[Hiring] Development Engineer Manager @Zelestra

Role Description

At Zelestra, you'll have the opportunity to:

• Lead engineering for some of the nation's most impactful utility-scale renewable energy projects.
• Mentor and develop a high-performing engineering team.
• Shape the future of clean energy by advancing utility-scale solar, battery energy storage (BESS), and wind projects from concept through development.
• Lead technical evaluations that directly influence project investment, feasibility, and development strategy.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams across Development, Engineering, Environmental, Real Estate, Transmission, Construction, and Finance.
• Work on innovative, large-scale renewable energy projects that accelerate the global energy transition.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Civil, Electrical, Mechanical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline; Master's degree preferred.
• 7+ years of engineering experience supporting utility-scale renewable energy, power generation, utilities, infrastructure, or EPC projects.
• 3+ years of engineering leadership or people management experience.
• Strong understanding of renewable energy project development, including 10%, 30%, 60%, and IFC engineering milestones.
• Experience supporting permitting, interconnection, procurement, project finance, construction, technical due diligence, or M&A activities.
• Demonstrated ability to lead technical workstreams and collaborate across multidisciplinary teams without direct reporting authority.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Bluebeam, PVSyst, PV design software, and other engineering applications.
• Working knowledge of renewable energy engineering standards, codes, and industry best practices.
• Experience leveraging AI tools such as ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, Claude, or similar technologies to improve productivity and engineering workflows.

Requirements

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of 1–2 Development Engineers while establishing priorities, balancing workloads, and supporting performance and career growth.
• Provide technical leadership for solar production modeling and energy yield assessments using PVSyst and related analytical tools.
• Oversee technical feasibility studies, fatal flaw analyses, constructability reviews, and engineering due diligence for utility-scale solar, battery energy storage, and wind projects.
• Support project development activities across site selection, permitting, land acquisition, transmission, interconnection, and environmental workstreams.
• Develop, review, and manage engineering scopes of work for civil, geotechnical, hydrology, environmental, and other technical studies.
• Manage engineering consultants and coordinate with cross-functional teams to ensure projects remain on schedule and achieve key development milestones.
• Review engineering deliverables, technical studies, and project schedules while identifying opportunities to improve project performance, reduce costs, and mitigate technical risk.
• Conduct site visits to assess constructability, validate technical assumptions, and support internal and external stakeholder engagement.
• Champion the use of AI, automation, and digital engineering tools to improve engineering efficiency, consistency, and technical decision-making.

Benefits

• The anticipated starting salary for this role is $175,000 annual plus a competitive bonus program. Actual pay may vary depending on job-related factors, such as the candidate’s experience and qualifications.
• Zelestra offers a comprehensive benefits package including:
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Life insurance
• Paid holidays and paid time off
• Retirement savings benefits

Company Description

Zelestra is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic as established by law.