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 / Project Management

Date Posted: 2026-06-24

Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (6-10+ years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Orchestrate the end-to-end design lifecycle for Zipline's distributed physical infrastructure network, focusing on ground systems across multiple metros.

• Drive the technical permit set process, specifically for Civil and Electrical disciplines, from conceptualization through rigorous city reviews to final permit release.

• Act as a technical liaison, translating complex engineering requirements into actionable plans for city planners, contractors, and internal stakeholders to accelerate deployment timelines.

• Standardize design processes, templates, and specifications to enhance scalability and consistency across a national portfolio of site development projects.

• Proactively identify and mitigate schedule constraints, technical roadblocks, and constructability issues to minimize downstream risks and rework, ensuring adherence to aggressive launch dates.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title includes "Design Manager" and "Projects Manager," the core responsibilities and required skills clearly indicate a focus on operationalizing infrastructure deployment through meticulous project and design management within a rapidly scaling logistics and delivery network. The role is deeply embedded in ensuring the physical infrastructure supporting Zipline's autonomous delivery system is designed, permitted, and ready for construction efficiently and at scale.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Own the complete design and permitting delivery process for multiple concurrent site development projects across diverse geographic locations, from initial concepts to the issuance of construction drawings.

• Accelerate project schedules by driving progress through critical milestones such as concept development, permit submission, and issuance for construction (IFC).

• Proactively identify and resolve schedule constraints, technical challenges, design issues, constructability concerns, and site-specific limitations to minimize project delays and rework.

• Manage design and engineering-related project budgets, ensuring financial efficacy throughout the project lifecycle.

• Meticulously track risks, dependencies, and critical path items across a portfolio of projects to maintain strategic alignment and forecast potential issues.

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

• Coordinate and manage cross-functional design teams, including civil, electrical, structural, and architectural disciplines, to produce comprehensive and compliant drawing sets.

• Develop and implement standardized design processes, templates, and specifications to improve scalability, consistency, and efficiency across all Zipline sites.

• Champion a "design for deployability" ethos, providing critical feedback loops to hardware engineering teams based on field insights and jurisdictional requirements.

• Manage permitting submissions across numerous sites, metros, and jurisdictions, including essential coordination with Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs) and utility providers.

• Serve as the primary internal manager for the permit submission process, effectively incorporating city comments and securing timely approvals to expedite permit release.

• Act as the central point of contact for all 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 both compliant with regulations and practical for construction.

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

• Orchestrate the seamless handoff of project documentation and design intent to construction teams, ensuring full alignment on scope and execution requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a rigorous, process-driven approach to infrastructure project execution, with a strong focus on the design and permitting phases. The role requires a blend of technical oversight, project management acumen, and stakeholder diplomacy to navigate complex regulatory environments and accelerate physical build-outs for Zipline's expanding logistics network.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management, or a closely related technical field, or equivalent practical experience demonstrating a strong technical foundation. Experience:

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

• Demonstrated experience in managing multiple concurrent, high-priority, and "0 to 1" projects through all phases: design, permitting, and construction documentation.

• Proven success in managing project schedules, budgets, and cross-functional dependencies within complex project environments.

• Experience managing external consultants (engineering firms, architects) and ensuring deliverable accountability and quality. Required Skills:

• Deep understanding of construction drawings and specifications across multiple trades and disciplines, enabling thorough review and critique.

• Basic proficiency in civil engineering design principles, including grading, drainage, and utility infrastructure, with an ability to guide and review related designs.

• Foundational knowledge of electrical site design fundamentals, including distribution systems and relevant National Electrical Code (NEC) requirements, to effectively review and manage electrical permits.

• Ability to read, interpret, and critically review technical drawings and specifications from various engineering and architectural disciplines.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to interface effectively with technical teams, city officials, and non-technical stakeholders.

• Demonstrated ability to translate complex technical decisions into clear business value for executive stakeholders and actionable instructions for field teams.

• Proven resilience and grit, with experience thriving in fast-paced, evolving environments where progress must be driven despite imperfect or ambiguous information.

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

• Willingness and demonstrated ability to learn and effectively utilize CAD software (e.g., Autodesk products) or similar design tools. Preferred Skills:

• Prior experience as an Engineer of Record (EOR) or Architect of Record, providing a deeper understanding of liability and regulatory oversight.

• Experience in industries such as EV charging infrastructure, solar installations, telecommunications, or commercial site development, offering transferable project execution knowledge.

• Familiarity with project management tools such as Procore or Bluebeam, enhancing workflow efficiency and documentation management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications highlight a need for a technically grounded individual with strong project management capabilities, specifically within the context of physical infrastructure deployment. The emphasis on "0 to 1" projects and scaling solutions suggests a role that requires not just execution but also the establishment and refinement of repeatable processes for rapid expansion. The "general athlete" metaphor underscores the need for broad technical understanding and adaptability.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 3-5 complex infrastructure or site development projects where you managed the design and permitting lifecycle from concept to construction documents.

• For each project, clearly articulate your specific role, responsibilities, and the scope of work managed, particularly concerning Civil and Electrical engineering disciplines.

• Detail your experience in navigating and resolving challenges related to jurisdictional reviews, permitting approvals, and utility coordination.

• Demonstrate your ability to manage project timelines, budgets, and cross-functional team dependencies effectively.

• Include examples of standardized processes, templates, or specifications you developed or implemented to improve scalability and consistency in design or project delivery. Process Documentation:

• Provide examples of how you have documented and visualized complex project workflows, including design review cycles, permitting submission processes, and handoffs to construction teams.

• Illustrate your approach to identifying and mitigating risks within project lifecycles, with specific examples of how you proactively addressed potential roadblocks.

• Showcase how you have collaborated with design teams (civil, electrical, etc.) and external consultants to ensure the production of compliant and constructible drawing sets.

• Present case studies demonstrating how you have translated field insights or jurisdictional constraints into design improvements or process adjustments that facilitated faster deployment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio requirements are designed to assess a candidate's practical experience in managing the critical phases of physical infrastructure deployment. Emphasis is placed on demonstrating end-to-end ownership, problem-solving within regulatory frameworks, and the ability to scale processes for rapid growth, aligning with Zipline's mission.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for Design Managers/Project Managers with 6-10+ years of experience in the South San Francisco Bay Area, California, the estimated salary range is $120,000 - $160,000 annually. This range accounts for the high cost of living in the region, the specialized technical requirements of the role, and Zipline's position as a rapidly scaling, innovative company. Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance: Covering medical needs for employees and their dependents.

• Stock Options/Equity: Opportunity to own a part of Zipline's growth and success.

• 401(k) Retirement Plan: With potential company matching to support long-term financial planning.

• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO): Including vacation days, sick leave, and paid holidays for work-life balance.

• Professional Development & Learning Opportunities: Support for continuous learning, workshops, and advanced training relevant to infrastructure development and project management.

• Commuter Benefits: Assistance for transportation costs to and from the office in South San Francisco.

• Parental Leave: Paid leave for new parents to support family bonding.

• Relocation Assistance: May be available for candidates relocating to the South San Francisco area. Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours are typically 40 hours per week. However, given the project-driven nature of this role and Zipline's fast-paced environment, flexibility may be required to meet critical deadlines, particularly during intense permitting or construction phases. The role is primarily on-site in South San Francisco.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on current market data for similar roles in the specified high-cost-of-living area and considers the specialized technical and project management skills required. Benefits are typical for a growth-stage technology company with a focus on employee well-being and long-term investment.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Autonomous Logistics / Drone Delivery

Company Size: Zipline operates globally and is a rapidly growing company, likely employing several hundred to over a thousand individuals. This size indicates a dynamic environment with established processes but ample room for individual impact and growth. For operations professionals, this means opportunities to influence and build scalable systems rather than just maintain existing ones.

Founded: Zipline was founded in 2014, giving it significant experience and a track record in the autonomous delivery space. This maturity, combined with rapid growth, suggests a company that has moved beyond the startup phase into a robust scaling phase, requiring sophisticated operational management.

Team Structure:

• The Design Manager / Projects Manager will likely be part of a larger Infrastructure or Operations team responsible for the physical deployment of Zipline's delivery network.

• This team may include specialists in Real Estate, Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Construction Management, and Permitting.

• The reporting structure is likely to involve a Director or VP of Infrastructure/Operations, with direct oversight of project managers and design leads.

• Cross-functional collaboration is paramount, requiring close partnerships with Hardware Engineering (for "design for deployability"), Legal (for contract and regulatory compliance), and local Market Operations teams. Methodology:

• Data Analysis and Insights: Decisions regarding site selection, design optimization, and permitting strategies will be informed by data on delivery efficiency, site acquisition costs, jurisdictional requirements, and constructability feedback.

• Workflow Planning and Optimization: A core focus will be on standardizing and optimizing the entire process from site identification through design, permitting, and construction documentation to ensure rapid, replicable deployment.

• Automation and Efficiency Practices: While this role focuses on physical infrastructure, the underlying goal is to enable Zipline's autonomous, automated delivery system. Efficiency in infrastructure deployment directly contributes to the overall scalability and cost-effectiveness of the service.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Zipline's mission-critical role in global logistics, combined with its technological innovation, fosters a culture that values speed, impact, and problem-solving. Operations professionals here are expected to contribute to building systems that are not only efficient but also have a profound positive impact on accessibility and human well-being.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at a mid-to-senior level, requiring substantial experience in managing complex projects and technical design processes. It’s a critical role for scaling Zipline's physical footprint, bridging the gap between strategic expansion plans and on-the-ground execution. Successful candidates will demonstrate leadership in driving critical infrastructure deployment initiatives.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager / Projects Manager will likely report to a Director or VP of Infrastructure/Operations. They will manage external consultants and coordinate closely with internal teams across Real Estate, Engineering, and Construction. This position offers significant visibility and influence across multiple departments.

Operations Impact: The impact of this role is direct and substantial. By efficiently managing the design and permitting of ground infrastructure, this position directly accelerates Zipline's ability to launch new delivery hubs and expand its service area. This operational efficiency translates into increased delivery capacity, reduced time-to-market for new services, and ultimately, enhanced revenue potential and market penetration. The ability to scale infrastructure rapidly is a key differentiator for Zipline.

Growth Opportunities:

• Operations Leadership: Potential to grow into a senior management or director-level role overseeing larger infrastructure portfolios, managing teams of project managers, or specializing in specific aspects of infrastructure development (e.g., international expansion, new hub designs).

• Process Improvement & Strategy: Opportunity to lead initiatives for further standardization, automation, and optimization of Zipline's site development processes, contributing to strategic operational planning.

• Cross-Functional Expertise: Develop deep expertise in the intersection of civil engineering, electrical engineering, regulatory affairs, and construction management within a cutting-edge logistics and technology company.

• Mentorship: As a senior member of the team, opportunities to mentor junior project managers and engineers, sharing best practices and fostering talent within the operations function.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is not just about managing projects; it's about shaping the physical foundation of a revolutionary logistics network. Growth opportunities are tied to Zipline's aggressive expansion plans, offering a clear path for individuals who can demonstrate strategic thinking and exceptional execution in operationalizing complex infrastructure projects.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: South San Francisco, California, offers a vibrant biotech and tech hub environment. The Zipline office is likely to be a modern, collaborative workspace designed to foster innovation and teamwork.

Office Location(s): The primary work location is South San Francisco, California. This location is well-connected by public transportation and major roadways, making it accessible for those in the greater Bay Area.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Expect an open-plan office layout or designated team areas that encourage interaction and spontaneous problem-solving among colleagues.

• Operations Tools and Technology: Access to industry-standard design software (CAD), project management platforms (e.g., Procore, Bluebeam), and communication tools (e.g., Slack, Google Workspace) will be provided to facilitate efficient workflow.

• Operations Team Interaction: Frequent opportunities to collaborate with a diverse range of internal teams, including engineers, real estate specialists, construction managers, and operations leads, fostering a rich exchange of ideas and expertise.

Work Schedule:

• The role is full-time, typically 40 hours per week. While Zipline emphasizes work-life balance, the nature of project management, especially in permitting and construction, may require occasional flexibility to meet critical deadlines or attend site visits. The role is fundamentally on-site in South San Francisco to facilitate direct collaboration and oversight.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment at Zipline is designed to support rapid innovation and effective execution. As an on-site role, it emphasizes direct collaboration and access to resources necessary for managing complex physical infrastructure projects in a dynamic industry.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

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

• Technical Interview(s): Expect in-depth discussions with engineering leads or senior operations managers. These interviews will likely focus on your technical understanding of Civil and Electrical designs, your approach to permitting and regulatory navigation, and your project management methodologies. Be prepared to discuss specific challenges and solutions from past projects.

• Portfolio Presentation/Case Study: You will likely be asked to present a portfolio of your work, focusing on 1-2 key projects that best demonstrate your capabilities in managing complex design and permitting lifecycles. This may involve a prepared presentation or a deep dive into specific project details.

• Cross-Functional Interviews: Interviews with stakeholders from Real Estate, Construction, or Operations teams to assess your collaboration style, communication effectiveness, and ability to align diverse needs.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader (e.g., VP of Operations) to assess cultural fit, strategic thinking, and overall suitability for the role and Zipline's mission.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Impact: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your solution, and the measurable outcome (e.g., accelerated permit timelines, cost savings, successful construction handoff).

• Highlight Process & Scalability: Demonstrate your ability to not just manage a single project but to develop and refine processes that enable scalability for future deployments. Showcase examples of standardization or template development.

• Technical Depth & Clarity: Be ready to walk through technical drawings (Civil/Electrical), explaining design rationale, critical components, and how you navigated technical challenges. Ensure your explanations are clear for both technical and non-technical audiences.

• Permitting & Jurisdictional Expertise: Detail your experience with municipal permitting, AHJ interactions, and utility coordination. Quantify successes where possible (e.g., "secured permits 20% faster than average").

• "Great Candidate" Mindset: Align your portfolio examples with Zipline's criteria for "great candidates" – challenging requirements for better outcomes, implementing systemic changes, and treating permits as strategic milestones.

Challenge Preparation:

• Scenario-Based Questions: Prepare for questions asking how you would handle specific project challenges, such as a sudden change in zoning laws, a major utility conflict, or a delay in permit review. Focus on your problem-solving process, communication strategy, and risk mitigation.

• Process Design Exercise: You might be asked to outline a process for designing and permitting a new Zipline hub in an unfamiliar jurisdiction, demonstrating your strategic thinking and understanding of key steps.

• Stakeholder Management Scenarios: Prepare to discuss how you would manage conflicting priorities or communication breakdowns between different internal teams or external partners.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview and portfolio review process for this role is designed to be rigorous, assessing not only technical proficiency but also strategic thinking, problem-solving acumen, and the ability to drive complex projects within a fast-paced, mission-driven organization like Zipline.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD Software: Proficiency or demonstrated willingness to learn and utilize CAD tools such as Autodesk AutoCAD, Civil 3D, or similar platforms for reviewing and managing technical drawings.

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

• Microsoft Office Suite/Google Workspace: Strong command of tools for documentation, reporting, and communication, including Excel/Sheets for budget tracking and Word/Docs for technical reports.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Reporting Tools: Experience using or understanding reporting dashboards for project status, budget adherence, and permit tracking.

• Data Analysis: Ability to interpret data related to project timelines, budgets, and regulatory cycles to identify trends and areas for improvement.

CRM & Automation:

• Workflow Automation Concepts: While not directly managing CRM, understanding how design and permitting workflows integrate with broader operational systems and how automation can improve efficiency is valuable.

• Integration Concepts: Awareness of how design documentation and permit approvals feed into subsequent stages of infrastructure development and construction.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack emphasizes tools critical for managing complex design documentation, tracking project progress, and facilitating communication across distributed teams. A strong foundation in CAD and project management software is essential for success in this role.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Impact-Driven: A strong commitment to Zipline's mission of serving all humans equally by ensuring reliable and efficient delivery of essential goods. Operations professionals are expected to understand how their work directly contributes to this mission.

• Scalability & Efficiency: A focus on building and refining processes that can be replicated and scaled effectively across numerous sites and geographies. This means looking for systemic solutions rather than just treating individual problems.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Utilizing data from project execution, permitting, and construction to inform design choices, optimize workflows, and measure success.

• Collaboration & Cross-Functional Partnership: A culture that values open communication and strong relationships between engineering, real estate, construction, and local operations teams to achieve shared goals.

• Resilience & Grit: Embracing challenges, adapting to ambiguity, and maintaining a proactive, problem-solving attitude in a fast-paced, high-growth environment.

Collaboration Style:

• Proactive Communication: Regularly engaging with stakeholders to provide updates, solicit feedback, and address potential issues before they escalate.

• Mutual Accountability: Fostering an environment where team members hold each other accountable for commitments, ensuring that projects stay on track.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging the sharing of best practices, lessons learned, and insights across project teams and disciplines to continuously improve operational performance.

• Constructive Feedback: A willingness to provide and receive constructive feedback to drive continuous improvement in design, processes, and project execution.

📝 Enhancement Note: Zipline's culture is likely to be fast-paced, mission-oriented, and highly collaborative, reflecting its position at the forefront of autonomous logistics. Operations professionals are expected to be proactive, resilient, and focused on scalable solutions that directly contribute to global impact.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Diverse Jurisdictions: Each city and county has unique permitting processes, zoning laws, and utility requirements, demanding adaptability and deep understanding of local regulations.

• Accelerating "0 to 1" Projects: Building new infrastructure from the ground up in new markets requires rapid learning, swift decision-making, and the ability to overcome unforeseen obstacles.

• Balancing Speed and Compliance: The need to deploy infrastructure rapidly must be balanced with rigorous adherence to safety, regulatory, and design standards.

• Cross-Functional Alignment: Ensuring all stakeholders (internal and external) are aligned on project goals, timelines, and technical requirements can be complex.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deep Dive into Infrastructure Development: Gain unparalleled experience in the end-to-end lifecycle of physical logistics infrastructure deployment.

• Mastery of Permitting Processes: Develop expert-level knowledge of navigating municipal and regional permitting landscapes across various geographies.

• Strategic Operations Leadership: Grow into roles with greater strategic influence, shaping the operational blueprint for Zipline's global expansion.

• Industry Conferences & Training: Opportunities to attend industry events related to infrastructure, construction, and logistics to stay abreast of best practices and emerging technologies.

• Mentorship: Access to seasoned leaders within Zipline who can provide guidance on career development within the operations and infrastructure domains.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents significant challenges inherent in scaling a novel infrastructure network, but these challenges are directly linked to substantial growth opportunities for professionals eager to make a tangible impact in a rapidly evolving industry.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you managed a complex infrastructure project with multiple concurrent permitting processes. What were the biggest challenges, and how did you overcome them?" (Focus on your process, stakeholder management, and problem-solving).

• "How would you approach standardizing design and permitting processes for a new market with significantly different regulatory requirements than those you've encountered?" (Highlight your methodology for research, adaptation, and implementation).

• "Zipline's mission is to serve all humans equally. How does your approach to infrastructure design and project management support this mission?" (Connect your work to the company's impact and values). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you most about Zipline's mission and our role in revolutionizing logistics?" (Show genuine interest and alignment with the company's vision).

• "Describe your experience working in a fast-paced, high-growth environment. How do you maintain focus and drive results amidst ambiguity?" (Demonstrate resilience and adaptability).

• "How do you ensure effective collaboration between design teams, construction managers, and external consultants?" (Emphasize communication strategies and relationship-building). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your presentation logically: Project Overview -> Your Role & Responsibilities -> Key Challenges & Solutions -> Design & Permitting Process -> Outcomes & Impact -> Scalability/Process Improvements.

• Visuals: Use clear, concise visuals – maps, site plans, photos of completed work, flowcharts of processes, and key metrics dashboards. Avoid overwhelming text.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use numbers to demonstrate success (e.g., "reduced permit review time by X%", "managed a design budget of $Y", "oversaw Z concurrent projects").

• Highlight "Great Candidate" Traits: Weave in examples of how you proactively shaped requirements, implemented systemic changes, or treated permits strategically.

• Be Ready for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about technical decisions, contractual aspects, and specific challenges encountered on your presented projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not just technical competence but also a strategic mindset, strong problem-solving skills, and a cultural fit with Zipline's mission-driven and fast-paced environment. Your portfolio is your primary tool for showcasing tangible achievements.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the Zipline careers portal (https://www.zipline.com/open-roles?gh_jid=7710052003).

• Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight experience in design management, civil/electrical engineering oversight, multi-jurisdictional permitting, and infrastructure project lifecycle management. Use keywords from the job description and emphasize quantifiable achievements.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate 2-3 of your most relevant projects that showcase your ability to manage complex design and permitting processes. Focus on demonstrating impact, scalability, and problem-solving within regulatory environments. Be ready to present this portfolio during the interview process.

• Research Zipline: Deeply understand Zipline's mission, operations, and the impact of their infrastructure. Familiarize yourself with their growth strategy and the role this position plays in enabling that expansion.

• Practice Case Studies: Prepare to discuss scenarios related to project management, design challenges, and stakeholder communication, focusing on your strategic approach and problem-solving methodology.

⚠️ 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.