Development Engineering Manager

Leeward Energy; United States; Hybrid; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Leeward Energy is seeking a Manager of Development Engineering in the United States to provide oversight and hands-on engineering for wind, solar, and energy storage projects.

This role includes recruiting and leading a high-performing team, driving project design, and ensuring seamless collaboration with cross-functional teams.

Preferred candidates will have a Bachelor of Science in Engineering and 8 years of relevant experience, along with strong communication and project management skills.

Qualifications

• At least 8 years of experience in engineering and/or construction of power generation facilities.
• Minimum 2 years of management or leadership experience in project engineering.
• Professional Engineering Registration (PE) is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Support the development of a zero-incident safety culture.
• Provide leadership for the development engineering function.
• Manage preliminary engineering studies and layouts.

Skills

Leadership in engineering

Cross-functional teamwork

Project management

Strong communication skills

Analytical skills

Education

Bachelor of Science in Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

PVsyst

PlantPredict

Openwind

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Job Summary

The Manager of Development Engineering reports to the Director of Project Engineering and provides managerial oversight, as well as hands‑on engineering work, on wind, solar, and energy storage projects during mid‑stage development through handoff to project execution. The role ensures smooth development engineering processes and collaborates closely with cross‑functional teams to support project design, permitting, and finance.

Responsibilities

• Support the development of a zero‑incident safety culture.
• Provide leadership for the development engineering function across all new wind, solar, and storage projects.
• Foster excellent cross‑functional teamwork with the Development and Preconstruction teams to ensure safe, reliable design.
• Recruit, develop, and lead a high‑performing development engineering team.
• Evaluate preliminary designs, engineering assumptions, and site assessments from all disciplines to set up the project for success.
• Manage preliminary engineering studies, layouts, and energy estimates to support development, permitting, and offtake marketing.
• Provide accurate risk inputs for estimator bid inputs and financial models.
• Participate in cost estimate and bid deep‑dive review meetings with Preconstruction.
• Improve development engineering processes by testing new technologies/software, updating task guidebooks, and aligning with other departments.
• Prioritize and ensure timely completion of multiple engineering tasks to support the project build plan and early development efforts.
• Maintain clear communications, accurate records, and progress reports across all project phases, and document in the Document Management System.
• Lead lessons‑learned initiatives, correcting recurring issues and updating processes and role guidebooks.
• Use resources effectively to balance cost and risk in project execution and delivery.
• Engage leadership at all levels of the organization to achieve project vision, goals, and objectives.
• Demonstrate a sense of urgency, make timely decisions, and minimize impact on schedule and costs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Engineering and at least 8 years of experience in engineering and/or construction of power generation facilities or electrical systems.
• Minimum 2 years of management or leadership experience in wind, solar, or storage project engineering, construction, or project management.
• Professional Engineering Registration (PE) is highly desirable.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD, PVsyst, PlantPredict, Openwind, or other automated layout/optimization tools.
• Understanding of project development, permitting, and commercial processes.
• Knowledge of project financial analysis and engineering economics.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to oversee multiple development projects simultaneously.
• Professional interpersonal skills and effective interaction with all organizational levels and external partners.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite programs.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to operate a motor vehicle.

Physical Demands & Travel

Requires prolonged sitting, occasional lifting of up to 20 pounds, and willingness to travel 25% of the time.

In‑Office Requirement

This role is an in‑office position requiring on‑site presence in our office at least three days per week, with hybrid flexibility for two remote days subject to manager and policy approval.

Visa & Employment Eligibility

Applicants must have current authorization to work for any employer in the United States on a full‑time basis without the need for an employment visa. Employer visa sponsorship is not available for this role.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Leeward Management Services, LLC is committed to employing a diverse workforce and provides equal employment opportunity for all individuals regardless of race, color, gender, age, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a protected veteran, genetic information, status as a qualified individual with a disability, or any other characteristic protected by law.