Project Development Director

Energy Vault, Inc.; Westlake Village (CA); On-site; USD 154,000 - 246,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus plan

Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)

401K employer matching

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans

Flexible Spending Account

Company-paid Life insurance

8-weeks of Paternity leave

Generous holiday allowance

Reimbursement for home office equipment

Job summary

Energy Vault, Inc. is seeking a Project Development Director to lead the development of utility-scale energy storage and generation projects. The ideal candidate will have significant experience in project management within the energy industry, guiding projects from inception through to contracting and approvals.

The position offers a competitive salary of $154,000 - $246,000 annually, along with comprehensive benefits including annual bonuses, stock units, medical plans, and flexible time off.

Qualifications

• 15 years of related experience with a bachelor's degree.
• 5+ years of experience in Project Management of complex energy projects.
• Proven experience developing projects through approvals and grid connections.
• Certification in Project Management preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end development of energy projects from assessment to contracting.
• Manage developers, consultants, and internal teams to ensure project progression.
• Own development budgets, schedules, and risk management.
• Secure key project agreements and manage local approvals.

Skills

Project Management

Analytical skills

Communication

Problem-solving skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Communication, or Business

Master’s degree (12 years experience)

PhD (8 years experience)

Job description

Project Development Director

Your Mission

• Lead end-to-end development of utility‑scale energy storage and generation projects from early‑stage assessment/acquisition through contracting and Ready‑to‑Build (RTB)
• Manage third‑party developers, consultants, and internal cross‑functional teams to advance development workstreams, ensure stage‑gate readiness, and drive critical decisions.
• Own development budgets, schedules, critical‑path execution, risk management, and reporting to leadership and investment stakeholders.
• Secure and manage key project agreements and permits, including land control, environmental/community engagement, and local approvals with relevant authorities.
• Drive grid interconnection and utility coordination through application, studies, and agreements to support bankable RTB outcomes.
• Define project scope and requirements aligned to commercial strategy, ensuring development deliverables support financing, offtake, and long‑term value creation.

Your Background

• 15 years of related experience with a bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Communication, or Business; 12 years of related experience with a master’s degree; or 8 years of related experience with a PhD.
• 5+ years of experience in Project Management of complex projects in the Energy Generation and/or Energy Storage industries.
• Proven experience developing projects from origination/acquisition through development approvals and grid connections.
• Certification in Project Management preferred.
• Capacity to learn on-the-fly, particularly regarding nuanced project technical or legal requirements.
• Excellent Project Management skills and ability to work independently on multiple project timelines simultaneously.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills. Agile work ethic with flexibility to address pressing project needs as they arise.
• Proficiency in effective communication of project plans, proposals, and results, and ability to negotiate options at senior management levels.
• Willingness to travel domestically and/or internationally, up to 30%.
• Comfortable thriving in fast‑paced, rapid growth environments.
• A passion for sustainability, our mission, and our vision is a bonus!
• Must successfully pass a pre‑employment background check.
• Energy Vault participates in E‑Verify.

Benefits

• Annual bonus plan.
• Restricted Stock Units (RSUs).
• 401K employer matching.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans for employees and family.
• Flexible Spending Account.
• Company‑paid Life insurance, Short‑ and Long‑term disability insurance.
• 8‑weeks of Paternity leave.
• Generous holiday allowance.
• Flexible time off plus sick leave.
• Reimbursement for home office equipment, phone, and internet expenses.

$154,000 - $246,000 a year

EEO Statement

At Energy Vault we are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants. We believe inclusion creates opportunity for collaborative excellence through diversity of thought. We invite individuals of all genders, races, identities, ethnicities, sexual orientations, national origins, abilities, protected veteran status, religions, educational and socioeconomic backgrounds to explore employment with our organization.