Sr. Operations Associate, Labs - Flight Test Engineering Lead
About The Position
DoorDash Labs is an independent team within DoorDash. We explore robotics and autonomy to transform last-mile logistics through drone delivery in the long term. If you have a passion for applying autonomous aviation technologies in a service used by millions of people, then we want to talk to you! About the Role This role offers a unique opportunity to shape flight test operations and drone delivery by: owning day-to-day flight test execution and operational readiness across test sites leading and mentoring a team of Flight Test Operators translating engineering test requests into structured execution plans and test cards coordinating execution across Engineering, Safety, Product, and Leadership ensuring regulatory, airspace, and internal safety compliance applying structured testing and feedback loops to support commercialization driving continuous improvement across operational workflows troubleshooting operational and technical issues in the field This is an onsite role based in the Bay Area. Regular collaboration with cross-functional partners is required to support field execution, operational readiness, and rapid iteration toward commercialization. You’re excited about this opportunity because you will… lead a high-performing flight test operations team and set the standard for safety, execution quality, and testing own operational execution and decision-making in dynamic, real-world flight environments build and execute structured test plans and test cards in partnership with engineering teams apply structured testing discipline and feedback loops to help move experimental systems toward commercialization shape scalable operational workflows, training standards, and documentation collaborate closely with engineers to validate autonomous systems in the field influence how new test capabilities, aircraft, and sites are safely introduced into operations solve complex operational and technical problems in real time support cross-site coordination and transportation in a growing flight test program communicate clearly with leadership on progress, risks, and operational performance
Requirements
- you bring strong operational leadership and have experience leading teams in field-based or safety-critical environments
- you hold a current FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate and understand airspace and regulatory requirements
- you have hands-on drone flight experience and strong operational judgment
- you understand how drones and autonomous systems operate, including flight controls, communications, sensors, and ground systems
- you can translate ambiguous engineering requests into organized, executable operational plans, including test card planning, risk management, and prior proper planning to ensure safe execution with sufficient personnel
- you communicate effectively with engineers, operators, and leadership
- you provide clear feedback, mentor team members, and build strong operational culture
- you are a collaborative problem solver who thrives in fast-moving environments
- you maintain high standards for safety, documentation, and accountability
- you drive operational efficiency and partner closely with Maintenance leadership to track aircraft status, readiness, and utilization
Nice To Haves
- you have worked with PX4, ArduPilot, Auterion, or Herelink-based systems
Responsibilities
- owning day-to-day flight test execution and operational readiness across test sites
- leading and mentoring a team of Flight Test Operators
- translating engineering test requests into structured execution plans and test cards
- coordinating execution across Engineering, Safety, Product, and Leadership
- ensuring regulatory, airspace, and internal safety compliance
- applying structured testing and feedback loops to support commercialization
- driving continuous improvement across operational workflows
- troubleshooting operational and technical issues in the field
- lead a high-performing flight test operations team and set the standard for safety, execution quality, and testing
- own operational execution and decision-making in dynamic, real-world flight environments
- build and execute structured test plans and test cards in partnership with engineering teams
- apply structured testing discipline and feedback loops to help move experimental systems toward commercialization
- shape scalable operational workflows, training standards, and documentation
- collaborate closely with engineers to validate autonomous systems in the field
- influence how new test capabilities, aircraft, and sites are safely introduced into operations
- solve complex operational and technical problems in real time
- support cross-site coordination and transportation in a growing flight test program
- communicate clearly with leadership on progress, risks, and operational performance
Benefits
- a 401(k) plan with employer matching
- 16 weeks of paid parental leave
- wellness benefits
- commuter benefits match
- paid time off and paid sick leave in compliance with applicable laws (e.g. Colorado Healthy Families and Workplaces Act)
- medical, dental, and vision benefits
- 11 paid holidays
- disability and basic life insurance
- family-forming assistance
- a mental health program
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
