Senior development engineering

Why Join Zelestra
At Zelestra, you'll have the opportunity to:

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.
Expand your expertise in production modeling, project feasibility, technical due diligence, and renewable energy development.
Leverage advanced engineering software, AI, and digital technologies to improve project outcomes and engineering efficiency.
Join a collaborative, high-performing team committed to innovation, continuous improvement, and delivering sustainable energy solutions.
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

The Senior Development Engineer leads and supports the technical development of utility-scale solar, battery energy storage (BESS), and wind projects from site identification through late-stage development and construction readiness. This role provides technical leadership in production modeling, project feasibility, engineering due diligence, site evaluation, and cross-functional collaboration to advance renewable energy projects safely, efficiently, and in alignment with project objectives.

Position Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Civil, Electrical, Mechanical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline; Master's degree preferred.
Minimum 5 years of engineering experience, including 2+ years supporting utility-scale renewable energy projects.
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.
What You'll Do

Lead solar production modeling and energy yield assessments using PVSyst and related analytical tools.
Perform technical feasibility studies, fatal flaw analyses, constructability reviews, and engineering due diligence for utility-scale solar, BESS, and wind projects.
Support project development through site selection, permitting, land acquisition, transmission, interconnection, and environmental activities.
Develop, review, and manage engineering scopes of work for civil, geotechnical, hydrology, environmental, and other technical studies.
Coordinate engineering consultants and cross-functional teams to ensure projects advance on schedule and meet development milestones.
Review engineering deliverables, technical studies, and project schedules while identifying opportunities to optimize project performance and reduce risk.
Conduct site visits to evaluate constructability, validate technical assumptions, and support stakeholder engagement.
Utilize AI, automation, and digital engineering tools to improve engineering efficiency and technical decision-making.
Compensation and Benefits
The anticipated starting salary for this role is $140,000 annual. 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
Performance-based bonus opportunities
Retirement savings benefits

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.

 #LI-SG1 #LI-REMOTE

Development Engineer • Renewable Energy • Utility-Scale Solar • Solar PV • Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) • Wind Energy • Production Modeling • PVSyst • Project Development • Technical Due Diligence • Site Selection • Fatal Flaw Analysis • Constructability Reviews • Interconnection • Transmission • Environmental Permitting • Project Finance • Land Acquisition • Civil Engineering • Electrical Engineering • Mechanical Engineering • PVcase • AutoCAD • Civil 3D • ArcGIS • Bluebeam • AI • Microsoft Copilot • ChatGPT • Claude Let's co-build a carbon-free tomorrow!

Visit us at zelestra.energy