About You and The Role 

Zipline is looking for a Development Manager Lead to lead the strategy and execution of ground system infrastructure that enables the next generation of autonomous operations. In this role, you will oversee a portfolio of infrastructure development projects, guiding them from early site evaluation through permitting and construction readiness while helping shape the processes, standards, and partnerships that enable Zipline to scale.

As a senior technical leader, you will partner closely with Engineering, Construction, Government Affairs, Legal, Operations, Real Estate, and external stakeholders to deliver reliable, scalable infrastructure. You will provide leadership on complex development challenges, mentor Development Managers, and serve as a trusted advisor on permitting strategy, utility coordination, and regulatory engagement.

This is a highly cross-functional role that requires deep technical expertise, sound business judgment, and exceptional stakeholder management. You'll build strong relationships with Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs), utility providers, consultants, and landowners while navigating complex regulatory environments to advance projects efficiently and responsibly.

What You'll Do

• Lead the development and execution of a portfolio of ground infrastructure projects from site identification through permitting and construction readiness.
• Provide technical leadership and strategic guidance for site due diligence, feasibility assessments, site design, permitting, and utility coordination.
• Develop and standardize development processes, permitting strategies, design standards, and best practices to improve scalability and execution across projects.
• Mentor and provide technical guidance to Development Managers, fostering their growth and ensuring consistent project execution.
• Oversee complex site due diligence activities, including land surveys, title review, easement verification, environmental studies, geotechnical investigations, and regulatory assessments.
• Review and guide multidisciplinary design packages to ensure constructability, operational requirements, regulatory compliance, and cost objectives are met.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs), utility providers, consultants, and key external stakeholders.
• Lead negotiations with regulatory agencies and utility providers to resolve complex permitting and infrastructure challenges.
• Partner cross-functionally with Engineering, Construction, Government Affairs, Legal, Operations, and Supply Chain to align development priorities and remove execution roadblocks.
• Identify portfolio-level risks and develop mitigation strategies to maintain project schedules, budgets, and business objectives.
• Communicate project status, risks, and strategic recommendations to senior leadership and executive stakeholders.
• Drive continuous improvement across the development organization through lessons learned, process optimization, and technical excellence.

What You'll Bring

• 8-15+ years of experience leading land or infrastructure development projects from due diligence through permitting and construction readiness in industries such as autonomous aviation, EV charging infrastructure, energy, telecommunications, commercial development, or other complex infrastructure sectors.
• Proven experience leading multiple concurrent projects or infrastructure portfolios with demonstrated success delivering complex development programs.
• Strong technical expertise in civil, structural, electrical, or utility infrastructure development, with the ability to make sound engineering and business decisions.
• Extensive experience navigating entitlement, permitting, environmental review, and utility service processes with regulatory agencies and utility providers.
• Demonstrated success leading negotiations with AHJs, utility companies, consultants, and external partners.
• Experience mentoring, coaching, or leading technical teams and developing high-performing organizations.
• Exceptional project management, organizational, and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong executive communication and presentation skills, with the ability to influence decisions across technical and non-technical audiences.
• A collaborative leadership style with a bias for action, sound judgment, and a passion for building infrastructure that enables innovative technologies.

What Else You Need To Know

The starting cash range for this role is $205,000 - 250,000. Please note that this is a target, starting cash range for a candidate who meets the minimum qualifications for this role. The final cash pay for this role will depend on a variety of factors, including a specific candidate's experience, qualifications, skills, working location, and projected impact. The total compensation package for this role may also include: equity compensation; discretionary annual or performance bonuses; sales incentives; benefits such as medical, dental and vision insurance; paid time off; and more.

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.

We value diversity at Zipline and welcome applications from those who are traditionally underrepresented in tech. If you like the sound of this position but are not sure if you are the perfect fit, please apply!