Senior/General Counsel – Project Development

PROENERGY; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

WattBridge is seeking an experienced attorney to provide comprehensive legal support across all phases of energy and data center project development in Houston, TX. The role focuses on real estate, project finance, commercial contracting, and strategic transactions, requiring strong drafting, negotiation, and cross-functional collaboration with development, finance, and executive teams.

Ideal candidates will have a J.D., active U.S.

Qualifications

• J.D. from an accredited law school and active bar membership in at least one U.S. jurisdiction.
• Minimum of 10 years of relevant legal experience, with both law firm and in-house exposure preferred.
• Experience in project development, real estate transactions, and project finance.
• Familiarity with energy, power generation, and/or data center industries is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal support across all phases of project development (real estate, project finance, commercial contracting, strategic transactions).
• Structure, negotiate, and execute purchase agreements, ground leases, development agreements, and related real estate instruments.
• Support debt and equity financing transactions and review related documents.
• Draft and negotiate PPAs, equipment supply, interconnection and gas supply agreements, and other project contracts.
• Advise on regulatory compliance, risk assessment, and contract policy development.
• Manage outside counsel, budgets, and post-closing integration for transactions.

Skills

Legal drafting

Negotiation

Communication

Project management

English proficiency

Education

Juris Doctor (J.D.)

Job description

About WattBridge

WattBridge developed, financed, built, owned and operated the world’s largest LM6000 portfolio consisting of 2400 MW’s from 2019 thru 2026. The platform raised over $2BN in capital and is now partnered with Energy Capital Partners as our majority sponsor. With competitive advantages in secured power equipment, a proven track record in building out a 2400 MW portfolio, and a fully vertically integrated execution platform, we are well positioned to be highly successful in the data center industry.

WattBridge developed, financed, built, owned and operated the world’s largest LM6000 portfolio consisting of 2400 MW’s from 2019 thru 2026. The platform raised over $2BN in capital and is now partnered with Energy Capital Partners as our majority sponsor. With competitive advantages in secured power equipment, a proven track record in building out a 2400 MW portfolio, and a fully vertically integrated execution platform, we are well positioned to be highly successful in the data center industry.

Position Summary

This position will provide legal support across all phases of project development, with a focus on real estate, project finance, commercial contracting, and strategic transactions for energy and infrastructure projects, including power generation and data center development. This role requires a commercially oriented attorney capable of advising on complex, capital-intensive projects, including those in energy, power generation, and data center sectors. Ideal experience includes representing either an energy provider selling to big tech or a digital infrastructure developer securing power. The position will work cross-functionally with development, finance, and executive teams to structure, negotiate, and execute transactions while managing legal risk in a fast-paced environment. Occasional travel may be required in support of project development activities.

Reports to

CEO WattBridge

Position Responsibilities

Project Development

• Lead legal support for site acquisition, land use, zoning, leasing, easements, and title matters.
• Structure and negotiate purchase and sale agreements, ground leases, development agreements, and related real estate instruments.
• Advise on permitting, entitlements, and regulatory compliance relevant to project siting and development.

Project Finance

• Support debt and equity financing transactions, including construction financing and term loans.
• Review and negotiate financing documents, intercreditor agreements, security documents, and related collateral arrangements.
• Coordinate with external counsel and lenders to facilitate timely closings.

Commercial Contracting

• Draft and negotiate power Purchase Agreements (PPAs), equipment supply agreements, interconnection and gas supply agreements, and other project-related contracts.
• Provide risk assessment and mitigation strategies aligned with business objectives.
• Develop and maintain standard form agreements and contracting policies.

Strategic Transactions

• Support acquisitions and divestitures of projects and platform assets, including due diligence, structuring, and negotiation of transaction documents.
• Advise on joint ventures, partnerships, and strategic investments.
• Manage post-closing integration and ongoing contractual obligations.

General Legal Support

• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to identify legal risks and provide practical, business-oriented solutions.
• Manage outside counsel efficiently, including scope, budget, and performance.
• Support corporate governance and internal compliance initiatives as needed.

Required Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school.
• Active bar membership in at least one U.S. jurisdiction.
• Minimum of 10 years of relevant legal experience, including a combination of law firm and in-house roles preferred.
• Demonstrated experience in project development, real estate transactions, and project finance.
• Familiarity with energy, power generation, and/or data center industries strongly preferred.
• Experience with M&A transactions and complex commercial agreements.
• Must be fluent in English, with strong speaking, reading, writing, and comprehension skills.
• Successful candidate will need to satisfactorily complete pre-employment drug screen and background check
• US work authorization is a precondition of employment. The company will not consider candidates who require sponsorship for a work-authorized visa.

Core Competencies

• Strong drafting and negotiation skills with attention to enforceability and risk allocation.
• Ability to manage multiple complex transactions simultaneously.
• Commercial judgment and ability to balance legal risk with business objectives.
• Effective communication with both legal and non-legal stakeholders.
• High level of independence, accountability, and responsiveness.

Compensation And Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
• Bonus eligibility and long-term incentive opportunities.
• Comprehensive benefits package.

It is WattBridge's policy to provide equal opportunity in employment to all its employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, age, disability, national origin, marital status, ancestry, medical condition, military status, or any other characteristic protected by State or Federal law.