Head of Drone Operations

<div class="content-intro"><p><img style="display: none; max-width: 100%;" src="https://click.appcast.io/greenhouse-te8/a31.png?ent=34e=22630t=1701374353806" width="1px"> <img style="display: none; max-width: 100%;" src="https://track.jobadx.com/v1/i.gif?utm_pixel=224e990b-8ff4-4287-8d5d-2ff09647f181utm_ptz=ESTutm_rqt=track" alt="" width="1"></p></div><h1><strong>About the Team</strong></h1><p>DoorDash Labs is an independent team within DoorDash. We explore robotics and automation to transform last-mile logistics 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!</p><h1><strong>About the Role</strong></h1><p>As the Director of Drone Operations, you will oversee all aspects of drone flight operations, ensuring full compliance with <strong>FAA Part 135</strong> regulations and company safety protocols. You will lead a team of pilots and operations personnel with the chief pilot and director of maintenance reporting to you, develop and implement standard operating procedures, and collaborate cross-functionally to scale and enhance our drone delivery capabilities.</p><p>Due to the nature of this role, it is required to have high touch point with the operation, and in-person collaboration is needed with engineering and product,. This role is based in San Francisco and cannot be done remotely.</p><h1><strong>You're excited about this opportunity because...</strong></h1><ul><li><strong>Regulatory Compliance Certification:</strong></li><ul><li>Develop, implement, and oversee drone operations in compliance with <strong>FAA Part 135</strong> regulations.</li><li>Thorough knowledge of the contents of Part 135 documentation and experience with writing and revising General Operations Manual (GOM) and Training Manuals</li><li>Ensure compliance with all FAA, DOT, and company policies and regulations.</li><li>Represent the company in regulatory discussions and industry events.</li></ul><li><strong>Flight Operations Management:</strong></li><ul><li>Lead the operations team through immense scaling, with the chief pilot and director of maintenance reporting to you</li><li>Lead the development of standard operating procedures (SOPs) and emergency response plans</li><li>Maintain operational readiness and ensure adherence to safety standards.</li><li>Manage flight operations, scheduling, and logistics for commercial drone deliveries.</li><li>Oversee training programs for pilots and operations personnel.</li><li>Monitor and analyze operational data to improve efficiency and performance.</li><li>Excited to be high touch with the operations team, observing operations from the field </li></ul><li><strong>Cross-Functional Collaboration Scaling:</strong></li><ul><li>Collaborate with engineering and technology teams to enhance operational capabilities</li><li>Work closely with our commercial operations lead, understanding what the commercial goals are and matching them to our current state of flight operations </li></ul></ul><ul><li>Be at the forefront of <strong>autonomous aviation</strong> and shape the future of last-mile drone delivery.</li><li>Lead a high-impact team in a <strong>fast-paced, innovative</strong> environment.</li><li>Work with industry leaders in delivery, logistics and autonomous aviation</li><li>Build a team from the ground up with autonomy and trust </li><li>Develop scalable workflows that ensure compliance, safety, and efficiency as operations expand.</li></ul><h1><strong>We're excited about you because...</strong></h1><ul><li><strong>FAA Part 135 operational experience</strong>, including leadership in a commercial aviation or UAS environment.</li><li><strong>Part 107 certification</strong> and <strong>extensive UAS flight experience</strong> (1,000+ logged flight hours preferred).</li><li>Proven ability to <strong>develop and enforce SOPs</strong> for aviation operations.</li><li>Strong understanding of <strong>FAA regulations ... (truncated, view full listing at source)