Project Developer UtilityScale Renewable Energy Solar BESS

COBRA INDUSTRIAL ACTIVITIES INC; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k)

401(k) matching

Bonus based on performance

Dental insurance

Health insurance

Paid time off

Vision insurance

Job summary

A prominent energy company seeks a Project Developer to lead the full lifecycle of utility-scale solar and battery energy storage projects. You will manage the development strategy, engaging with stakeholders and optimizing projects to meet internal and financing standards. This role requires 5-7 years of renewable energy experience and a proven track record of advancing projects. Strong negotiation and communication skills are essential, along with a Bachelor's degree. The position is located in Houston, Texas.

Qualifications

• 5–7+ years of renewable energy development experience.
• Proven track record advancing utility-scale solar and/or BESS projects to RTB or NTP.
• Deep understanding of interconnection processes and power markets.

Responsibilities

• Lead development strategy for utility-scale solar and BESS projects.
• Drive projects from greenfield screening through RTB to COD.
• Establish development budgets, schedules, and risk registers.
• Present projects to Investment Committee and executive leadership.
• Optimize project design relative to grid constraints and congestion risks.

Skills

Renewable energy development experience

Advanced negotiation skills

Financial and commercial fluency

Executive presence and communication

Risk identification and mitigation

Education

Bachelor’s degree

MBA or PE license preferred

Job description

Benefits

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Bonus based on performance
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Position Summary

The Project Developer is responsible for leading the full lifecycle development of utility-scale solar and battery energy storage projects from early-stage origination through Ready-to-Build (RTB) and Notice to Proceed (NTP) and supporting the construction team up to Commercial Operation Date (COD). This role serves as the development lead, driving strategy, risk mitigation, value optimization, and cross-functional coordination across technical, commercial, regulatory, and financial workstreams.

The Project Developer operates with a high degree of autonomy, manages complex stakeholder environments, and plays a key role in delivering bankable projects that meet internal return thresholds and financing requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead development strategy for a portfolio of utility-scale solar and BESS projects (100MW+ typical scale).
• Drive projects from greenfield screening through RTB – NTP and COD from a development standpoint.
• Establish development budgets, schedules, risk registers, and milestone tracking.
• Present projects to Investment Committee and executive leadership.
• Identify high-quality project opportunities using transmission, market, and policy analysis.
• Structure and negotiate complex land agreements (lease, option, purchase).
• Evaluate acquisition opportunities and conduct development diligence.
• Lead interconnection strategy and manage queue positioning.
• Oversee utility engagement, system impact studies, and upgrade negotiations.
• Optimize project design relative to grid constraints and congestion risks.
• Develop and execute permitting roadmap across local, state, and federal jurisdictions.
• Oversee environmental studies and mitigation strategies.
• Lead public hearings, community outreach, and government engagement.
• Manage external consultants (engineering, environmental, legal, permitting).
• Coordinate with EPC, procurement, and construction teams for constructability input.
• Structure projects to meet corporate, utility, and data center offtake requirements.
• Support tax equity, debt financing, and M&A diligence processes.
• Support Origination and Marketing teams for offtake, PPA, tolling, and/or merchant strategies.

Qualifications

• 5–7+ years of renewable energy development experience.
• Proven track record advancing utility-scale solar and/or BESS projects to RTB or NTP.
• Deep understanding of interconnection processes and power markets.
• Bachelor’s degree required; MBA or PE license preferred
• Advanced negotiation skills
• Financial and commercial fluency
• Regulatory and market expertise
• Executive presence and communication
• Risk identification and mitigation