Design Manager / Projects Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager / Projects Manager

Company: Zipline

Location: South San Francisco, California, USA

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Operations Management / Infrastructure Design & Delivery

Date Posted: May 27, 2026

Experience Level: 6-10+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Orchestrate the end-to-end design and delivery process for Zipline's ground infrastructure network across multiple concurrent metro expansions.

• Manage the technical lifecycle of civil and electrical engineering permit sets, from conceptual layouts through city reviews to final permit release.

• Drive project schedules, proactively identify and resolve technical roadblocks, and manage design and constructability constraints to accelerate site deployment.

• Act as a key technical liaison, bridging the gap between site acquisition, engineering design, and construction execution to ensure timely and budget-conscious project completion.

• Standardize design processes, templates, and specifications to enhance scalability and consistency across Zipline's growing global logistics network.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is critical for Zipline's aggressive expansion strategy, requiring a blend of deep technical understanding in civil and electrical engineering design, robust project management capabilities, and exceptional stakeholder management skills to navigate complex permitting and construction landscapes. The emphasis on "0 to 1" projects and systemic change suggests a need for a candidate who can build processes as well as execute them.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Own the complete design and delivery lifecycle for multiple concurrent site development projects, spanning concept, permit submission, and construction drawing issuance (IFC).

• Proactively manage and accelerate project schedules, critically identifying and resolving schedule constraints, technical roadblocks, and constructability issues to minimize downstream risks.

• Oversee the creation, refinement, and adjustment of Civil and Electrical engineering drawing sets, managing the workflow from initial layouts to final construction release.

• Standardize design processes, templates, and specifications to drive scalability, consistency, and efficiency across Zipline's distributed infrastructure network.

• Drive "design for deployability" by fostering feedback loops between hardware engineering teams, field insights, and jurisdictional constraints.

• Manage permitting submissions across diverse metros and jurisdictions, coordinating effectively with Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs) and utility providers.

• Serve as the primary internal manager for the permitting submission process, incorporating city comments and securing approvals to fast-track permit release.

• Act as the central point of contact for internal stakeholders, external consultants, and third-party partners involved in site development.

• Collaborate closely with Real Estate, Civil/Electrical Engineers, and Construction Managers to ensure site designs are compliant, buildable, and aligned with Zipline's operational needs.

• Support contractor bidding and preconstruction activities by ensuring the completeness and clarity of construction documents.

• Coordinate seamless handoffs to construction teams, ensuring alignment on scope, design intent, and execution requirements.

• Manage project budgets specifically related to design and engineering efforts.

• Track risks, dependencies, and critical path items across the entire portfolio of site development projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strategic operational role focused on accelerating physical infrastructure deployment. The emphasis on "end-to-end delivery," "0 to 1 projects," and "systemic changes" indicates a need for a candidate who can not only manage but also innovate and optimize processes within a rapidly scaling environment.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Engineering (Civil or Electrical preferred), Construction Management, or a closely related technical field.

Experience:

• 6-10+ years of progressive experience in Design Management, Civil Engineering, Architecture, Infrastructure Delivery, site development, infrastructure projects, or light commercial construction.

• Prior experience as an Engineer of Record (EOR) or Architect of Record is a significant advantage.

Required Skills:

• Deep understanding of construction drawings and specifications across multiple trades and disciplines.

• Basic proficiency in civil engineering design principles, including grading, drainage, and utility coordination.

• Fundamental knowledge of electrical site design, including distribution systems and National Electrical Code (NEC) requirements.

• Demonstrated ability to read, interpret, and critically review technical drawings and specifications across various engineering disciplines.

• Proven experience managing multiple concurrent, high-priority, and "0 to 1" projects through design, permitting, and construction documentation phases without losing critical details.

• Strong project management skills, including effective management of schedules, budgets, and cross-functional dependencies in complex projects.

• Familiarity with permitting processes, zoning requirements, and the coordination necessary with local jurisdictions and utility providers.

• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to effectively interface with both technical and non-technical teams.

• Proven ability to translate complex technical decisions into clear business value and actionable tasks.

• Resilience and grit, with a demonstrated ability to drive progress in fast-paced, evolving environments with ambiguous information.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience as an Engineer of Record (EOR) or Architect of Record.

• Familiarity with project management tools such as Procore or Bluebeam.

• Experience in industries like EV charging infrastructure, solar, telecom, or commercial site development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a hands-on technical leader with a strong foundation in civil and electrical design principles, coupled with extensive project and program management experience in infrastructure deployment. The "general athlete" description highlights the need for versatility and the ability to navigate diverse technical and regulatory challenges.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 3-5 complex infrastructure or site development projects managed from concept through to construction documentation.

• Clearly illustrate your role in managing the end-to-end design lifecycle, including civil and electrical engineering aspects.

• Demonstrate your experience in navigating permitting processes across multiple jurisdictions, highlighting successful approvals and timelines.

• Provide examples of standardized processes, templates, or specifications you have developed or implemented to improve design scalability and consistency.

Process Documentation:

• Prepare to discuss your methodologies for managing concurrent project workflows, including how you prioritize, track, and manage dependencies.

• Be ready to explain your approach to coordinating cross-functional design teams (civil, electrical, structural, architectural) to produce compliant and buildable drawing sets.

• Outline your strategies for managing external consultants and driving deliverable accountability within project timelines and budgets.

• Detail your process for translating complex technical information into clear, actionable requirements for construction teams and stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates for this role will be expected to present a portfolio that not only demonstrates technical design and project management proficiency but also highlights their ability to build and optimize processes for rapid, scalable infrastructure deployment. The emphasis on "systemic changes" and treating permits as "strategic milestones" indicates a need for a portfolio that showcases strategic thinking and process innovation.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Based on industry benchmarks for Design Managers and Project Managers with 6-10+ years of experience in high-cost-of-living areas like the San Francisco Bay Area, a competitive salary range is estimated to be between $130,000 - $180,000 annually. This estimate accounts for the specialized technical skills, project management complexity, and the strategic impact of this role within a rapidly growing tech company.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Generous paid time off (PTO) and company holidays.

• Stock options or equity grants, reflecting Zipline's growth trajectory.

• 401(k) retirement savings plan with potential company match.

• Opportunities for professional development, training, and continuing education.

• Potential for travel to support various project sites.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time position, typically 40 hours per week.

• Occasional flexibility may be required to meet project deadlines, attend critical meetings, or address urgent site-specific issues, especially during permitting and construction phases.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary is estimated based on aggregated data from reputable job boards and salary survey sites for similar roles in the San Francisco Bay Area, considering the specified experience level and the tech industry context. Benefits are typical for a growth-stage technology company focused on attracting and retaining top talent in specialized engineering and operations roles.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Autonomous Logistics / Drone Delivery / Advanced Technology

Zipline operates at the forefront of autonomous logistics, revolutionizing how essential goods are delivered. This industry demands innovation, agility, and a strong focus on safety and reliability. As Zipline expands its physical infrastructure, this role is central to enabling that growth.

Company Size: Zipline is a rapidly scaling technology company, employing hundreds to potentially thousands of individuals across multiple continents. This size implies a dynamic, fast-paced environment with significant opportunities for impact and growth, while also requiring robust processes and clear communication to maintain efficiency.

Founded: Zipline was founded in 2011, giving it a decade-plus of experience in developing and operating its autonomous logistics system. This history signifies a mature yet still rapidly evolving company with a proven track record in a cutting-edge field.

Team Structure:

• The Design Manager will likely be part of an Infrastructure or Operations team responsible for the physical expansion of Zipline's delivery network.

• This team may include roles such as Real Estate Managers, Civil Engineers, Electrical Engineers, Construction Managers, and Project Coordinators.

• Reporting structure is likely to be to a Director or VP of Infrastructure/Operations, with direct management of external engineering and design consultants.

Methodology:

• Data-driven decision-making is paramount, with a focus on optimizing site selection, design efficiency, and deployment speed.

• A "first principles" approach to problem-solving is encouraged, aiming for scalable and sustainable solutions.

• Iterative design and deployment processes are likely, allowing for continuous improvement based on real-world feedback and performance metrics.

• Emphasis on proactive risk management and contingency planning to ensure operational continuity and rapid expansion.

Company Website: https://www.zipline.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Zipline's culture is characterized by a mission-driven ethos, a focus on solving complex real-world problems, and a commitment to rapid execution. Candidates should be prepared for an environment that values initiative, resilience, and a desire to build systems that have a tangible, positive global impact.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a mid-to-senior level position within the operations and infrastructure domain. It requires a strong technical foundation combined with significant project management experience, positioning the individual as a key individual contributor and potential team lead as Zipline continues its expansion. The scope involves managing multiple high-stakes projects concurrently, indicating a level of responsibility beyond typical junior roles.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will likely report to a Director or VP of Infrastructure or Operations. This position will also involve significant interaction and leadership over external engineering consultants and potentially cross-functional teams involved in site development, such as Real Estate and Construction Management.

Operations Impact: This role has a direct and substantial impact on Zipline's operational capacity and growth. By efficiently designing and enabling the rapid deployment of new delivery hubs, the Design Manager directly contributes to Zipline's ability to expand its service area, onboard new clients (governments, retailers, healthcare systems), and ultimately increase delivery volume and revenue. Their work is foundational to the physical expansion of the entire logistics network.

Growth Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Opportunity to deepen expertise in civil and electrical engineering for infrastructure, as well as gain extensive experience in large-scale, multi-jurisdictional permitting and site development processes.

• Leadership Development: Potential to grow into a senior leadership role, managing larger teams of project managers and design professionals, or specializing in specific aspects of infrastructure development (e.g., master planning, utility strategy).

• Strategic Contribution: Influence the strategic direction of Zipline's physical infrastructure footprint, contributing to long-term scalability and operational efficiency decisions.

• Industry Expertise: Become a recognized expert in building and scaling autonomous logistics infrastructure, a rapidly evolving and high-demand field.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career trajectory for this role is geared towards individuals who want to build and scale critical physical infrastructure in a high-growth, mission-driven technology company. The emphasis on "systemic changes" and "challenging requirements" suggests a path for individuals who aim to shape how Zipline expands.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site role, requiring the Design Manager to be physically present at Zipline's South San Francisco, California location. This proximity is crucial for effective collaboration with local teams and for managing regional projects.

Office Location(s): The primary work location is South San Francisco, California. Zipline operates globally, so while this specific role is based in California, the projects managed will span diverse geographic locations, potentially requiring occasional travel to project sites or other Zipline offices.

Workspace Context:

• Expect a collaborative office environment typical of a fast-paced technology company.

• Access to necessary design and project management software, including CAD tools, will be provided.

• Opportunities for direct interaction with engineering teams, project management colleagues, and leadership will be abundant.

• The workspace will support focused individual work on technical drawings and project planning, as well as dynamic team meetings for problem-solving and strategic alignment.

Work Schedule: The role is full-time, with standard business hours. However, given the nature of permitting processes and construction timelines, there may be an expectation for flexibility to attend critical meetings, respond to urgent requests from jurisdictions or contractors, and ensure project milestones are met, particularly during peak phases.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in South San Francisco is indicative of the need for direct, in-person collaboration with key engineering and operational teams, as well as access to local resources and potentially regulatory bodies.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or hiring manager will review your application, focusing on your experience in design management, project management, and infrastructure delivery.

• Technical Interview(s): Expect in-depth discussions covering your technical knowledge of civil and electrical engineering design, permitting processes, and construction documentation. You may be asked to review sample drawings or discuss hypothetical scenarios.

• Portfolio Review: A dedicated session where you will present key projects from your portfolio, detailing your role, process, challenges, and outcomes, with a focus on scalability and efficiency.

• Project Management / Operations Fit Interview: Behavioral and situational questions designed to assess your project management methodologies, stakeholder management skills, problem-solving approach, and ability to drive systemic change.

• Cross-Functional / Leadership Interview: Discussions with potential peers and leaders from other departments (e.g., Real Estate, Construction, Engineering) to assess collaboration style and cultural fit.

• Final Interview: Typically with senior leadership to discuss strategic alignment, long-term vision, and overall suitability for the role and Zipline's mission.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Impact & Scalability: For each project presented, clearly articulate the impact (e.g., accelerated timeline, reduced cost, improved design) and how your approach contributes to Zipline's scalability.

• Demonstrate Process Ownership: Highlight instances where you implemented new processes, standardized workflows, or drove systemic improvements that prevented future issues.

• Quantify Results: Use metrics whenever possible to demonstrate the success of your projects (e.g., "Reduced permit review time by X%", "Managed a design budget of $Y for Z sites").

• Showcase Problem-Solving: Be prepared to discuss complex challenges you faced (e.g., difficult permitting, site constraints, cross-functional conflicts) and detail your strategic resolution.

• Tailor to Zipline: Research Zipline's operations and infrastructure needs. Frame your experiences and portfolio examples in a way that directly addresses their challenges and goals.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design & Permitting Scenario: You might be presented with a hypothetical site scenario and asked to outline your approach to the design and permitting process, including key considerations and potential roadblocks.

• Process Improvement Exercise: Be ready to discuss how you would tackle a specific operational challenge related to design or deployment and propose systemic solutions.

• Stakeholder Communication Exercise: You may be asked to draft a communication or present a plan to a diverse group of stakeholders (e.g., city officials, internal teams, contractors).

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to thoroughly assess technical acumen, project management rigor, and the candidate's ability to think strategically and drive systemic improvements, aligning with Zipline's "Great Candidate Criteria."

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD Software: Proficiency or strong aptitude with CAD software (e.g., Autodesk AutoCAD, Revit) is essential for reviewing and managing engineering drawing sets.

• Project Management Software: Familiarity with tools like Procore, Bluebeam, Asana, Monday.com, or similar platforms for tracking project progress, managing documentation, and coordinating tasks.

• Collaboration Platforms: Proficiency in tools like Slack, Microsoft Teams, or Google Workspace for day-to-day communication and team collaboration.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary data analyst role, understanding how to interpret project dashboards and reports from PM tools is crucial.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable in the traditional sense, but understanding how site acquisition data interfaces with design and construction workflows is beneficial.

Integration:

• Understanding how design documents integrate into construction management systems and potentially into operational deployment plans.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack emphasizes tools essential for design management, project execution, and cross-functional communication in an infrastructure development context. A willingness to learn new tools is also highlighted.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Mission-Driven Impact: A strong desire to contribute to Zipline's mission of serving all humans equally by ensuring access to essential goods. This role directly supports that mission by enabling rapid expansion.

• First Principles Thinking: A commitment to dissecting problems and designing solutions from fundamental truths, rather than relying on established norms, to achieve optimal scalability.

• Practical Problem Solving: A focus on tangible, real-world challenges and the ability to devise practical, executable solutions for complex infrastructure and regulatory issues.

• Speed and Execution: An understanding that rapid growth requires fast, efficient execution without sacrificing quality or safety. The ability to drive projects forward at record speeds is valued.

• Resilience and Grit: The capacity to persevere through adversity, navigate ambiguity, and maintain a positive, proactive attitude in a demanding, high-growth environment.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Expect a highly collaborative environment where seamless integration with Real Estate, Civil/Electrical Engineering, Construction Management, Hardware Engineering, and Legal teams is vital.

• Consultant Management: A professional and results-oriented approach to managing external engineering and design consultants, ensuring clear communication, accountability, and timely deliverables.

• Feedback and Iteration: An openness to receiving and providing constructive feedback to continuously improve designs, processes, and team performance.

• Knowledge Sharing: A culture that encourages sharing lessons learned from project successes and failures to benefit the broader team and improve future deployments.

📝 Enhancement Note: Zipline's culture strongly emphasizes mission, speed, and problem-solving. Candidates should demonstrate alignment with these values, particularly in their approach to managing complex projects and collaborating with diverse teams.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Concurrent "0 to 1" Projects: Simultaneously initiating and driving multiple new site designs and permitting processes from scratch across diverse geographic locations presents a significant organizational and execution challenge.

• Navigating Complex Jurisdictional Permitting: Each city and county has unique zoning, building codes, and permitting processes. Harmonizing these with Zipline's needs and accelerating approvals requires significant expertise and negotiation skills.

• Balancing Speed and Rigor: The imperative to deploy quickly must be balanced with the need for technically sound, compliant, and buildable designs to avoid costly rework and operational disruptions.

• Scaling Design Standards: Developing and enforcing standardized design processes and templates that can be applied consistently across a rapidly expanding network while accommodating local variations.

• Cross-Functional Alignment: Ensuring all internal and external stakeholders are aligned on scope, timelines, and technical requirements amidst competing priorities and diverse communication styles.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Infrastructure Design: Gaining deep expertise in civil and electrical design principles specifically for autonomous logistics hubs and distributed physical networks.

• Global Permitting & Regulatory Affairs: Developing a comprehensive understanding of diverse municipal and regional permitting processes, fostering strong relationships with Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs).

• Large-Scale Project Portfolio Management: Honing skills in managing a high-volume portfolio of complex infrastructure projects, including advanced risk management and strategic planning.

• Process Optimization & Scalability: Leading initiatives to refine and scale design and deployment processes to support Zipline's aggressive global expansion targets.

• Cross-Functional Leadership: Enhancing leadership and influence skills by collaborating effectively with a wide array of technical and non-technical teams and external partners.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges inherent in this role offer significant opportunities for professional growth, particularly for individuals looking to specialize in scaling critical infrastructure within the rapidly evolving field of autonomous logistics.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design & Scalability: "How would you approach standardizing civil and electrical design for Zipline's ground infrastructure across multiple new metros simultaneously? What are the key considerations for scalability?"

• Permitting Acceleration: "Describe your experience managing complex permitting processes. What strategies would you employ to proactively shape and accelerate permit approvals for Zipline sites?"

• Risk Mitigation: "Walk us through a time you identified and resolved a critical design or constructability issue early in a project. How did your actions prevent downstream delays or cost overruns?"

• "0 to 1" Project Management: "How do you manage the unique challenges of '0 to 1' projects where processes are not yet established? Provide an example of a system or process you built from scratch."

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why are you passionate about Zipline's mission and the impact of autonomous logistics?"

• "Describe a situation where you had to drive progress with ambiguous or incomplete information. How did you approach it, and what was the outcome?"

• "How do you embody Zipline's value of 'challenging requirements to ensure the best outcome for scalability'?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structured Narrative: For each project, clearly define the problem, your approach (including specific design/management strategies), the challenges faced, your solutions, and the quantifiable results (e.g., timeline, budget, efficiency gains).

• Focus on Process & Systemic Impact: Highlight instances where you implemented new processes, standardized workflows, or drove systemic improvements that benefited future projects and scalability.

• Technical Depth & Clarity: Be prepared to discuss the technical aspects of civil and electrical design, permitting, and construction documentation clearly, but also be able to translate these into business value and actionable tasks.

• Demonstrate "General Athlete" Capability: Showcase your ability to navigate diverse technical disciplines and stakeholder needs, reinforcing your versatility.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating not just technical competence and project management skills, but also a strategic mindset geared towards scalability, process innovation, and proactive problem-solving, aligning with Zipline's specific cultural expectations.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager / Projects Manager position:

• Submit your application through the Zipline careers portal, ensuring your resume and any requested documents are uploaded.

• Portfolio Customization: Curate your portfolio to prominently feature 3-5 key infrastructure or site development projects. Emphasize your role in end-to-end design lifecycle management, civil/electrical engineering aspects, and successful navigation of permitting processes. Select examples that highlight scalability and systemic improvements.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight keywords and responsibilities mentioned in the job description, such as "Design Management," "Project Management," "Civil Engineering," "Electrical Engineering," "Permitting," "Site Development," "Scalability," and "0 to 1 projects." Quantify achievements with metrics whenever possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your experience using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for behavioral questions. Prepare detailed examples for your portfolio presentation, focusing on process innovation, problem-solving, and impact. Research Zipline's mission, operations, and recent news.

• Company Research: Deeply understand Zipline's business model, their approach to logistics, and their infrastructure expansion goals. Be prepared to discuss how your skills and experience directly contribute to their mission and growth objectives, demonstrating genuine interest and cultural alignment.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

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