Director of Project Development

Aquatech; Canonsburg (Washington County); Remote; USD 165,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

Aquatech is seeking a Director of Project Development to lead the end-to-end development of projects focused on water and critical minerals. The position requires strong leadership in project origination, feasibility analysis, and stakeholder engagement to drive sustainable solutions. This role offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.

Benefits

Paid time off

Company-paid holidays

401K plan

Qualifications

• 10+ years of relevant infrastructure project development experience.
• Proficient in managing multi-stakeholder projects.
• Knowledge of project finance structures and environmental regulations.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of complex water and minerals projects.
• Conduct feasibility studies and prepare financial models.
• Manage regulatory requirements and negotiate contracts.

Skills

Financial modeling

Technical project management

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Science or Engineering

MBA (preferred)

Tools

CRM tools (Salesforce, Hubspot)

Job description

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Manager of Recruitment | Shaping High-Performing Teams for Tomorrow

At Aquatech, we tackle the challenges of water scarcity and complexity by leveraging technology, expertise, and financing to deliver comprehensive solutions that reduce carbon and recycled water footprint. As a leading global provider of water and process technology solutions, we help the world's most recognized companies achieve their sustainability and operational goals by implementing innovative approaches for water reuse, desalination, minimal and zero liquid discharge, and critical minerals recovery. Our work catalyzes the transition toward a more sustainable future and showcases our commitment to addressing water's role in climate adaptation. Learn more at www.aquatech.com

Aquatech immediately needs a full-time Director of Project Development (USA) Critical Minerals to work from a remote location. The Director of Project Development will perform the duties described in the job description below and will be considered an Exempt employee.

The ideal candidate will lead the end-to-end development of water and critical minerals projects, from concept to financial close. This role requires hands-on management of technical, commercial, and regulatory aspects to screen, qualify, and advance projects through feasibility, permitting, and financing.

Job Description:

Key Responsibilities and Other Duties as assigned:

Project Origination & Screening

• Identify greenfield/brownfield opportunities in water reuse, desalination, Industrial water/ wastewater, and critical minerals recovery.
• Build and manage a sales funnel of high-potential projects using market data, industry trends, and stakeholder networks.
• Screen leads for technical viability, market demand, and alignment with company strategy.

Feasibility & Techno-Commercial Analysis

• Conduct pre-feasibility studies (technical, financial, environmental) to assess project risks/returns.
• Support building of financial models (NPV, IRR, DSCR) to evaluate project economics and funding requirements.
• Collaborate with engineers, consultants, and off-takers to validate design assumptions and commercial terms.

Stakeholder & Regulatory Management

• Lead permitting efforts with federal/state agencies (EPA, USACE, BLM) and local communities.
• Negotiate term sheets with EPC contractors, technology providers, and off-takers.
• Engage investors, lenders, and grant agencies to secure financing (project finance, PPPs, grants).
• Qualify leads using criteria such as resource availability, permitting timelines, and ROI thresholds.
• Prepare pitch decks, proposals, and presentations for clients, partners, and investors.
• Convert opportunities into bankable projects by securing LOIs, MOUs, or binding agreements.
• BOO/DBOOM/BOOT - PPP projects
• Interface with CFOs and financial advisors to structure debt/equity financing.
• Prepare sources & use statements and support due diligence for lenders/investors.
• Ensure compliance with ESG standards to attract sustainable capital.

Skill Requirements:

• Ability to be a self-starter and capable of working and planning independently
• Proficiency in financial modeling and feasibility studies
• Knowledge of water treatment, renewable energy, or critical minerals sectors.
• Familiarity with complex multi-stakeholder infrastructure project development
• Knowledge of Project finance structures
• Familiarity with CRM tools for pipeline tracking ( Salesforce, Hubspot, etc)
• Understanding of the supply chains for Critical Minerals or renewable energy.
• Experience drafting term sheets, EPC contracts, and offtake agreements
• Proven ability to manage sales pipelines and close complex deals
• Ability to collaborate, and negotiate in cross-functional team dynamics.
• Other Duties as assigned.

Aquatech offers a comprehensive benefits package, including paid time off, company-paid holidays, and a 401K plan (all benefits are based on eligibility).

Essential Functions:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed above and below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. Any constraints on the ability to travel will need to be highlighted at the time of applying for the position.

Physical Job Demands:

Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time, limited walking, and standing. Ability to manage strains of travel by air or road and navigate drive to customers in business.

Qualifications / Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in Science or Engineering, Finance, or a related field (MBA is preferred)
• Ten(10) or more years of relevant experience in infrastructure project development (Water, Mining, Energy, Critical Minerals, RenewableFuels, etc)

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Business Development

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