Ground Infrastructure Development Lead

Zipline; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 205,000 - 250,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Equity potential

Health benefits

Job summary

Zipline is seeking a Development Manager Lead to guide ground infrastructure strategy and execution for autonomous operations. You will oversee a portfolio of projects from site evaluation through permitting, coordinating with Engineering, Construction, Government Affairs, Legal, Operations and Real Estate.

As a senior technical leader, you will mentor Development Managers, manage AHJs and utility coordination, and drive scalable, compliant infrastructure that accelerates Zipline's missions

Qualifications

• Experience leading land or infrastructure development projects through permitting and construction readiness.
• Proven track record managing multiple concurrent projects.
• Strong technical expertise in civil, structural, electrical, or utility infrastructure.
• Extensive experience navigating entitlement, permitting, environmental review, and utility processes.
• Demonstrated success leading negotiations with AHJs, utility companies, consultants, and external partners.
• Experience mentoring, coaching, or leading technical teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead portfolio of ground infrastructure projects from site identification through permitting and construction readiness.
• Provide technical leadership for site due diligence, feasibility, permitting, and utility coordination.
• Develop and standardize development processes, permitting strategies, design standards, and best practices.
• Mentor Development Managers, fostering growth and consistent project execution.
• Oversee complex site due diligence activities, including land surveys, title review, easement verification, environmental studies, geotechnical investigations, and regulatory assessments.
• Review multidisciplinary design packages to ensure constructability, regulatory compliance, and cost objectives.
• Build relationships with AHJs, utility providers, consultants, and external stakeholders.
• Lead negotiations with regulatory agencies and utility providers to resolve permitting challenges.
• Partner cross-functionally to align development priorities and remove execution roadblocks.
• Identify portfolio risks and develop mitigation strategies to maintain schedules and budgets.
• Communicate project status and strategic recommendations to senior leadership.
• Drive continuous improvement across the development organization.

Skills

Infrastructure Development

Project Leadership

Regulatory Negotiation

Stakeholder Management

Mentoring

Executive Communication

Job description

Zipline is seeking a Development Manager Lead to guide ground infrastructure strategy and execution for autonomous operations. You will oversee a portfolio of projects from site evaluation through permitting, coordinating with Engineering, Construction, Government Affairs, Legal, Operations and Real Estate.

As a senior technical leader, you will mentor Development Managers, manage AHJs and utility coordination, and drive scalable, compliant infrastructure that accelerates Zipline's missions