Development Manager

Suna Solutions; San Francisco (CA); Hybrid; USD 121,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full benefits

Hybrid work model

Job summary

Suna Solutions seeks a Utility Scale Project Development Manager / Sr. Development Manager to lead development of large-scale renewable energy assets in the West Region of the U.S.

This deeply technical role covers site control, interconnection, permitting, and project economics, with a focus on delivering COD for solar, wind, and storage projects.

Qualifications

• 8+ years in renewable energy project development, with full lifecycle experience.
• Experience managing utility-scale solar, wind, or storage projects in western U.S.
• Strong knowledge of PPAs, interconnection, and regulatory processes.
• Ability to travel up to 50%.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

Renewable energy

Project development

Interconnection management

Regulatory knowledge

Financial modeling

PPA knowledge

MS Project

Primavera

GIS

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Finance, or Environmental Science

Tools

MS Project

Primavera

GIS

Microsoft Office

Job description

Utility Scale Project Development Manager / Sr. Development Manager

Exciting opportunity to work with an international renewable energy company that is dedicated to building a sustainable future! This role is direct hire, hybrid, and offers full benefits!

As a Utility Scale Project Development Manager or Sr. Development Manager, you will be responsiblefor leading the development of large-scale renewable energy assets within the West Region of the U.S. This position is 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.

Responsibilities for Utility Scale Project Development Manager & Sr. Development Manager:

• 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.

Responsibilities for Utility Scale Project Development Manager level:

• Focuses on a specific cluster of projects through the mid-stage development cycle.
• Assists in submitting interconnection requests and monitoring study results.
• Coordinates with consultants on environmental surveys and standard local permits.
• Tracks project spend against a set budget for individual assets.
• Manages a diverse regional portfolio, overseeing projects from initial prospecting through to COD.
• Strategically manages high-level queue positions and negotiates Interconnection Agreements.
• Leads strategy for complex jurisdictional hurdles and represents the company in public hearings.
• Exercises oversight of regional development budgets and provides input on project valuation and PPA pricing.

Qualifications:

• Ability to travel up to 50% for project support.
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Finance, or Environmental Science.
• 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.
• 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 CAISO, WECC, and other relevant ISO/RTO markets.
• Familiarity with power markets, land-use law, and project management software (e.g., MS Project or Primavera).
• Deep knowledge of power purchase agreements (PPAs), transmission constraints, and tax equity structures.
• Ability to lead cross-functional project teams and provide strategic direction for the West Region portfolio.
• 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.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT:

Suna Solutions provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment 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.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training. Applicants, with criminal histories, are considered in a manner that is consistent with local, state, and federal laws.

REQUESTING AN ACCOMODATION

Suna Solutions is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for persons with disabilities or religious observances, including reasonable accommodation when needed. If you are hired by Suna Solutions and require accommodation to perform the essential functions of your role, you will be asked to participate in our reasonable accommodation process. Accommodations made to facilitate the recruiting process are not a guarantee of future or continued accommodations once hired.

If you would like to be considered for employment opportunities with Suna Solutions and have accommodation needs for a disability or religious observance, please call us at 1 [phone], send us an email or speak with your recruiter.

PAY TRANSPARENCY POLICY STATEMENT

Compensation for roles at Suna Solutions varies depending on a wide array of factors including but not limited to the specific client, office or remote location, role, skill set and level of experience. As required by local law, Suna Solutions provides a reasonable pay scale to include the hourly or salary range that Suna Solutions reasonably expects to pay for roles that may be hired in California, Colorado, New York City or Washington as set forth below.

Pay Scale of Starting Pay for role: $120,800-$170,000/yr. DOE