards
-Scope new deployments, write narrative proposals, and participate in Change Control Board reviews with cross-functional stakeholders

Basic Qualifications

- 5 years of program management, logistics, operations, transportation, learning or related field experience
- 1 years of direct people management, including performance management and employee development experience
- Experience managing and negotiating contracts and vendor relationships
- Experience running an effective operational excellence program
- Experience managing training programs or teams across multiple sites or regions
- Bachelor's degree, or 3 years of professional experience
- Experience with budgeting, scheduling and cost reports

Preferred Qualifications

- Experience in Engineering, Operations, Business Administration, or a related field
- Experience writing and publishing technical documents or equivalent
- Six-Sigma or equivalent certification
- Experience with FAA regulatory frameworks or safety management systems
- Familiarity with data collection operations, sensor systems, or autonomous vehicle programs

Amazon is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected veteran status, disability, or other legally protected status.

Our inclusive culture empowers Amazonians to deliver the best results for our customers. If you have a disability and need a workplace accommodation or adjustment during the application and hiring process, including support for the interview or onboarding process, please visit https://amazon.jobs/content/en/how-we-hire/accommodations for more information. If the country/region you’re applying in isn’t listed, please contact your Recruiting Partner.

The base salary range for this position is listed below. Your Amazon package will include sign-on payments and restricted stock units (RSUs). Final compensation will be determined based on factors including experience, qualifications, and location. Amazon also offers comprehensive benefits including health insurance (medical, dental, vision, prescription, Basic Life & AD&D insurance and option for Supplemental life plans, EAP, Mental Health Support, Medical Advice Line, Flexible Spending Accounts, Adoption and Surrogacy Reimbursement coverage), 401(k) matching, paid time off, and parental leave. Learn more about our benefits at https://amazon.jobs/en/benefits.