Ground Infrastructure Development Lead

Zipline; Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 205,000 - 250,000; Full time

Job summary

Zipline is seeking a Development Manager Lead to drive strategy and execution of ground infrastructure enabling autonomous operations. You will oversee a portfolio from site evaluation through permitting and construction readiness, shaping processes and partnerships to scale Zipline.

As a senior technical leader, you will collaborate with Engineering, Construction, Government Affairs, Legal, Operations, Real Estate, and external stakeholders to deliver reliable infrastructure, mentor Development

Qualifications

• 8–15+ years leading land/infrastructure development projects.
• Experience leading multiple concurrent infrastructure programs.
• Strong technical expertise in civil/structural/electrical/utility infra development.
• Extensive experience navigating entitlement, permitting, environmental review, and utility processes.
• Successful negotiations with AHJs, utilitys, consultants, and external partners.
• Experience mentoring and leading technical teams.
• Exceptional project management and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong executive communication and presentation abilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and execution of a portfolio of ground infrastructure projects from site identification through permitting and construction readiness.
• Provide technical leadership for due diligence, site design, permitting, and utility coordination.
• Develop and standardize development processes, permitting strategies, design standards, and best practices for scalability and execution.
• Mentor Development Managers and ensure consistent project execution.
• Oversee complex site due diligence activities including land surveys, title review, easement verification, environmental studies, and regulatory assessments.
• Guide multidisciplinary design packages to ensure constructability, regulatory compliance, and cost objectives.
• Build strong relationships with AHJs, utility providers, consultants, and external stakeholders.
• Lead negotiations with regulatory agencies and utilities to resolve permitting and infrastructure challenges.
• Partner with Engineering, Construction, Government Affairs, Legal, Operations, and Supply Chain to align priorities and remove roadblocks.
• Identify portfolio risks and develop mitigation strategies to protect schedules and budgets.
• Communicate project status and strategic recommendations to senior leadership.
• Drive continuous improvement through lessons learned and process optimization.

Skills

Infrastructure program mgmt

Land/infrastructure development

Regulatory permitting

AHJ negotiations

Mentoring teams

Stakeholder management

Executive communication

Cross-functional leadership

Technical civil/structural

Job description

Zipline is seeking a Development Manager Lead to drive strategy and execution of ground infrastructure enabling autonomous operations. You will oversee a portfolio from site evaluation through permitting and construction readiness, shaping processes and partnerships to scale Zipline.

As a senior technical leader, you will collaborate with Engineering, Construction, Government Affairs, Legal, Operations, Real Estate, and external stakeholders to deliver reliable infrastructure, mentor Development