Project Development Manager

Roadrunner Studios; Albuquerque (NM); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health care stipend

Equity in a fast-growing startup

Time for self-development and training

Job summary

Roadrunner Studios in Albuquerque seeks a Project Development Manager to lead the development of its first commercial-scale reactor. The successful candidate will oversee an external EPC team, ensuring alignment with operational goals while collaborating with technical teams and partners.

This role demands 10+ years of managing infrastructure projects and a strong technical background across engineering disciplines. The position offers competitive pay, benefits, and opportunities for growth within a mission-driven environment.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience managing infrastructure or industrial development projects.
• Proven leadership of complex, multi-stakeholder projects involving industrial process scale-up.
• Strong technical literacy across civil, mechanical, and electrical engineering disciplines.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage an external EPC team through design, construction, and commissioning of a commercial reactor.
• Act as the primary interface between technical teams and external engineering partners.
• Drive cross-functional alignment across executives, engineers, contractors, and regulatory stakeholders.

Skills

Leadership

Project Management

Technical Literacy

Regulatory Compliance

Communication Skills

Organizational Skills

Analytical Thinking

Job description

Project Development Manager

Halo Materials is seeking a Project Development Manager to work closely with our CEO to lead the development and delivery of our first commercial‑scale reactor, followed by a pilot plant. This role requires an operational leader who sits at the intersection of engineering, construction, R&D, and executive leadership.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage an external EPC team through design, construction, and commissioning of a commercial reactor.
• Serve as the internal accountability function by rigorously vetting design decisions and ensuring alignment with technical and operational goals.
• Act as the primary interface between Halo’s technical teams and external engineering and development partners.
• Source, evaluate, and diligence sites for lab expansion and pilot installations.
• Identify and assess equipment vendors, balancing cost, quality, schedule, and technical performance.
• Oversee permitting, compliance reporting, and environmental health & safety (EHS) considerations.
• Drive cross‑functional alignment across executives, engineers, contractors, and regulatory stakeholders.
• Balance structured project governance with startup agility.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience managing infrastructure or industrial development projects.
• Proven leadership of complex, multi‑stakeholder projects involving industrial process scale‑up.
• Strong technical literacy across civil, mechanical, and electrical engineering disciplines.
• Experience with permitting, regulatory compliance, and EHS frameworks.
• Demonstrated success working closely with C‑level leaders and managing competing priorities in fast‑paced environments.
• Exceptional organizational, analytical, and strategic thinking skills.
• Ability to move fluidly between detailed tactical execution and high‑level planning.
• Clear and confident communication skills across technical and non‑technical audiences.
• A pragmatic mindset that balances rigorous safety and engineering standards with entrepreneurial urgency.

Nice to Have

• Experience in adjacent industries where similar high‑temperature, catalytic, carbon, or materials growth processes are used — such as petrochemicals, advanced ceramics, specialty chemicals, battery materials, semiconductors, metallurgy, or industrial gas processing.

What We Look For (Beyond the Resume)

• A track record of execution — how you design experiments, make decisions with imperfect data, and drive results matters as much as where you’ve worked.
• Ownership mentality with high accountability and curiosity.
• Entrepreneurial speed balanced with technical discipline.
• Grit, resilience, and an ability to turn ambiguity into actionable next steps.

Why Join Halo Materials?

• Strengthen Energy & Supply Chains – Work on advanced materials that directly impact batteries, energy systems, and U.S. manufacturing resilience.
• Scale Breakthrough Graphite Technology – Help scale a breakthrough graphite technology from lab experimentation to real commercial production.
• Rigorous Science, Startup Velocity – Join a mission‑driven team that values rigorous science, fast execution, and taking care of its people.
• Technical Ownership & Autonomy – Take meaningful ownership in a technically ambitious environment where your contributions shape the direction of the company.
• Competitive pay, full benefits, and equity – Competitive compensation, strong benefits, and the opportunity to grow quickly inside a serious deep tech venture backed by experienced builders.
• Some of our Benefits:
  • An independent role with a supportive and flexible work environment
  • Time for self‑development, research, training, conferences, or certification schemes
  • Full range of competitive benefits including a health care stipend and equity in a fast‑growing startup