Project Development Engineer

Project Development EngineerLRE (Leeward Renewable Energy) is forging an American energy future with integrity, innovation, and positive impact. Born in Texas in 2003, we own and operate over 30 utility-scale wind, solar, and energy storage projects in local communities across the United States, totaling 4 gigawatts (GW) of generating capacity.LRE continues to help meet increased U.S. energy demand through our robust pipeline of new projects every year. Domestic jobs and manufacturing are fundamental to our full-lifecycle approach to projects, along with a long-term ownership model and a company culture dedicated to our community partners and protecting the natural environment.Job Summary:The Project Development Engineer is responsible for the engineering and technical aspects of wind, solar, and energy storage utility-scale projects during the development phase. This role ensures thorough evaluation and support of projects through engineering due diligence and preliminary design work. The Project Development Engineer plays a key role in optimizing the projects to ensure they are marketable and ready for execution while maintaining quality consistent with LRE's long-term ownership focus. The position emphasizes collaboration and proactive risk management to inform the LRE pipeline and set the stage for future project success.Responsibilities:Conducts desktop site assessments to inform project capacity and energy in addition to engineering and constructability risksPrepares or manages preparation of preliminary site layoutsProvides energy prediction reports in coordination with the performance teamWorks with the engineering team to assess and anticipate engineering deliverable needs including site surveys, geotechnical reports, hydrology reports, conceptual grading and drainage plans, and preliminary collection, substation, civil, and structural designs.Provides engineering/technical input to permitting, power purchase agreements, interconnect agreements, financial modeling, and other project development aspectsPrepares engineering quantities and information for project budgets and schedulesRepresents LRE in development, permitting and origination meetings on engineering and technical issues, including meetings with the public and regulatory authoritiesLeads multiple projects simultaneously; manages competing priorities and overcomes obstacles to successfully meet submittal datesGathers engineering scopes, exhibits, and site design criteria for the creation of RFPsReviews designs and calculations for quality control, performance optimization, and cost reduction opportunitiesMeets with external consultants and contractors to discuss design options, address concerns, and support contract negotiations.Conducts site visits for site evaluationsAssists in the creation and review of site constraints mapsWorks directly with the procurement and performance team to stay current on wind turbine, solar module, solar inverter, and energy storage technology, offerings, and suppliersContributes to engineering standard creationCoordinates with subject matter experts to identify long lead procurement items needed to support project schedulesMaintains accurate project documentation and keeps stakeholders informed of project progressTransfers engineering knowledge and risks of assigned projects to the project engineer on the execution team during the pre-construction phase.Help train junior level engineersQualifications:4-Year Bachelors Engineering Degree3-6 years of relevant technical experience; renewable power generation preferred.Ability to learn quicklyFamiliarity with some of the following: AutoCAD, PVsyst, PlantPredict, Openwind, and other automated layout/optimization tools.Understanding of project development and permitting processesBasic knowledge of project commercial issues and project financial analysisStrong project management skillsProficient knowledge of engineering economics and optimization processExcellent verbal and written communication skillsOrganized with the ability to simultaneously oversee multiple development projectsWell-developed and professional interpersonal skills; ability to interact effectively with people at all levels of the organization, as well as outside customers and vendorsProficient use of all Microsoft Office Suite programs.Ability to manage priorities in a complex and dynamic environmentPrior experience in the renewable energy industry. Desirable project experience to include project development and permitting, conceptual and detailed design, project engineering management, scope preparation, scheduling, cost estimating, procurement, and contracts.Ability to read and interpret technical documentation and drawings and other common specificationsCan lead projects with minimal supervisionKnowing when to elevate issuesAbility to operate a motor vehicle and possession of a valid driver's licensePreferred Qualifications:Deep technical knowledge of PV, wind, and storage power plant systems and equipment.Strong knowledge of power project engineeringStrong knowledge in procurement and construction processes and proceduresFamiliarity with building codes and standards including the IBC, ASCE 7, and the NECObtained E.I.T. certificate and working towards PE licenseReporting Structure:The Project Development Engineer reports to the Director of Project Engineering within the Project Construction Management Organization.Physical Demands:Position will require sitting for long periods of timeOccasionally lifting up to twenty-pound boxes.Willingness and ability to travel at least 25% of timeApplicants must have current authorization to work for any employer in the United States on a full-time basis without the need for an employment visa now or in the future . Employer visa sponsorship is not available for this role.Leeward Management Services, LLC is committed to employing a diverse workforce and provides equal employment opportunity for all individuals regardless of race, color, gender, age, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a protected veteran, genetic information, status as a qualified individual with a disability, or any other characteristic protected by law.Notice to Recruiters and Staffing Agencies: Leeward Renewable Energy (LRE) does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiting vendors or employment agencies. Only recruiting vendors with a current, signed agreement in place with LRE are authorized to submit resumes for specific, requested positions. All unsolicited resumes and candidate profiles submitted to LRE, or any LRE employee, without an active agreement or written request from LRE's HR Department, will be considered property of LRE. LRE will not be responsible for any fees or expenses associated with unsolicited resumes or candidates submitted in this manner.