Senior Renewable Energy Project Developer (Permitting)

Distributed Sun; United States; On-site; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Bonus compensation plan

Equity option award

401(k) plan with company match

Health, dental, and vision benefits

Job summary

Distributed Sun seeks an experienced renewable energy developer to focus on origination and permitting for portfolios of community solar, solar and battery storage projects. The Senior Project Developer will lead site origination, interconnection, budgeting, and financing while representing the company with stakeholders.

Based in Illinois with emphasis on New York and New Jersey experience, the role requires collaboration across the development team and frequent stakeholder engagement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, environmental science, public policy, or related field, or 6+ years progression in renewables.
• 5+ years in renewable energy project development; distribution-level experience preferred.
• Collaborate with local governments in rural locations for mutually agreeable outcomes.
• Frequent travel to project sites, often rural and on short notice.
• Proven track record delivering complex renewables projects across the development cycle.
• Deep understanding of renewable tech, project finance, permitting, and regulatory frameworks.
• Familiarity with mapping tools is useful; documentation management and legal structuring welcomed.
• Tenacity and problem-solving ability in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills; strong organizational abilities.

Responsibilities

• Deliver development milestones on time, within budget, and compliant with regulations.
• Build relationships with utilities, landowners and vendors; conduct community outreach when required.
• Represent projects at public meetings and hearings.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to overcome challenges.
• Understand zoning, environmental policies; advocate for policy change if needed.
• Manage compilation of application materials through permitting stages.
• Maintain accurate records; contribute to budgeting and forecasting.
• Be a team player and foster accountability, innovation, and collaboration.

Skills

Project development

Stakeholder engagement

Regulatory compliance

Permitting

Budget management

Financing understanding

Schedule coordination

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering/environmental science/public policy

Job description

Distributed Sun seeks an experienced renewable energy developer to focus on origination and permitting for portfolios of community solar, solar and battery storage projects. The Senior Project Developer will lead site origination, interconnection, budgeting, and financing while representing the company with stakeholders.

Based in Illinois with emphasis on New York and New Jersey experience, the role requires collaboration across the development team and frequent stakeholder engagement.