Senior Project Director, Utility-Scale Solar & BESS

Duke Energy; Charlotte (NC); Hybrid; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work environment

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Duke Energy in Charlotte, NC is seeking a Project Director to lead the pre-construction delivery of utility-scale solar and battery storage projects. You will set scope, schedule, and cost, negotiate EPC contracts, and align stakeholders to ensure timely, low-risk construction across major capital investments.

Reporting to the General Manager within Duke Energy's Project Management & Construction (PMC) organization, you will guide cross-functional teams, manage risk, and deliver projects from

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Business, Project Management, or related field; 9+ years of related work experience.
• In lieu of Bachelor's degree, HS/GED with 13+ years of related work experience.
• 12+ years of progressively responsible experience leading complex capital projects.
• MBA, Master's degree, PMP, PE, AACE, or other relevant professional certification.
• Experience delivering utility-scale solar, battery energy storage, power generation, transmission, or other major infrastructure projects.
• Experience managing EPC, design-build, or similar contracting arrangements from an owner or contractor perspective.
• Experience managing engineering, grid interconnection, and/or operations of utility-scale generation assets.
• Familiarity with utility operations, project controls, commercial management, and contract administration.

Responsibilities

• Lead utility-scale solar and battery energy storage projects after initiation, through funding approval and contracting.
• Own pre-construction project performance, including scope, cost, schedule, risk, and stakeholder alignment.
• Lead multidisciplinary matrixed project teams and drive effective coordination across the organization.
• Serve as Duke Energy's primary interface with EPC contractor leadership; manage contractual commitments, schedule, and outcomes.
• Lead resolution of project issues, recovery plans, claims, and commercial matters.
• Coordinate owner scope, owner-furnished equipment, grid interconnection requirements, and operational readiness.
• Partner with internal project development teams to ensure projects originate and are constructed within scope, schedule, and cost.
• Manage interfaces among EPC contractors, suppliers, transmission organizations, OEMs, and internal stakeholders.
• Establish project budgets, forecasts, contingencies, and execute contracts with internal partners.
• Identify and mitigate project risks and ensure timely escalation of significant issues.
• Provide transparent project reporting to senior leadership; present risks, opportunities, decisions, and recommendations.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Negotiation

Decision making

Education

Bachelor's degree & 9+ years

HS/GED + 13+ years

Tools

PMP

PE

AACE

Job description

Duke Energy in Charlotte, NC is seeking a Project Director to lead the pre-construction delivery of utility-scale solar and battery storage projects. You will set scope, schedule, and cost, negotiate EPC contracts, and align stakeholders to ensure timely, low-risk construction across major capital investments.

Reporting to the General Manager within Duke Energy's Project Management & Construction (PMC) organization, you will guide cross-functional teams, manage risk, and deliver projects from