Senior Structural Engineer, Ground Systems (Drone Delivery)

Zipline; South San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 145,000 - 225,000; Full time

Job summary

Zipline seeks a Structural Engineer to join the Ground System Deployments team in South San Francisco, driving design of ground-based infrastructure for autonomous drone delivery. You will work across disciplines to ensure safe, scalable site layouts and foundations.

The role requires 3–8+ years in structural design, PE licensure, and strong knowledge of building codes. Expect domestic travel and collaboration with internal teams to meet deployment timelines.

Qualifications

• Bachelor or Master in Civil/Structural Engineering.
• Licensed PE in Civil or Structural engineering.
• 3–8+ years of structural design experience.
• Strong knowledge of IBC, ASCE 7 and AISC codes; steel/concrete design.
• Experience with towers or vertical structures preferred.
• Experience supporting permitting and approvals.
• Ability to handle non-standard/first‑of‑kind designs.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.
• Willingness to travel domestically as needed.

Responsibilities

• Perform structural analysis and design for charging towers, dropboxes, and related structures.
• Develop code-compliant, constructible, cost-efficient designs.
• Produce structural calculations, drawings, and design documentation.
• Support permitting and regulatory approvals with AHJs and customers.
• Interface with mechanical, electrical, real estate, and construction teams.
• Contribute to constructability input and installation approaches.
• Maintain and improve standard designs and documentation.
• Advise on permitting, codes, and certification efforts for projects.
• Engage with cities and inspectors to ensure timely approvals and deployment.
• Travel to project sites as needed.

Skills

Structural analysis

Analytical thinking

Cross-functional collaboration

Effective communication

Project coordination

Education

Bachelor/Master in Civil/Structural Engineering

PE license (Civil/Structural)

Tools

IBC/ASCE7/AISC codes

Tower/structural design experience

Job description

Zipline seeks a Structural Engineer to join the Ground System Deployments team in South San Francisco, driving design of ground-based infrastructure for autonomous drone delivery. You will work across disciplines to ensure safe, scalable site layouts and foundations.

The role requires 3–8+ years in structural design, PE licensure, and strong knowledge of building codes. Expect domestic travel and collaboration with internal teams to meet deployment timelines.