Lead Mechanical Engineer — Drone Systems

Zipline; South San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Zipline is seeking a Mechanical Engineering Manager to lead the Dropbox mechanical architecture, development, and field performance. This player‑coach role requires guiding a team of engineers, setting direction, and partnering with design, electrical, firmware, and manufacturing to scale deployment volumes.

You will own the mechanical system from concept through production, using first‑principles analyses, DFMEAs, and field reliability data to drive major product improvements.

Qualifications

• Experience leading electromechanical products from architecture through production and field deployment.
• Strong fundamentals in mechanisms, structures, actuators, sensors, and electronics integration.
• Hands-on leadership of mechanical engineering teams with ownership mindset.

Responsibilities

• Manage, mentor, and grow a high‑performing mechanical engineering team.
• Own the Dropbox mechanical architecture and roadmap from requirements through field deployment.
• Drive design for enclosure, structure, mechanisms, electronics packaging, and harnessing.
• Guide DFMEA, hazard analyses, risk retirement, and validation planning.
• Lead prototype builds, validation, and volume ramp with cross‑functional partners.

Job description

Zipline is seeking a Mechanical Engineering Manager to lead the Dropbox mechanical architecture, development, and field performance. This player‑coach role requires guiding a team of engineers, setting direction, and partnering with design, electrical, firmware, and manufacturing to scale deployment volumes.

You will own the mechanical system from concept through production, using first‑principles analyses, DFMEAs, and field reliability data to drive major product improvements.