Sign up to access all features of our service.
  • Job search
  • Favorites
  • Create a CV
    New
  • Salaries
  • Subscriptions

Technical Program Manager - Ground System Deployments, Construction and Service Operations

Zipline

Job Description

Job Description

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.

About You and the Role

The Deployment, Construction, and Service Operations team has the holistic responsibility for transforming bare ground into fully operational Zipline sites. This scope spans the entire site lifecycle, encompassing design engineering, application and project engineering, construction management, site superintendents, and boots-on-the-ground technicians for installation and service.

As the Technical Program Manager for Deployment, Construction, and Service Operations, you will drive the successful, scalable, and efficient rollout of Zipline's global infrastructure. You will work across the entire cross-functional team—from design to field operations—to ensure that our holistic teams' schedules, roadmaps, tactical execution, and strategic goals are clear, crisp, and in precise alignment with the broader organization's objectives.

This role sits at the intersection of process definition, systems alignment, and execution at scale . You will help teams navigate complex cross-disciplinary decisions, coordinate the end-to-end site lifecycle, and ensure that our field teams have the process and technical clarity needed to deploy and maintain our infrastructure successfully worldwide.

If you enjoy being close to the physical build-out and on the front lines of deployment , working alongside engineers, construction managers, and service technicians to bring complex global systems to life, then this role will be a great fit.

We value people who take ownership of outcomes, not just responsibilities ; you'll be identifying systemic bottlenecks early, driving clarity for complex decisions, and ensuring work gets completed even when challenges fall outside traditional role boundaries.

On any given week, you might facilitate a cross-team roadmap planning session, coordinate the rollout of a new site deployment process, or work with field teams to ensure a critical service operation is executed efficiently.

This role focuses on driving clarity from ambiguity as Zipline scales, acting as the strategic architect for roadmaps that ensure the physical network scales predictably, efficiently, and reliably. The individual will navigate multiple parallel, multi-disciplinary projects across diverse domains, including global site infrastructure rollouts and continuous service improvements. You will join the organization responsible for ensuring we can rapidly and reliably transform design plans into autonomous, operational delivery sites worldwide. This position involves taking ownership of outcomes, resolving process and technical risks across the site lifecycle, and implementing foundational changes to how we deploy, build, and service our global infrastructure.

What You'll Do

  • Strategic Program Leadership: Transform ambiguous goals into actionable, milestone-driven roadmaps, owning the "0 to 1" trajectory for poorly defined programs. Align Design, Engineering, and Service Operations to drive complex infrastructure programs from concept through real-world deployment.
  • Deployment and Construction Execution: Coordinate all aspects of prototypes, builds, and infrastructure deployments. Work across structural, electrical, manufacturing, and software domains to ensure designs translate successfully into real-world systems, capturing lessons learned for continuous improvement.
  • System-Level Technical Guidance: Facilitate technical discussions, design reviews, and trade studies to help engineering teams converge on effective solutions. Guide system-level decisions across all technical domains to ensure design-to-build success.
  • Stakeholder & Risk Management: Drive alignment across cross-functional leadership (Real Estate, Engineering, Construction, and Maintenance). Source and develop relationships with outside organizations, including jurisdictions, utilities, and contractors. Proactively quantify and mitigate pre-construction, construction, and operational risks, balancing urgency with cost and impact.
  • Operational Excellence & Feedback Loops: Develop and maintain resourcing plans for parallel projects, proactively identifying dependencies and bottlenecks. Establish mechanisms for Service Operations to feed field data back to Design, ensuring the next generation of infrastructure is designed for deployability and reliability.
  • Clarity and Process Improvement: Develop lightweight tools, documentation, and operational processes (e.g., decision logs, build playbooks) to help teams move faster and operate with clarity. Drive clear communication of program status, risks, and decisions across all stakeholders.

What You'll Bring

  • Experience & Mindset:
    • 6–10+ years as a Technical Program Manager (TPM) or Program Manager, delivering multi-disciplinary hardware projects.
    • Experience with complex hardware systems (aerospace, robotics, energy, infrastructure, etc.).
    • Operational intuition; proven success with "0 to 1" transitions and scaling products from prototype to global deployment.
    • Highly execution-oriented mindset; owns outcomes and follows through relentlessly.
    • Enthusiasm for working closely with engineers, technicians, and deployment teams on complex hardware systems.
  • Technical & Program Skills:
    • Proven ability to build strategic roadmaps (e.g., 5-year operating plans).
    • Strong systems thinking; able to dive into unfamiliar technical domains to guide decisions.
    • Proficient in project management tools (Jira, MS Project, Smartsheet) for tracking scope, schedule, and budget.
    • Familiarity with Construction and Service Operations is a plus.
    • Strong systems thinking; ability to dive into unfamiliar technical domains to understand tradeoffs, guide decisions, and unblock teams.
    • Experience improving team effectiveness via documentation, decision tracking, or process improvements.
  • Communication & Leadership:
    • Exceptional communication; uses passive and active influence to drive positive change.
    • Demonstrated ability to coordinate cross-functional engineering teams and drive complex technical programs in fast-paced environments.
    • Strong facilitation skills to guide technical discussions and align diverse teams.
    • Proven ability to drive complex cross-team deliveries with clear prioritization, sequencing, and risk management.
    • Excellent communication and ability to influence diverse technical stakeholders.
    • Analytical, data-driven approach; comfortable defining and improving key metrics (build times, data latency, environment reliability/availability).
    • Adaptability and resilience; experience introducing and scaling new processes/platforms.
    • Influence Without Authority: Exceptional communication skills; uses passive/active influence to drive change in challenging situations.
    • Highly execution-oriented; takes ownership, follows through relentlessly, and ensures details are managed.

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!

Vacancy posted 8 days ago
Similar jobs that could be interesting for youBased on the Technical Program Manager - Ground System Deployments, Construction and Service Operations in South San Francisco, CA vacancy
  • $150k - $210k

     ...ships during the World Wars. Our satellites, which operate from geostationary orbit (GEO), weigh only 400 kg and...  ...impact, no matter where you are in your career. Senior Technical Program Manager - Ground Systems As a Senior Technical Project Manager at Astranis,... 
    Operations
    Permanent employment
    Work at office
    Flexible hours

    Astranis Space Technologies

    San Francisco, CA
    more than 2 months ago
  •  ...As the TPM (Systems & Business Process...  ...& Asset Management,...  ...effectiveness, and operational excellence....  ...metrics. Program manage the Systems...  ...successful deployment of new...  ...ability to convey technical information...  ...developing the first ground-up, fully...  ...-as-a-service in urban environments... 
    Operations
    Temporary work
    Relocation package

    Zoox

    Foster, CA
    14 days ago
  • $196k - $242k

     ...autonomous ride-hail service and can also be...  ...S. states. Waymo’s Technical Program Managers and Program Managers...  ...complex technical and operational challenges with no established...  ...towards real-world deployments of the Waymo Driver...  ...Scaling: Identify systemic bottlenecks in the... 
    Operations
    Full time
    Remote work

    Waymo

    San Francisco, CA
    3 days ago
  • $191.4k - $287.2k

     ...hardware and network services to more than 100...  ...high-quality, scalable systems used by millions of...  ...solutions? As a Senior Technical Program Manager, you will lead large...  ...teams. You will operate with a high degree...  ...from concept through deployment Prefered Bachelor... 
    Operations
    Full time

    PlayStation Global

    San Mateo, CA
    1 day ago
  • $108.4k - $162.6k

     ...Technical Account Manager, Terminal Stripe is a financial infrastructure platform...  ..., pilot validation, and operational readiness. You'll help...  ...as needed for short-term deployments. Hand off longer-term operational...  ...device pairing, and cross-system payment flows. ~ Ability... 
    Operations
    Full time
    Temporary work
    Casual work
    Work at office
    Local area
    Remote work
    Work from home
    Relocation

    Stripe

    South San Francisco, CA
    4 days ago
  •  ...the biggest change in ground transportation in...  ...Position Overview The Technical Program Manager (TPM) is responsible...  ..., robotics, and operations teams. This role ensures...  ...concept through deployment and field support....  ...reporting. Organize system-level design reviews... 
    Operations
    Local area

    Humble Robotics

    San Francisco, CA
    12 days ago
  •  ...a highly motivated Technical Program Manager (TPM), Operational Excellence to drive...  ...the Zoox Production System (ZPS). As Zoox...  ...optimization. Drive the deployment, sustainment, and...  ...the first ground-up, fully autonomous...  ...generation of mobility-as-a-service in urban... 
    Operations
    Temporary work
    Relocation package

    Zoox

    Foster, CA
    14 days ago
  •  ...and to safely deploy a purpose-...  ...robotaxi. Our System Design and Mission...  ...mission by constructing the safety...  ...seeking a Senior Technical Program Manager to lead...  ...platform, and operations. Your work will...  ...developing the first ground-up, fully...  ...-as-a-service in urban environments... 
    Operations
    Temporary work
    Relocation package

    Zoox

    Foster, CA
    a month ago
  • $175k - $250k

     ...experienced drone delivery service. We are on a...  ..., build, and operate the world's largest...  ...autonomous logistics system, delivering...  ...looking for an Sr Manager / Director of Service...  ...build and scale the Ground Systems Service Operations...  ...similarly complex technical field organization... 
    Operations
    Local area
    Shift work

    Zipline

    South San Francisco, CA
    18 days ago
  • $175k - $250k

     ...drone delivery service. We are on a...  ...design, build, and operate the world's...  ...logistics system, delivering critical...  ...for a Sr Manager / Director of Construction to build, grow...  ...function for Ground Systems Deployments. This person will...  ...and increasing technical complexity.... 
    Operations
    For contractors
    Local area

    Zipline

    South San Francisco, CA
    18 days ago
  •  ..., recruit and manage the domain experts...  ...in the operationally complex: real-...  ...factories, and our services team to extend...  ...focused on technical work Run tight...  ...delivery systems: single source...  ...~8+ years in program/technical program...  ...enterprise AI or ML deployments Familiarity... 
    Operations
    Worldwide

    HumanSignal

    San Francisco, CA
    2 days ago
  • $37 - $43 per hour

    The Program Management Office (PMO) at Zoox is at the...  ...manufacturing, and operations—to deliver on the...  ...mobility service. The L3 Program...  ...of all of Zoox's technical, integrated product...  ...software and hardware systems. Bonus Qualifications...  ...the first ground-up, fully autonomous... 
    Operations
    Hourly pay
    Contract work
    Internship
    Second job
    Work at office

    Zoox

    Foster, CA
    4 days ago
  • $285k - $355k

     ...of commercial, technical, strategy, and operations, interacting with...  ...delivery management, ensuring our data...  ...commercial SLAs, construction schedules, and...  ...the delivery and deployment of the largest...  ...successful program delivery Manage...  ...capabilities of AI systems and seek to... 
    Operations
    Contract work
    For contractors
    Work at office
    Local area
    Relocation package
    Flexible hours

    OpenAI

    San Francisco, CA
    more than 2 months ago
  • $216.15k - $262k

     ...built from the ground up, we own and operate each layer of...  ..., data center construction, and cloud services. If you want...  ...Vera Rubin deployments begin in early...  ...introduction. Not manage a workstream...  ...-level program, not a SKU-level...  ...of that: the technical depth to define... 
    Operations
    Temporary work

    Crusoe

    San Francisco, CA
    a month ago
  •  ...of AI through better data, better tools, and better systems—for experts, by experts. Now’s a great time to join...  ...Ventures, Notable Capital, and more. About the Role The Technical Program Manager (TPM), Central Operations will be an individual contributor responsible for... 
    Operations
    Full time
    For contractors
    Work at office
    Remote work
    Worldwide
    Flexible hours

    Handshake

    San Francisco, CA
    4 days ago
  • $188.6k - $283k

     ...hardware and network services to more than 1...  .... STAFF PROGRAM MANAGER, INNOVATION GO...  ...through deployment over a worldwide...  ...engineering, business operations, marketing,...  ..., find common ground and promote...  ...needs and technical constraints...  ...scale business systems and/or complex... 
    Operations
    Full time
    Work experience placement
    Worldwide

    PlayStation Global

    San Mateo, CA
    2 days ago
  • $190k - $245k

     ...drone delivery service. We are on a...  ...design, build, and operate the world's...  ...logistics system, delivering critical...  ...the Role The Ground Systems team...  ..., thermal management, ground communication...  ...team. This technical leader will...  ...standards for scaled deployments Allocate... 
    Operations
    Local area
    Worldwide

    Zipline

    South San Francisco, CA
    8 days ago
  • $150k - $220k

     ...Job Title: Technical Product Manager Group:...  ...Ion battery systems as the storage...  ...engineers, operators,...  ...configurations, construction and installation...  ...real-world deployment constraints...  ...grounded in technical...  ...long-term service agreement (...  ...technical program management,... 
    Operations
    Full time
    Contract work
    Flexible hours

    Peak Energy

    Burlingame, CA
    8 days ago
  •  ...business leaders to build and deploy transformative AI...  ...organizations. The GTM Strategy & Operations team serves as the operational...  ...the business, building the systems, processes, and insights that...  ...Role We are looking for a Program Manager to architect and operationalize... 
    Operations
    Full time

    OpenAI

    San Francisco, CA
    4 days ago
  • $140k - $170k

     ...training through to production deployment, without the cost and...  ...looking for an experienced Senior Program Manager, Startup Ecosystem to drive...  ...management role — you will operate as a strategic planner and executor...  ...a coordinated, multi-touch system Align timelines, messaging... 
    Operations
    Full time
    Temporary work
    Immediate start
    Remote work

    Nebius

    San Francisco, CA
    2 days ago
  •  ...& Platform Integrity Operations team protects OpenAI’...  ...Platform Operations Program Manager As OpenAI's developer...  ...Experience to design the systems and operating models...  ...engaging with technical concepts such as MCP,...  ...is an AI research and deployment company dedicated to... 
    Operations
    Full time
    Work at office

    OpenAI

    San Francisco, CA
    3 days ago
  • $140k - $190k

     ...leader in autonomous ground transportation...  ...develop, test and deploy autonomous capabilities...  ...looking for a Hardware Technical Program Manager to join us and...  ...Hardware, Software, systems, and operations teams to ensure cross...  ...) MetLife Legal Services, Identity & Fraud... 
    Operations
    Temporary work
    Work at office
    Visa sponsorship
    Flexible hours

    Kodiak

    San Francisco, CA
    10 days ago
  •  ...our ride-hail service, and laying the...  ...scale our fleet operations is critical. We...  ...and tenacious Program Manager to drive the deployment of our operations...  ...needs with technical capabilities, you...  ...operates on the ground. In this role...  ...all new sites, construction projects, and... 
    Operations
    Temporary work
    Relocation package

    Zoox

    Foster, CA
    11 days ago
  • $159k - $196k

     ...autonomous ride-hail service and can also...  .... Waymo Operations exists to deliver...  ...end customer management, we enable and...  ...orchestrated deployment of the Waymo...  ...will report to a Program Manager- RO...  ...vendor selection, technical architecture...  ...scaling systems to eliminate manual... 
    Operations
    Full time
    Remote work

    Waymo

    San Francisco, CA
    3 days ago
  •  ...mission of protecting service members and...  ...with intelligent systems. Its products include...  ...actively supports operations worldwide. For more...  ...for developing and deploying resilient...  ...drive decisions. Manage transitions of maturing...  ...management for deeply technical products;... 
    Operations
    Full time
    Temporary work
    Part time
    Work at office
    Worldwide

    Shield AI

    San Francisco, CA
    10 days ago
  •  ...across the full model and systems stack, we integrate cutting...  ...We are looking for an Operations Program Manager - Robotics Data Acquisition...  ...issues and coordinate with technical support to keep workstations...  ...is an AI research and deployment company dedicated to ensuring... 
    Operations
    Full time

    OpenAI

    San Francisco, CA
    2 days ago
  • $193.05k - $234k

     ...built from the ground up, we own and operate each layer of...  ..., data center construction, and cloud services. If you want...  ...products to managed inference at...  ...own end-to-end program delivery across...  ...highly technical stakeholders who...  ...Multi-tenant systems experience: Familiarity... 
    Operations
    Temporary work

    Crusoe

    San Francisco, CA
    10 days ago
  •  ...Description The Program Management Office (PMO) at Zoox...  ...development, system design, software...  ...manufacturing, fleet operations, and business...  ...to-end success of technical, integrated product...  ...the first ground-up, fully autonomous...  ...of mobility-as-a-service in urban environments... 
    Operations
    Temporary work
    Work at office
    Relocation package

    Zoox

    Foster, CA
    8 days ago
  •  ...social media and online services platforms. We're...  ...customer-centric Technical Account Manager (TAM) to join our...  ...customers after initial deployment. Understand their...  ...before they impact operations. Support Strategic...  ...intricate system architectures and translate... 
    Operations
    Work at office

    Intrinsic

    San Francisco, CA
    more than 2 months ago
  •  ...Description The Program Management Office (PMO) at Zoox...  ...development, system design, software...  ...manufacturing, fleet operations, and business...  ...to end success of technical, integrated product...  ...the first ground-up, fully autonomous...  ...of mobility-as-a-service in urban environments... 
    Operations
    Temporary work
    Work at office
    Relocation package

    Zoox

    Foster, CA
    12 days ago

Do you want to receive more vacancies?

Subscribe and receive similar vacancies to Technical Program Manager - Ground System Deployments, Construction and Service Operations. Be the first to apply!