Do you want to change the world? Zipline is on a mission to transform the way goods move. Our aim is to solve the world’s most urgent and complex access challenges by building, manufacturing and operating the first instant delivery and logistics system that serves all humans equally, wherever they are. From powering Rwanda’s national blood delivery network and Ghana’s COVID-19 vaccine distribution, to providing on-demand home delivery for Walmart, to enabling healthcare providers to bring care directly to U.S. homes, we are transforming the way things move for businesses, governments and consumers. The technology is complex but the idea is simple: a teleportation service that delivers what you need, when you need it. Through our technology that includes robotics and autonomy, we are decarbonizing delivery, decreasing road congestion, and reducing fossil fuel consumption and air pollution, while providing equitable access to billions of people and building a more resilient global supply chain.

Join Zipline and help us to make good on our promise to build an equitable and more resilient global supply chain for billions of people.

About You and The Role

We are seeking a dynamic and forward-thinking Director to lead our Maintenance & Airworthiness team. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in aircraft and/or UAS maintenance, a deep understanding of regulatory compliance, and a passion for nurturing the growth and development of our fast-growing maintenance team.

As the Director of Maintenance, you will be responsible for managing maintenance managers and their associated operations locations in the US. You will work cooperatively both internally and with the FAA to help advance our programs forward in a safe, scalable manner. In this role you will play a pivotal role in ensuring the safety, reliability, and compliance of our aircraft fleet. Your leadership and expertise will be instrumental in maintaining our high standards of maintenance, adhering to regulatory requirements, and contributing to the overall success of our operations. Equally important, you will be integral in developing and scaling our fast-growing organization through leadership, mentorship, and continuous development. Finally, you will need to embrace a certain amount of ambiguity that comes with being on the forefront of an industry, staying flexible and resilient while driving a clear path to enable the team’s success. This role is located our of our South San Francisco or Concord, NC offices, reporting to the Head of US Operations.

What You'll Do

• Maintenance Excellence: Oversee and coordinate all aspects of our UAS maintenance, drive accountability and transparency to ensure the team consistently performs at their best and the standard expected from Zipline (routine maintenance, unscheduled events, etc.)
• Leadership, Mentorship & Development: Inspire, mentor, and lead a team of UAS maintenance technicians and managers, fostering a culture of continuous learning, improvement, and personal development. Create opportunities and clear paths for skill development and career growth.
• Regulatory Compliance: Ensure full compliance with all relevant aviation regulations, including FAA regulations for Part 107 and Part 135 operations, maintenance practices, and airworthiness standards as outlined in our maintenance program. Regualry interact with FAA stakeholders.
• Maintenance Planning & Oversight: Oversee the maintenance and inspection activities for our UAS, including scheduled inspections and unscheduled repairs. Develop and implement effective maintenance plans, and processes to optimize UAS availability while maintaining safety and compliance.
• Continuous Improvement: Identify opportunities for process improvements, cost-effective maintenance strategies, and technological advancements to enhance operational efficiency.
• Reporting: Present regular reports to senior management on maintenance activities, fleet airworthiness, and compliance status. Ensure transparency of timely communication between the operational sites and company headquarters.
• Emergency Response: Ensure the readiness of emergency response and contingency plans related to maintenance and airworthiness issues.

What You'll Bring

• FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) certification required.
• In-depth knowledge of Part 107 and Part 135 regulations, FAA guidelines, and airworthiness standards.
• Bachelor's degree in Aviation Management, Aeronautical Engineering, or related field (preferred).
• Minimum 7 years of aviation maintenance experience in a leadership position.
• Experience working with FAA stakeholders on regular, on-going basis.
• Strong familiarity with maintenance tracking software and systems.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, manage, and inspire a diverse team.
• Problem-solving mindset and a proactive, creative approach to challenges.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Must be eligible to work in the US.
• The ability to travel ~20% of the time with some possible periods of more frequent travel.

What Else You Need to Know