Planning & Development Specialist

About Zipline Zipline is the world’s largest and most experienced drone delivery service. We are on a mission to serve all humans equally by ensuring access to food, medicine and essential goods anytime, anywhere. We design, build, and operate the world’s largest autonomous logistics system, delivering critical supplies quickly and reliably.

Today, Zipline operates on four continents, makes a delivery somewhere in the world every 30 seconds, and has completed millions of deliveries to date, including blood, vaccines, medical supplies, food, and retail products. Our customers include the world’s largest and most prominent healthcare systems, governments, retailers, restaurants and global businesses who rely on us to save lives, reduce emissions, increase economic opportunity, and provide delivery from point A to point B as fast as possible. The drone is only 15% of what we’ve built to enable seamless, reliable, global operations.

Our system strengthens supply chains, reduces congestion, and gives people time back. With more than 140 million commercial autonomous miles safely flown, Zipline is redefining access to healthcare, consumer products, and food across the globe. We operate at a global scale and are looking for practical problem solvers who thrive on real-world challenges and rapid growth.

Our team is motivated by building systems that have a direct, meaningful impact on people’s lives and by scaling the future of logistics. We are seeking people who sculpt from first principles, enjoy facing adversity, and can do the impossible at record breaking speeds. , and we’re seeking a seasoned Planning and Development Specialist to guide our efforts in securing land use and zoning approvals for Zipline’s real estate footprint nationwide.

This is not a standard, behind-the-scenes role focused on zoning interpretation and compliance. This is a highly-visible, external facing, strategic position that is central to the company's growth. It demands a confident, hands-on leader who can operate at the forefront of a dynamic, evolving regulatory landscape and drive the organization forward.

As part of our growing Legal team, you will partner closely with Zipline’s Operations, Real Estate, and Customer Success teams to enable the rapid and repeatable deployment of Zipline’s uncrewed aerial systems and related infrastructure across metropolitan regions. This position reports to Zipline’s Deputy General Counsel and is based at our South San Francisco HQ.

What You'Ll Do

S. Build and maintain relationships with municipalities - including planning directors, buildings commissioners, economic development corporations, and local staff. Represent Zipline in public settings - including at public planning commission and city council hearings, community meetings, and other key stakeholder meetings - regarding land use and zoning matters.

Serve as a trusted partner within the Legal Team, interpreting, drafting, and analyzing municipal ordinances affecting Zipline’s operations and site development. Partner with Operations, Real Estate, and Engineering teams to ensure that jurisdictional engagement strategies align with technical and operational realities. What You'll Bring A strong command of land use and zoning ordinances, with experience obtaining complex or first-of-their-kind entitlements preferred.

At least 10 years of relevant experience, ideally including a mix of the following experience: within state or local government, as part of a land use and zoning law firm or practice group, in a corporate environment, and/or as a consultant.