Flight Test Site Manager

About the Role:

Wing is looking for a Flight Test Site Manager to join our Flight Test team based onsite 5 days a week in Hollister, CA. This is a hands-on leadership role where you will oversee a highly skilled team of specialists, manage the day-to-day logistics of test activities, and ensure continuous improvements of our test site infrastructure. This role requires a proactive and organized individual with a passion for aviation and a strong understanding of sUAS operations. You will need to be a decisive leader, capable of managing a team and resources effectively, while also possessing the technical aptitude to operate our system and understand the intricacies of flight testing. Relocation will be offered subject to Wing’s relocation policy guidelines.

What You’ll Do: 

• Lead Flight Test Operations: Manage all aspects of flight test project execution at Wing's Hollister location, ensuring smooth, efficient, and safe operations in a dynamic environment
• Anticipate and Resolve Operational Challenges: Proactively identify and remove friction points in test site operations by anticipating challenges and addressing them before they impact the team or facilities. Ensure continuous, efficient workflows for test activities
• Collaborate Across Teams: Partner with facilities, engineering, and technical infrastructure teams to align site operations with broader business objectives. Foster strong cross-functional collaboration to meet flight test goals
• Manage Site Schedules: Lead weekly sync meetings with the engineering team to develop, update, and manage detailed site schedules. Prioritize and sequence test activities to ensure timely execution and meet project milestones
• Drive Continuous Improvement: Engage with internal stakeholders to identify and implement process improvements that enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of test operations at the site
• Support Test Planning and Execution: Assist in the development of flight test plans, conduct Test Readiness Reviews (TRRs), and oversee the execution of flight tests. Ensure all test activities are properly resourced and align with operational goals
• Risk Management: Continuously monitor safety risks and operational challenges, ensuring effective risk mitigation strategies are in place to maintain a high level of safety and performance during flight tests

What You’ll Need: 

• 8+ Years of Relevant Experience: A minimum of 8 years of experience managing test activities, ideally in aviation, aerospace, or other high-tech industries with similar operational requirements
• 3+ Years of Project Management Experience: Proven track record of leading complex projects, managing cross-functional teams, and delivering results on time and within scope
• 2+ Years of Team Leadership: At least 2 years of experience successfully managing teams, providing mentorship, and fostering collaboration among cross-disciplinary groups
• Expertise in Flight Test Principles: Strong understanding of flight test principles, including Test Hazard Analysis (THA), Test Readiness Reviews (TRRs), and safety risk management, with the ability to apply these concepts effectively in operational settings
• Operational Leadership Skills: Demonstrated ability to manage a busy test site, balance multiple competing priorities, and scale operations effectively as project needs evolve
• Strong Communication & Problem-Solving Skills: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, along with the ability to manage time effectively, think critically, and solve complex problems in real time
• Educational Background: A B.S. in an engineering field (or equivalent practical experience) is preferred
• FAA Part 107 Certification: A current FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate is required to oversee and manage flight operations