Director of Project Development

Samsung C&T America, Inc.; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 165,000 - 215,000; Full time

Job summary

Samsung C&T America, Inc. is seeking a senior renewable energy development leader to drive solar project development across California and the Western U.S.

You will coordinate cross-functional teams, manage schedules and budgets, and steer interconnection strategies from inception to operation. The role requires 12+ years in utility-scale renewables, strong CAISO/WECC knowledge, and proven deal accountability.

Qualifications

• BS or MS in Engineering, Environmental Science, Energy Policy, Business or related field.
• Existing relationships with interconnection/regulatory teams is preferred.
• Minimum 12+ years in utility-scale renewable energy development with leadership experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead all phases of solar project development including site origination, control, permitting and interconnection.
• Define and execute development strategy for CAISO, WECC service territories.
• Manage project schedules, budgets and milestones; mentor junior staff.
• Direct external consultants to ensure quality output within scope and budget.
• Travel to project sites and regulatory hearings across the Western U.S.

Skills

CAISO knowledge

WECC knowledge

Executive communication

Deal negotiation

Education

Bachelor/Master in Eng/Env Sci/Energy Policy/Business

Job description

Samsung C&T Corporation was founded in 1938 and is the parent company of Samsung Group. It is a Global Business Partner and Lifestyle Innovator pioneering new trends in the construction, trading & investment, fashion and resort industries. Its Trading & Investment Group operates in over 40 countries managing energy projects and industrial commodities (chemicals, steel, materials). It acts as a specialized trader and developer, focusing on renewable energy (solar/wind/ESS), LNG and new business ventures such as data centers.

In the United States, Samsung C&T Renewables has a track record of developing over 38GW of renewable energy projects since 2016. Headquartered in Houston, Texas, it currently manages a 20GW+ PV/BESS pipeline across 24 states, backed by a solid team of 100+ employees across the US and Seoul, South Korea. In addition, it has full development cycle capabilities, including in-house site acquisition, real estate, permitting, interconnection, engineering, pre-construction and much more. In Canada, Samsung has successfully developed, constructed, and continues to manage operation services for a 1.3GW solar+wind energy cluster.

About the Role

Provide a concise, engaging summary of what the role contributes to Samsung C&T’s North American growth. Example: This role supports Samsung C&T’s rapidly expanding renewable energy portfolio by leading project development activities, coordinating cross-functional teams, and driving strategic initiatives that accelerate our solar and wind pipeline across the U.S. and Canada.

• Lead all phases of solar project development including site origination, site control, real estate and title curative, land use / environmental permitting, engineering coordination
• Define and execute development strategy for CAISO, NVE, and APS service territories, prioritizing projects with highest probability of reaching commercial operation
• Manage project schedules, budgets, and milestone trackers
• Develop interconnection strategy for each project in close collaboration with internal SMEs and external consultants
• Direct site screening, land acquisition, and lease / purchase option negotiation efforts across CAISO and WECC markets
• Oversee real estate consultants and manage title curative processes to ensure clean chain of title
• Lead permitting strategy and maintain strong working relationships with county planning departments, state energy agencies, and federal agencies
• Manage and mentor junior development staff; provide technical guidance on interconnection, permitting, and deal structuring
• Select, direct, and manage external consultants (environmental, engineering, legal, real estate) to ensure quality output within scope and budget
• 12+ years of experience in utility-scale renewable energy development; 5+ years in a senior or director-level role with direct deal accountability
• Deep expertise in CAISO and WECC (Nevada / Arizona) energy markets and having Hands-on experience managing CAISO GIDAP, NV Energy, or APS interconnection processes from application through GIA execution
• Proven experience managing CEQA / NEPA, BLM ROW, and county land use permitting processes
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and executive presentation skills; able to represent the company credibly with counterparties and regulators
• Self-directed and entrepreneurial; able to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously in a fast-paced, cross-cultural environment
• Willingness to travel to project sites, utility offices, and regulatory hearings across the Western U.S.

Education/Experience

• B.S. or M.S. in Engineering, Environmental Science, Energy Policy, Business, or related field
• Existing relationships with CAISO, NV Energy, APS, LADWP, SCE, or PG&E interconnection and regulatory teams
• Work with a global team delivering innovative, large-scale energy solutions.
• Competitive compensation, benefits, and opportunities for international collaboration.
• Work with a global organization committed to innovation and sustainability
• Opportunities for professional growth in a dynamic, mission-driven environment
• Competitive compensation, benefits, and international collaboration opportunities

The expected salary range for this position is $165,000 -215,000. Actual compensation will be determined based on factors such as the candidate’s experience, skills, education, and location. Samsung C&T Corporation also offers a comprehensive benefits package, performance-based incentives, and opportunities for professional development.