Structural Engineer, Ground Systems for Drones

Speedrun Talent Network; South San Francisco, Northern (CA, KY); Hybrid; USD 145,000 - 225,000; Full time

Job summary

Zipline is seeking a Structural Engineer to join the Ground System Deployments team in South San Francisco, focusing on the design, analysis and deployment of drone ground infrastructure. You will work across mechanical, civil, electrical teams and interact with AHJs to ensure safe, scalable sites.

The role covers code-compliant design of towers and dropboxes, transfer of design documentation, and coordinating permitting, approvals and site construction. Domestic travel is expected.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Civil/Structural Engineering.
• Licensed Professional Engineer (PE) in Civil or Structural Engineering.
• 3–8+ years of structural design experience.
• Strong knowledge of IBC, ASCE 7, AISC and related codes.
• Experience with tower or vertical structures.
• Experience supporting permitting and approvals.
• Ability to work on non-standard or first-of-kind designs.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Clear communication with cross-functional teams.
• Comfortable in a fast-paced, iterative environment.
• Willing to travel domestically to project sites.

Responsibilities

• Be a key stakeholder for structural analysis and design of charging towers and dropboxes.
• Develop designs that are code-compliant, constructible, and scalable.
• Produce and review structural calculations and drawings.
• Support permitting and regulatory approvals with AHJs.
• Interface with authorities having jurisdiction, customers and partners.
• Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, real estate and construction teams.
• Provide input on constructability and installation approaches.
• Maintain standard designs and design documentation.
• Advise on permitting, codes and related certifications.
• Engage with cities and inspectors to secure project approvals.
• Understand customer needs and refine changes with internal teams.
• Source relationships with jurisdictions, utilities, contractors, and suppliers.
• Assess risks and select vendors for reliable services.
• Travel domestically to project sites as needed.

Skills

PE licensed

Structural design

IBC/ASCE 7/AISC knowledge

Tower structures

Permitting support

Non-standard designs

Analytical skills

Cross-functional communication

Fast-paced environment

Education

Bachelor's/Master's in Civil/Structural Engineering

Job description

Zipline is seeking a Structural Engineer to join the Ground System Deployments team in South San Francisco, focusing on the design, analysis and deployment of drone ground infrastructure. You will work across mechanical, civil, electrical teams and interact with AHJs to ensure safe, scalable sites.

The role covers code-compliant design of towers and dropboxes, transfer of design documentation, and coordinating permitting, approvals and site construction. Domestic travel is expected.