Development & Permitting Project Manager

Zipline • Detroit, MI

5d • Onsite

About The Position

Zipline is the world’s largest and most experienced drone delivery service, aiming to serve all humans equally by ensuring access to essential goods. They design, build, and operate an autonomous logistics system, making millions of deliveries globally. The company is seeking practical problem solvers who thrive on real-world challenges and rapid growth, motivated by building systems with a direct, meaningful impact. The Development & Permitting Project Manager will be responsible for driving the expansion of Zipline's network, integrating autonomous aerial logistics into the built environment at scale. This role is the single-threaded owner of development outcomes from site identification through entitlements, permitting, and approvals across multiple metros. The ideal candidate is organized, detail-oriented, a self-starter, and can operate independently, bringing structure to ambiguous situations. This role sits at the intersection of site acquisition, real estate development, land use, aviation, and regulatory strategy, requiring close collaboration with government affairs and legal land use teams to unlock new jurisdictions. Success depends on sound judgment, persistence, and the ability to move projects forward in challenging environments. The role also involves partnering with engineering and operations to ensure projects are executable and comfortable going deep on technical details while maintaining momentum. This is an in-person position based out of a regional office, requiring local candidates with existing relationships with Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs) and permitting authorities.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Civil, Mechanical, Industrial, Electrical, Others), Real Estate, Development, or Construction Management.
• 5+ years of experience in Real Estate Development, Permitting, Urban Planning, Civil Engineering, and/or Public-Private Project Development, with a track record of delivering projects from concept through approvals.
• Strong understanding of zoning laws, building codes, and regulatory processes, with the ability to navigate them independently.
• Proven experience managing entitlements, permitting, and development projects in coordination with real estate and construction teams.
• Proficiency in tools such as Smartsheet and Bluebeam (Revit / AutoCAD a plus), with the ability to review and interpret drawings.
• Ability to work effectively with government officials, permitting agencies, and community stakeholders to secure approvals.
• Strong communication skills, including experience presenting in public meetings or similar forums.
• Established local relationships with AHJs and permitting authorities that can be leveraged immediately.
• Willingness to travel up to 50% across the state to support expansion efforts.
• Must be eligible to work in the US.

Nice To Haves

• Professional Engineering (Civil) License in the State of Texas, Florida, Arizona, Georgia or California and ability to stamp drawings.
• Experience in aviation, logistics, or other highly regulated infrastructure environments.

Responsibilities

• Support site selection, feasibility, and risk assessment end-to-end, ensuring alignment with zoning, land use, and aviation constraints.
• Identify risks early and drive mitigation plans across permitting, environmental, and infrastructure considerations before they impact timelines.
• Partner with engineering to translate site constraints into clear design requirements and ensure permit-ready drawings.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with planners, zoning officials, and building departments to move projects forward efficiently.
• Lead permitting efforts across multiple metros, including navigating novel regulatory pathways for drone operations.
• Partner with government affairs to navigate and, where necessary, help shape regulatory approaches.
• Represent Zipline in public forums (Planning & Zoning, City Council), communicating clearly and effectively to secure approvals.
• Ensure all submittals are complete, accurate, and aligned with jurisdictional requirements - high attention to detail is critical.
• Actively manage permitting timelines by engaging directly with departments, resolving issues, and escalating when appropriate.
• Support the building permit process from submission through approval, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and timeliness.
• Work with external consultants to produce high-quality, compliant drawings and documentation.
• Support contractor engagement and scope definition to ensure a smooth transition to the construction team.
• Collaborate with site acquisition, engineering, regulatory, legal land use and operations teams to ensure alignment across development and execution.
• Surface risks early and propose practical solutions to keep projects moving.
• Provide clear input on permitting and policy considerations during site selection and deal review.

Benefits

• Zipline is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion or religious creed, mental or physical disability, medical condition, genetic information, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, military or veteran status, citizenship, or other characteristics protected by state, federal or local law or our other policies.
• We value diversity at Zipline and welcome applications from those who are traditionally underrepresented in tech.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level