Senior Development Engineer - Utility-Scale Renewable Energy

Join Zelestra: Powering a Carbon-Free Future At Zelestra, we’re driving global decarbonization with innovative, large-scale renewable energy solutions. With 20+ years of experience in 13 countries and a portfolio of 20 GW of carbon-free projects, we deliver results that matter. Our 800+ professionals thrive on collaboration, sustainability, and making a real impact—backed by EQT, one of the world’s largest fund managers. Ready to help shape a sustainable world? Join us! Position Summary Industry:  Utility-Scale Renewable Energy Location: U.S. Job Type: Remote l Full-Time | Permanent Role Reports To: VP of Engineering Position Snapshot Lead and support the technical and engineering aspects of utility-scale solar, wind, and energy storage projects from early development through late-stage development, with a key focus on production modeling, technical oversight, cross-functional leadership, and execution of strategic project objectives. Position Qualifications Minimum of 5 years of engineering experience, including at least 2 years in utility-scale renewable energy. Bachelor's degree in Civil, Mechanical, Electrical Engineering, or a related engineering field required; master's degree in an engineering field desirable. Deep understanding of 10% / 30% / 60% / IFC design drawings and development-to-construction design processes for solar and energy storage projects. Experience supporting development, engineering, procurement, construction, permitting, project finance, and/or M&A diligence for utility-scale renewable projects. Demonstrated ability to lead technical workstreams, influence cross-functional teams, and provide guidance to peers without direct reporting authority. Knowledge of renewable energy technical standards and practices, with ability to stay current with changing technologies, regulations, and trends. Experience with Microsoft Office, Bluebeam, PV design tools, production modeling tools, and related engineering software required. Existing professional relationships with renewable energy technical providers preferred. Daily AI user experienced in generative AI, prompt engineering, automation, research, content creation, and data-driven insights to boost productivity and outcomes. Position Responsibility Lead and conduct solar production modeling for internal financial scenarios and independent engineering assessments. Serve as a subject matter expert in solar production modeling using PVSyst and post-processing models. Lead the development and review of engineering timelines to achieve stated project milestones. Create, review, and approve engineering scopes of work for design, hydrology, geotechnical, environmental, and related technical studies; manage timelines to ensure delivery within schedule and budget. Lead and support technical assessments of solar PV, energy storage, and wind projects, including constraint analysis, constructability reviews, desktop analysis, and due diligence. Lead, support, and perform technical activities for utility-scale solar, wind, and energy storage projects from site identification through late-stage development and early construction readiness. Conduct and review site studies for fatal flaws, including geotechnical, hydrology, environmental surveys, and related development risks. Engage with cross-functional teams to support land acquisition, environmental, permitting, site layout, long-lead procurement, transmission, and interconnection activities. Lead and conduct site visits to evaluate technical aspects of projects, define site characteristics, assess constructability, and develop relationships with local stakeholders. Utilize AI in day-to-day activities to increase efficiency and productivity for assigned tasks. Compensation and Benefits The anticipated starting salary range for this role is $120,000 - $150,000 annually. Actual pay may vary depending on job-related factors, such as the candidate’s experience and qualifications. Additionally, Zelestra offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, an Employee Assistance Program, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, holiday pay, paid time off, and a competitive bonus program. 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.

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