Role Details
Estimated based on role seniority, company stage (Series F), and industry benchmarks. Actual compensation may vary.
How is this calculated?
Based on Web3 & AI industry compensation data. Seniority is inferred from role title keywords. Company stage affects ranges: early-stage (−15%), late-stage/public (+10%).
Job Description
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
About Zipline
World's largest autonomous drone delivery system for healthcare, retail, and food.
View company profileSimilar roles at other companies
You'll be redirected to the company's application page
Get roles like this daily
Join our Telegram channels for curated job alerts