Ground Systems Service Operations Lead
Job Overview
About Zipline
About You and The Role
As the Ground Systems Service Operations Lead, you’ll own the transition of new and upgraded sites from construction handoff to operational readiness. You’ll lead a team of technicians to verify construction quality, install and integrate systems, deploy new technologies, and ensure infrastructure reliability
You be a key stakeholder in our site build process from initial site QC & constructibility, assisting the construction management team with construction oversight, commissioning, and closeout. You will work closely with the rest of the construction team and contractor base to build strong relationships with key stakeholders and build scalable, repeatable construction processes to expand our network.
Your leadership will drive site performance, uptime, and technical excellence, enabling seamless operations at scale. To ensure success in this role, you’ll ensure execution of processes, standards, and performance metrics that guide every stage of site activation and/or maintenance. You’ll proactively resolve issues before they impact operations, foster strong collaboration across construction, engineering, and operations teams. You will seek to improve workflows based on field feedback and data insights. By combining hands-on technical oversight with strategic planning and team development, you’ll deliver sites that launch on time, perform reliably, and scale within our growing network.
You will also be working with the Engineering and Operations teams to tackle all the technical challenges we face head-on to get our customer’s sites operational as quickly as possible. You will have to be technically savvy, and be able to develop relationships with customers, suppliers and contractors.
This position is based out of our regional office in Houston with possibly 10-20% travel for training, internal projects and providing support and assistance to your peers in other regions.
What You'll Do
- Project & Construction Oversight
- Coordinate with project managers, engineers, subcontractors, vendors, local authorities, and cross-functional teams to ensure smooth project execution.
- Monitor progress of new site builds, adjusting schedules and resources to meet project deadlines.
- Manage construction handoffs, ensuring quality, compliance, and operational readiness.
- Resolve deficiencies and validate all systems prior to launch.
- Field Operations & Infrastructure Execution
- Lead installation and configuration of power, data, security, and other critical infrastructure systems.
- Ensure functional integration of infrastructure with operational requirements.
- Schedule and supervise daily activities of Ground System Service Technicians.
- Oversee delivery and inventory management of Zipline-provided materials and equipment.
- Quality, Safety & Compliance
- Ensure compliance with safety standards, building codes, and zoning regulations.
- Maintain quality control across all phases of construction, including site preparation and Zipline hardware installation.
- Conduct regular site inspections and ensure documentation is complete and up to date.
- Maintenance & Reliability
- Develop and execute preventive maintenance plans.
- Supervise inspections and repairs to ensure system reliability and uptime.
- Maintain accurate documentation of maintenance activities and system performance.
- Innovation & Continuous Improvement
- Roll out new technologies and infrastructure upgrades in partnership with Engineering and R&D.
- Evaluate pilot solutions and assess scalability for broader deployment.
- Leadership & Reporting
- Manage, mentor, and develop a team of infrastructure technicians, reinforcing safety, quality, and operational standards.
- Provide regular updates to senior construction leadership on project status, timelines, risks, and issue resolution.
- Coordinate transitions from construction to operations with thorough documentation and stakeholder alignment.
What You'll Bring
- 5+ years of experience as a Construction Superintendent or similar role in commercial or industrial construction.
- Experience with vertical infrastructure (e.g., towers, silos, telecommunications structures) strongly preferred.
- Proven ability to manage multiple job sites simultaneously.
- Proficient with Bluebeam and able to create mark-ups to share digitally with remote workers.
- Proficiency in construction management software and tools.
- Strong understanding of construction methods, scheduling, and project management.
- OSHA 30 certification or willingness to obtain.
- Ability to read and interpret blueprints, structural drawings, and technical documents.
- Excellent communication and leadership skills.
- Valid driver’s license and ability to travel daily within the Houston area.
- Must be eligible to work in the US.
- 5+ years in site commissioning, infrastructure installation, or systems integration, including 2+ years in a leadership role
- Strong technical knowledge across electrical, mechanical, telecom, or IT systems with the ability to confirm quality, diagnose issues and fix complex problems.
- Proven experience managing technician teams and complex projects
- Deep understanding of quality standards, safety regulations, and compliance
- Excellent communication, problem-solving, and stakeholder collaboration skills
- Ability to travel to project sites as needed.
- Ability to lift and move loads of 55 lbs.
Preferred Qualifications
- Prior experience with aviation, aerospace, or drone-related construction projects. Experience in renewable energy or EVSE / electric vehicle charging stations is also applicable.
- Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.
- PMP, LEED, or equivalent certifications; experience with emerging infrastructure technologies and sustainable systems.