Ground Systems Service Operations - Lead (SkillBridge)

Zipline; Dallas (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Zipline seeks a Ground Systems Service Operations Lead to roll out drone launch tower projects in the Sunbelt, starting in Texas and Arizona. You will oversee site design handover, constructability, and coordination with PMs, engineers, and contractors.

You’ll work with Engineering and Operations to resolve technical challenges and accelerate site readiness, while ensuring safety, quality, and timely delivery of projects.

Qualifications

• 5+ years as Construction Superintendent or similar in commercial/industrial construction.
• Experience with vertical infrastructure (towers, silos, telecom structures).
• Proven ability to manage multiple job sites simultaneously.
• Proficiency with Bluebeam and construction management software.
• OSHA 30 certification or willingness to obtain.

Responsibilities

• Oversee on-site construction activities for multiple drone launch tower projects.
• Coordinate with project managers, engineers, subcontractors, vendors, and authorities to ensure smooth execution.
• Assist in site design constructability, cost control, permitting, inspections, and commissioning.
• Schedule and supervise daily tasks for construction crews.
• Monitor progress and adjust schedules to meet deadlines.
• Ensure compliance with safety standards, building codes, and zoning regulations.
• Maintain quality control throughout all construction phases for Zipline hardware.
• Conduct site inspections and ensure documentation is up to date.
• Manage procurement and delivery of materials with the warehouse team.
• Report to senior construction leadership with updates and issues.

Skills

Construction management

Project scheduling

Leadership

Communication

Travel readiness

Education

OSHA 30 certification

Tools

Bluebeam

Construction management software

Job description

About Zipline

Zipline is the world’s largest and most experienced drone delivery service. We are on a mission to serve all humans equally by ensuring access to food, medicine and essential goods anytime, anywhere. We design, build, and operate the world’s largest autonomous logistics system, delivering critical supplies quickly and reliably. Today, Zipline operates on four continents, makes a delivery somewhere in the world every 30 seconds, and has completed millions of deliveries to date, including blood, vaccines, medical supplies, food, and retail products.

Our customers include the world’s largest and most prominent healthcare systems, governments, retailers, restaurants and global businesses who rely on us to save lives, reduce emissions, increase economic opportunity, and provide delivery from point A to point B as fast as possible. The drone is only 15% of what we’ve built to enable seamless, reliable, global operations.

Our system strengthens supply chains, reduces congestion, and gives people time back. With more than 140 million commercial autonomous miles safely flown, Zipline is redefining access to healthcare, consumer products, and food across the globe.

We operate at a global scale and are looking for practical problem solvers who thrive on real-world challenges and rapid growth. Our team is motivated by building systems that have a direct, meaningful impact on people’s lives and by scaling the future of logistics. We are seeking people who sculpt from first principles, enjoy facing adversity, and can do the impossible at record breaking speeds.

About You and The Role

Please Note: The Zipline SkillBridge program provides transitioning service members the opportunity to gain work experience through an internship during their final 180 days of service. Zipline offers both structured instruction and on-the-job training through a 3-4 month internship.

This is not a general employment opportunity. This role is only open to active-duty U.S. military service members who have been approved (or are eligible for approval) to participate in the DoW SkillBridge program. Applications from candidates who are not SkillBridge-eligible cannot be considered.

As a Ground Systems Service Operations Lead, you will be responsible for rolling out our systems in the metro and paving the way imagining how the UAV world meets the built environment - not just for Zipline but for our customers and the industry as a whole. You will manage the entire build process from initial site design handover & constructability, assist the PM team with scoping & buyout, construction, commissioning, and closeout. You will work closely with the rest of the construction team and contractor base to build strong relationships with key stakeholders and build scalable, repeatable construction processes to expand our network.

You will also be working with the Engineering and Operations teams to tackle all the technical challenges we face head-on to get our customer’s sites operational as quickly as possible. You will have to be technically savvy, and be able to develop relationships with customers, suppliers and contractors.

What You'll Do

• Oversee all on-site construction activities for multiple drone launch tower projects.
• Coordinate with project managers, engineers, subcontractors, vendors, and local authorities to ensure smooth project execution.
• Assist in design of site to constructability and cost control, permitting, inspections, and final commissioning of drone tower facilities.
• Schedule and supervise daily tasks for construction crews.
• Monitor progress and adjust schedules as needed to meet project deadlines.
• Ensure compliance with safety standards, building codes, and zoning regulations.
• Maintain quality control throughout all phases of construction. This is both for the typical construction site prep whether performed by Zipline or our partners, as well as, and foremost our Zipline hardware.
• Conduct regular site inspections and ensure all documentation is up to date.
• Manage procurement and delivery of construction materials and equipment via coordination with our warehouse team.
• Report regularly to senior construction leadership with project updates, timelines, and issue resolution.
• Travel frequently 75%+ to be onsite for our projects in in the Sunbelt region with a near term focus on Texas (Dallas, Houston) and Arizona (Phoenix), travel to our head offices in California and other domestic states, and possible international travel to support expansion projects.

What You'll Bring

• 5+ years of experience as a Construction Superintendent or similar role in commercial or industrial construction.
• Experience with vertical infrastructure (e.g., towers, silos, telecommunications structures) strongly preferred.
• Proven ability to manage multiple job sites simultaneously.
• Proficient with Bluebeam and able to create mark-ups to share digitally with remote workers, or equivalent programs.
• Proficiency in construction management software and tools.
• Strong understanding of construction methods, scheduling, and project management.
• OSHA 30 certification or willingness to obtain.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, structural drawings, and technical documents.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel 75%+ for extended periods within the Sunbelt region.
• Must be eligible to work in the US.

What Else You Need To Know

SkillBridge start dates are flexible. Housing is not provided.

Zipline is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws or our own sensibilities.

Voluntary Self-Identification

For government reporting purposes, we ask candidates to respond to the below self-identification survey. Completion of the form is entirely voluntary. Whatever your decision, it will not be considered in the hiring process or thereafter. Any information that you do provide will be recorded and maintained in a confidential file.

As set forth in Zipline ’s Equal Employment Opportunity policy, we do not discriminate on the basis of any protected group status under any applicable law.