(Sr.) Development Manager, Utility Scale Project

Job Title: (Sr.) Development Manager, Utility Scale Project
Hybrid/Remote: Hybrid, onsite 1 to 3 days/week
Location: San Diego or San Francisco, CA
Duration: Permanent, full-time
Salary Range: $120,800 to $226,100 plus 25% bonus


Job Overview:
We are seeking experienced professionals to lead the development of large-scale renewable energy assets within our West Region. These positions are deeply technical and regulatory in nature. You will be responsible for navigating the complex lifecycle of utility-scale solar, wind, and storage projects--transforming raw land into operational, grid-connected power plants. The ideal candidate possesses a mix of real estate acumen, technical understanding of power grids, and the persistence to manage multi-year permitting and interconnection timelines. You'll manage ~6 projects (3 active), lead development across solar, storage, and wind, handle permitting (including NEPA), collaborate cross-functionally, engage stakeholders, and mitigate risks. These roles focus on utility-scale renewable energy project development across solar, battery storage, and wind.

Core Responsibilities (Both Levels)

• Site Control: Lead the identification, evaluation, and secured site control of viable land for utility-scale deployment.
• Interconnection Management: Navigate the ISO/RTO interconnection queues and manage the technical studies required for grid injection.
• Permitting & Entitlements: Manage the environmental and land-use permitting process at the local, state, and federal levels (including CEQA/NEPA where applicable).
• Project Economics: Maintain rigorous project models, tracking development budgets and ensuring assets meet internal "Final Investment Decision" (FID) criteria.
• Technical Coordination: Collaborate with specialized engineering and GIS teams to optimize site layouts and technology selection.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities (Both Levels):

• Proven ability to deliver large-scale utility energy development projects from origination through financing and construction readiness
• Strong contract negotiation skills with a command of the legal knowledge required for successful agreement management
• Thorough understanding of project development risks and the ability to frame issues with context, analysis, recommendations, and risk/benefit tradeoffs for leadership
• Demonstratable knowledge of interconnection processes, permitting, real estate, and state/federal regulation affecting renewable energy projects
• Strong financial analysis capabilities, including experience with project economic modeling and budget management, and impacts associated with local incentives and property taxes
• Experience with project financing structures, Power Purchase Agreements, and investor documentation
• Effective communicator who collaborates well with senior management, peers, and external third parties across diverse backgrounds
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint), GIS tools, and project management software (e.g., SharePoint, Microsoft Project, or similar platforms)
• Self-starter who thrives managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment with strong organizational skills and attention to detail

Job Qualifications:

• Development Manager
  • Experience: Minimum of 8 years of directly related experience in renewable energy project development, with at least 3 years managing energy-related projects through the full development lifecycle. Direct experience in utility-scale energy, infrastructure, or heavy industrial land development
  • Technical Skills: Familiarity with power markets, land-use law, and project management software (e.g., MS Project or Primavera)
  • Education: Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Finance, or Environmental Science
• Sr. Development Manager
  • Experience: A minimum of 10+ years in utility-scale renewables with a track record of successfully de-risking projects for construction. Demonstrated experience developing utility-scale solar, wind, or battery storage projects in western U.S. markets, with working knowledge of CAISO, WECC, and other relevant ISO/RTO markets
  • Expertise: Deep knowledge of power purchase agreements (PPAs), transmission constraints, and tax equity structures
  • Leadership: Ability to lead cross-functional project teams and provide strategic direction for the West Region portfolio