Development Manager, Ground Charging Infrastructure

About You and The Role 

Zipline is looking for a Development Manager to lead the development of critical ground system as charging infrastructure that enables the next generation of autonomous operations. You will own projects from early site evaluation through permitting and pre-construction, partnering closely with Engineering, Construction, Legal, Government Affairs, Operations, and external stakeholders to deliver scalable, reliable infrastructure.

This is a highly cross-functional role that combines technical expertise, project leadership, and stakeholder management. You'll navigate complex regulatory environments, manage multidisciplinary consultants, coordinate with utility providers, and build strong relationships with Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs) to successfully advance projects from concept to construction readiness.

You thrive in ambiguous environments and enjoy solving complex development challenges to help scale novel technologies. You combine strong technical judgment with exceptional project management skills and know how to balance engineering, regulatory, schedule, and business considerations to keep projects moving forward.

You're an effective communicator who can confidently present technical solutions to executives, regulatory agencies, utility providers, and community stakeholders. Whether you're negotiating permit conditions, coordinating design reviews, or aligning cross-functional teams, you're comfortable leading diverse groups toward a common objective.

What You'll Do 

• Lead projects through the development lifecycle from initial due diligence to permit approval.
• Lead comprehensive site due diligence activities, including feasibility assessments and site constraint analyses.
• Manage land surveys, title review, easement verification, environmental studies, geotechnical investigations, and other technical evaluations.
• Assess regulatory requirements, zoning compliance, and permitting pathways.
• Manage preliminary and site design activities from concept through permit-ready design packages.
• Review design deliverables to ensure compliance with project requirements, permitting standards, constructability, and budget objectives.
• Drive timely resolution of design issues across internal and external stakeholders.
• Establish and maintain productive relationships with local, regional, and state regulatory agencies.
• Lead pre-application meetings and coordinate agency review processes.
• Present projects before planning commissions, permitting agencies, utility boards, and other regulatory bodies as required.
• Navigate complex regulatory requirements while representing project interests professionally and effectively.
• Lead projects through all required permitting and entitlement processes.
• Coordinate permit application preparation, submittals, agency review comments, and resubmittals.
• Coordinate with utility providers and grid operators on service requests, design reviews, service agreements, and utility connection requirements.

What You'll Bring

• 5–10+ years of experience leading land or infrastructure development projects from due diligence through permitting and construction readiness in industries such as EV charging infrastructure, autonomous aviation, energy, commercial development, or other complex infrastructure sectors.
• A strong technical foundation in civil, structural, or electrical infrastructure development.
• Demonstrated success managing consultants, engineering firms, and external vendors.
• Experience working with utilities and regulatory agencies to obtain permits and utility service approvals.
• Excellent organizational, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
• The ability to independently drive multiple complex projects while maintaining attention to detail and strategic priorities.
• A collaborative mindset with a bias for action and a passion for building infrastructure that enables innovative technologies.

What Else You Need To Know

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!