What are the responsibilities and job description for the Flight Test Operator position at Wing?
About Wing
Wing offers drone delivery as a safe, fast, and sustainable solution for last mile logistics. Consumer appetites for on-demand services are increasing, but current delivery methods are inefficient, costly, and contribute to road accidents and air pollution. Wing’s fleet of highly automated delivery drones can transport small packages directly from businesses to homes on-demand, in minutes. We design, build, and operate our aircraft, and offer drone delivery services on two continents. Our technology is designed to be easy to integrate into existing delivery and logistics networks, offering a scalable drone delivery solution for a broad range of businesses. Wing is a part of Google's parent company, Alphabet, and our mission is to create the preferred means of delivery for the planet. If you're ready to do the greatest work of your life, come join us.
About The Role
Wing is looking for a Flight Test Operator to join our Flight Test team. This role is onsite based in Hollister, CA.
This is a 3-year full-time contract position for a professional Flight Test Operator responsible for the safe, technical, and regulatory-compliant execution of daily R&D flight tests. You will be part of a new, professional, full-time flight test operations team, setting the standard for safety and excellence. This role is critical to the R&D pipeline, and your judgment and communication will directly shape the performance and readiness of our next generation systems. The position seeks a highly-motivated professional with a strong background in disciplined, procedural-driven environments who is intrinsically driven to solve hard problems and demonstrates a strong 'ownership mindset.'
What You’ll Do
Serve as the on-shift Flight Test Operator and aircrew lead, actively utilizing Crew Resource Management (CRM) and Situational Awareness (SA) skills.Act as the on-shift authority for all applicable regulatory matters, ensuring strict adherence to Part 107 and all FAA waivers.Lead daily crew briefings, analyze operational data (NOTAMs, NOTOPs, weather), and ensure full understanding of all test objectives.Manage the flight line for simultaneous test campaigns, including assigning aircraft locations, managing airspace, and verifying all aircraft are on the correct software configuration.Verify all vendor-prepared test materials (e.g., packages) meet the precise requirements of the Flight Test Director.Surface and document operational observations, technical anomalies, and potential blockers to support rapid engineering improvement cycles.Execute all safety and technical escalation procedures.Model and enforce a culture of professionalism, punctuality, and site-wide ownership.Participate in all hands-on site work, including daily aircraft deployment/retrieval, site recovery, and basic ground infrastructure support.Collaborate with engineering and maintenance teams to provide direct feedback on new equipment, tools, and processes to identify scaling issues.
What You’ll Need
Salary Range
$121,000—$121,000 USD
Wing is an equal opportunity employer and it is Wing's policy to comply with all applicable national, state and local laws pertaining to nondiscrimination and equal opportunity. Employment at Wing is based solely on a person's merit and qualifications directly related to professional competence. Wing does not discriminate against any employee or applicant because of race, creed, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy or related condition (including breastfeeding), or any other basis protected by law.
If you have a need that requires accommodation during the interview process due to a disability or special need, please let us know by completing our Candidate Accommodations Request Form.
Wing offers drone delivery as a safe, fast, and sustainable solution for last mile logistics. Consumer appetites for on-demand services are increasing, but current delivery methods are inefficient, costly, and contribute to road accidents and air pollution. Wing’s fleet of highly automated delivery drones can transport small packages directly from businesses to homes on-demand, in minutes. We design, build, and operate our aircraft, and offer drone delivery services on two continents. Our technology is designed to be easy to integrate into existing delivery and logistics networks, offering a scalable drone delivery solution for a broad range of businesses. Wing is a part of Google's parent company, Alphabet, and our mission is to create the preferred means of delivery for the planet. If you're ready to do the greatest work of your life, come join us.
About The Role
Wing is looking for a Flight Test Operator to join our Flight Test team. This role is onsite based in Hollister, CA.
This is a 3-year full-time contract position for a professional Flight Test Operator responsible for the safe, technical, and regulatory-compliant execution of daily R&D flight tests. You will be part of a new, professional, full-time flight test operations team, setting the standard for safety and excellence. This role is critical to the R&D pipeline, and your judgment and communication will directly shape the performance and readiness of our next generation systems. The position seeks a highly-motivated professional with a strong background in disciplined, procedural-driven environments who is intrinsically driven to solve hard problems and demonstrates a strong 'ownership mindset.'
What You’ll Do
Serve as the on-shift Flight Test Operator and aircrew lead, actively utilizing Crew Resource Management (CRM) and Situational Awareness (SA) skills.Act as the on-shift authority for all applicable regulatory matters, ensuring strict adherence to Part 107 and all FAA waivers.Lead daily crew briefings, analyze operational data (NOTAMs, NOTOPs, weather), and ensure full understanding of all test objectives.Manage the flight line for simultaneous test campaigns, including assigning aircraft locations, managing airspace, and verifying all aircraft are on the correct software configuration.Verify all vendor-prepared test materials (e.g., packages) meet the precise requirements of the Flight Test Director.Surface and document operational observations, technical anomalies, and potential blockers to support rapid engineering improvement cycles.Execute all safety and technical escalation procedures.Model and enforce a culture of professionalism, punctuality, and site-wide ownership.Participate in all hands-on site work, including daily aircraft deployment/retrieval, site recovery, and basic ground infrastructure support.Collaborate with engineering and maintenance teams to provide direct feedback on new equipment, tools, and processes to identify scaling issues.
What You’ll Need
- Current FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate.
- If applicable, Part 107 recurrent certificate: only the ALC-677 course is accepted.
- Must possess (or be able to obtain prior to start date) a valid FAA First, Second, or Third Class medical certificate.
- 4 years of professional experience in aviation operations or a related, safety-critical field.
- Demonstrated airmanship and a strong professional, disciplined mindset (e.g., military aviation, first responder, or other procedural-driven environments).
- Proven ability to read, understand, and adhere to complex technical manuals, procedures, and checklists.
- Strong technical aptitude with the ability to learn and operate proprietary software, digital tools, and complex systems (e.g. command line interfaces, project management apps, Google Workspace apps).
- Demonstrable RC (Remote Control) or UAS piloting skills, with a focus on smooth and precise manual control.
- Excellent decision-making skills and the ability to function calmly and effectively under pressure.
- Ability to work a flexible schedule, including deployments to remote testing areas (typically lasting 4-14 days) and night operations, with this non-standard work comprising up to 15% of the time.
- Must be able to adhere to the strict duty start time, typically 8:00 AM.
- Willingness to complete and maintain voluntary employer-provided basic wildland fire mitigation, Fire Extinguisher, and related contingency response training.
- Ability to bend, lift and move items weighing up to 50 pounds as needed to perform job duties.
- Ability to be on your feet and move for up to 8 hours daily as needed to perform job duties.
- Ability to work outdoors in variable weather conditions (e.g., heat, cold, wind) and austere field environments.
- Ability and willingness to work a 5-day shift schedule, which may include nights and weekends to support flexible testing requirements.
Salary Range
$121,000—$121,000 USD
Wing is an equal opportunity employer and it is Wing's policy to comply with all applicable national, state and local laws pertaining to nondiscrimination and equal opportunity. Employment at Wing is based solely on a person's merit and qualifications directly related to professional competence. Wing does not discriminate against any employee or applicant because of race, creed, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy or related condition (including breastfeeding), or any other basis protected by law.
If you have a need that requires accommodation during the interview process due to a disability or special need, please let us know by completing our Candidate Accommodations Request Form.
Salary : $121,000