Development Manager, Ground Infrastructure & Permitting

Zipline; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 170,000 - 215,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity compensation

Medical, dental and vision insurance

Paid time off

Job summary

Zipline is seeking a Development Manager to lead the development of critical ground equipment and charging infrastructure enabling autonomous operations. You will own projects from early site evaluation through permitting and pre-construction, coordinating with Engineering, Construction, Legal, Government Affairs, and external stakeholders to deliver scalable, reliable infrastructure.

This is a highly cross-functional role requiring technical judgment, project management, and stakeholder

Qualifications

• 5–10+ years leading land or infrastructure development projects from due diligence through permitting and construction readiness in sectors such as EV charging, autonomous aviation, energy, or complex infrastructure.
• Strong technical foundation in civil, structural, or electrical infrastructure development.
• Experience managing consultants and external vendors and working with utilities/regulatory agencies.

Responsibilities

• Lead development lifecycle from due diligence to permit approval.
• Conduct comprehensive site due diligence and feasibility analyses.
• Oversee land surveys, title reviews, easement verification and environmental studies.
• Assess regulatory requirements, zoning, and permitting pathways.
• Direct preliminary and site design through permit-ready packages.
• Review design deliverables for compliance with standards and budget.
• Coordinate with agencies and AHJs; lead pre-application meetings.
• Present projects to planning commissions and regulatory bodies.

Skills

Land/infra development leadership

Regulatory coordination

Project management

Stakeholder management

Contract/vendor management

Job description

Zipline is seeking a Development Manager to lead the development of critical ground equipment and charging infrastructure enabling autonomous operations. You will own projects from early site evaluation through permitting and pre-construction, coordinating with Engineering, Construction, Legal, Government Affairs, and external stakeholders to deliver scalable, reliable infrastructure.

This is a highly cross-functional role requiring technical judgment, project management, and stakeholder