Manager, Project Development - Transmission & Distribution

Job Location

Job Location: Arlington, Midland, Houston, TX – Hybrid or remote (Midwest) with heavy travel

About Priority Power

Priority Power is the energy partner delivering the systems, expertise, and execution required to power enterprise growth. Through our integrated multi‑service offering spanning strategy, supply, infrastructure, and operations, we develop and operate mission‑critical energy solutions for organizations navigating today’s complex energy landscape. From greenfield to gigawatt to grid, we make power possible at the scale and speed of ambitious growth demands.

Position Overview

The Manager, Project Development – Transmission & Distribution leads the development of a pipeline of utility‑class, high‑voltage electrical infrastructure projects, including transmission lines, substations, distribution systems, and grid interconnection facilities. These projects extend reliable grid access and deliver purpose‑built electrical infrastructure to Priority Power’s large industrial and commercial customers across market verticals such as oil and gas, hyperscale data centers, crypto mining, manufacturing, and other power‑intensive industries.

As a hybrid position based in Arlington, Midland or Houston, TX, the role requires at least 25% travel to other offices, customer meetings, and project site visits.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the Sr. Director, Development and internal stakeholders with T&D expertise to qualify and advance high‑voltage infrastructure projects, including transmission lines, substations, distribution systems, and grid interconnection facilities.
• Develop a pipeline of utility‑class T&D infrastructure projects—high‑voltage transmission lines, switching stations, substations, distribution extensions, and private wire systems—to serve existing and prospective industrial customers.
• Prepare conceptual T&D service plans, one‑line diagrams, load flow assessments, and other technical documents to support project scoping and customer proposals.
• Develop and manage project development schedules and budgets.
• Lead project meetings with internal and external stakeholders.
• Manage contract obligations in key project documents.
• Lead project permitting for T&D infrastructure, including land‑use, NEPA, TCEQ, and local/county permits; develop permitting strategy, track all permit workstreams, and represent the project at public hearings and regulatory proceedings as required.
• Coordinate delivery of site and environmental studies, including geotechnical reports, Phase I/II environmental site assessments, transmission line routing studies, substation siting studies, survey and ALTA reports, and title commitments.
• Lead the ERCOT or applicable RTO/ISO interconnection process for transmission and distribution projects, from interconnection application through facilities study, system impact study, and interconnection agreement execution.
• Collaborate with internal and external engineering teams on line routing, structure selection, conductor sizing, substation equipment, protection and control schemes, and distribution system design.
• Work with internal construction management on contractor selection and securing additional permits.
• Hand off projects once fully developed and permitted to construction management.
• Participate in project financings by answering diligence questions and providing required documents.
• Coordinate additional resources or outside consultants/contractors and manage related expenses throughout project development.
• Apply critical thinking to communicate and influence employees at all levels regarding project risks, opportunities, and recommended action.
• Provide support and analysis for business development pipeline reporting.

Requirements

• At least 10 years of project development and/or project management experience in utility‑class high‑voltage electrical infrastructure, with hands‑on experience in transmission lines, substations, and/or distribution systems.
• Bachelor of Science in Engineering, preferably electrical or mechanical, or demonstration of sufficient expertise in electrical engineering for utility‑scale power systems.
• Professional Engineering license or ability to obtain is preferred.
• Thorough familiarity with high‑voltage T&D infrastructure, including transmission line design, substation equipment, protection and control systems, and distribution architecture; knowledge of multiple RTOs/ISOs (especially ERCOT) and associated service providers is required.
• Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to meet deadlines.
• Extensive knowledge of high‑voltage transmission, substation, and distribution systems, including line design, transformer and switchgear selection, protection and control schemes, and grid interconnection requirements.
• Experience in T&D project development including ROW acquisition, easement negotiation, land‑use and environmental permitting, utility coordination, and transmission or distribution interconnection processing is strongly preferred.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including public speaking and executive presentation skills.
• Self‑starter, highly self‑reliant, and capable of operating with minimal supervision.
• Ability to work within a cross‑functional team environment for project development and execution.
• Ability to manage client expectations within the context of project development and execution.
• Ability to effectively address and manage or participate in the resolution of conflicts with clients or other stakeholders during project development.
• Willingness and ability to travel 25–50% on average, more as required by projects.
• Experience with energy storage (BESS) integration into transmission or distribution systems, microgrid design, or private wire infrastructure is a plus.
• Experience with front‑of‑the‑meter transmission projects and behind‑the‑meter distribution and private wire systems across multiple voltage classes is a plus.
• Comfortable managing multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment.

Benefits & Culture

Priority Power offers a values‑driven culture that emphasizes integrity, customer focus, accountability, and collaboration. Employees enjoy flexible work policies, empowerment to lead and innovate, and a high‑performance environment that rewards outcomes and milestone achievements. The organization is committed to building a resilient, efficient, and sustainable energy future.

Equal Opportunity Employer: Priority Power is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity in its workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or disability.