Senior Project Developer
Senior Project Developer
San Francisco, CA (Flexible)
A fast growing renewable energy developer focused on distributed energy solutions is seeking a Senior Project Developer to join its team. The organization develops, finances, owns, and operates behind-the-meter solar and energy storage projects that help commercial and community customers reduce energy costs and improve sustainability outcomes.
The company operates across California and the Midwest, combining the agility of a startup with the backing and capital resources of an established industry platform. Core focus areas include distributed solar PV, battery energy storage, microgrids, EV charging infrastructure, and other emerging clean energy applications.
Role Overview
The Senior Project Developer will be responsible for leading projects from early-stage development through notice-to-proceed (NTP), including interconnection, permitting, entitlements, and commercial structuring support. This is a hands-on development role requiring ownership, accountability, and strong execution across multiple concurrent projects.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead end-to-end development of distributed generation and storage projects from site origination through NTP
- Build and manage detailed project development plans (schedule, budget, milestones) using project management tools
- Support site identification and evaluation in coordination with GIS and real estate partners
- Lead landowner outreach and negotiate leases, licenses, and purchase agreements
- Manage utility interconnection applications and study processes with engineering consultants
- Oversee permitting and entitlements, including zoning, land use approvals, and discretionary permits
- Coordinate surveys, title work, and real estate due diligence (ALTA surveys, parcel adjustments, etc.)
- Support tax incentive negotiations (e.g., abatements, PILOT agreements) with local jurisdictions
- Manage third-party engineering and environmental consultants to support permitting and project development
- Collaborate with engineering partners on preliminary layouts and production modeling
- Maintain awareness of regulatory, policy, and market dynamics across assigned regions
Qualifications
- 2+ years of renewable energy project development experience
- Strong ability to analyze technical, financial, and regulatory inputs to guide decision-making
- Experience managing project schedules, budgets, and development timelines
- Excellent communication skills with ability to build internal and external relationships
- Highly organized with strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities
- Self-starter with strong ownership mentality, integrity, and bias for action
Additional Information
- Flexible work arrangement with preference for California-based candidates
- Opportunity to work directly with senior leadership and external customers
- Fast-growing organization with strong capital backing and long-term growth trajectory
- Strong benefits package including health coverage, 401(k) match, bonus eligibility, and generous PTO
- High-impact role with clear career growth and mentorship opportunities