Licensed Structural Engineer: Ground Systems & Permitting

Zipline; South San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Zipline, based in South San Francisco, is seeking a licensed structural engineer to own the design of charging towers, zipping points, and foundations for our autonomous delivery ground systems. You will ensure code‑compliant, constructible site deployments and release calculations and drawings.

You will lead permitting coordination with AHJs, cities, inspectors and partners, develop reusable standards, and work with cross‑functional teams to optimize safety, quality, and deployment cost.

Qualifications

• Licensed Professional Engineer (PE) in Structural Engineering.
• 5–8+ years of structural design experience including steel and/or concrete design.
• Working knowledge of IBC, ASCE 7, AISC and related structural codes and standards.
• Experience supporting permitting, approvals, and coordination with authorities having jurisdiction.
• Ability to solve first‑of‑kind structural problems and communicate clear technical decisions across engineering, business, and external stakeholders.
• Ability to work from Zipline’s South San Francisco headquarters and travel intermittently to project sites in the US and internationally.

Responsibilities

• Own structural analysis and design for charging towers, zipping points, foundations, and related ground‑system structures.
• Produce and technically release structural calculations, drawings, and documentation for code‑compliant, constructible site deployments.
• Develop reusable structural standards and adapt them for site conditions and non‑standard configurations.
• Lead structural input for permitting and regulatory reviews with AHJs, cities, inspectors, customers, and external partners.
• Partner with civil, mechanical, electrical, construction, and deployment teams on layouts, installation approaches, constructability, and operational risks.
• Evaluate pre‑construction, construction, and sustaining risks; drive practical design or process changes that improve permit‑ready quality, installation quality, standardized‑design reuse, and cost.

Skills

PE License (Structural)

Structural Design

IBC/ASCE7/AISC

Permitting Experience

Cross-functional Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil/Structural Engineering

Job description

Zipline, based in South San Francisco, is seeking a licensed structural engineer to own the design of charging towers, zipping points, and foundations for our autonomous delivery ground systems. You will ensure code‑compliant, constructible site deployments and release calculations and drawings.

You will lead permitting coordination with AHJs, cities, inspectors and partners, develop reusable standards, and work with cross‑functional teams to optimize safety, quality, and deployment cost.