Director, West Project Development

Position: Project Development Director

Position Summary:

We are seeking a highly experienced and commercially minded Director of Solar Development to lead utility-scale solar project development across the CAISO and WECC (Nevada / Arizona) markets. This senior leadership role carries full lifecycle accountability from greenfield origination through NTP / financial close, with direct ownership of interconnection strategy, land acquisition, permitting, and multi-stakeholder coordination. The Director will serve as the primary market expert for these regions and will represent the company with utilities, regulators, and landowners.

Essential Job Functions:

• Lead all phases of solar project development including site origination, site control, real estate and title curative, land use / environmental permitting, engineering coordination

• Define and execute development strategy for CAISO, NVE, and APS service territories, prioritizing projects with highest probability of reaching commercial operation

• Manage project schedules, budgets, and milestone trackers

• Develop interconnection strategy for each project in close collaboration with internal SMEs and external consultants

• Direct site screening, land acquisition, and lease / purchase option negotiation efforts across CAISO and WECC markets

• Oversee real estate consultants and manage title curative processes to ensure clean chain of title

• Lead permitting strategy and maintain strong working relationships with county planning departments, state energy agencies, and federal agencies

• Manage and mentor junior development staff; provide technical guidance on interconnection, permitting, and deal structuring

• Select, direct, and manage external consultants (environmental, engineering, legal, real estate) to ensure quality output within scope and budget

Requirements:

• 12 years of experience in utility-scale renewable energy development; 5 years in a senior or director-level role with direct deal accountability

• Deep expertise in CAISO and WECC (Nevada / Arizona) energy markets and having Hands-on experience managing CAISO GIDAP, NV Energy, or APS interconnection processes from application through GIA execution

• Proven experience managing CEQA / NEPA, BLM ROW, and county land use permitting processes

• Excellent communication, negotiation, and executive presentation skills; able to represent the company credibly with counterparties and regulators

• Self-directed and entrepreneurial; able to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously in a fast-paced, cross-cultural environment

• Willingness to travel to project sites, utility offices, and regulatory hearings across the Western U.S.

Education/Experience:

· B.S. or M.S. in Engineering, Environmental Science, Energy Policy, Business, or related field

· Existing relationships with CAISO, NV Energy, APS, LADWP, SCE, or PG&E interconnection and regulatory teams

Location: South San Francisco, CA or remote