Director, Project Development - Gas-Fired Power Plant

Hanwha Energy•Houston, TX

10d

About The Position

The Project Development Director leads the technical team in evaluating, planning, and advancing natural gas–fired power generation projects for Data Centers from concept through financial close. This position blends Project Development expertise with technical engineering expertise, commercial analysis, regulatory awareness, and cross‑functional coordination to bring utility‑scale gas to power projects to life. The employee may be required to perform other job-related duties as requested by management. All duties will be assigned in accordance with applicable laws and company policies.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical, or Energy Engineering (Master’s is a plus).
15+ years of experience in power generation, natural gas turbines, EPC, or energy project development.
Experience with gas turbine and gas engine power projects is strongly preferred.
Familiarity with gas turbine technologies (GE, Siemens, Mitsubishi, etc.).
Knowledge of environmental permitting processes and grid interconnection requirements.
Strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities.
Excellent communication and stakeholder‑management skills.
Ability to work independently and manage multiple development tracks simultaneously.
Strategic mindset with attention to detail.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with engineering tools (e.g., GT Pro/GT Master, AutoCAD) is a plus.

Responsibilities

Lead technical development of natural gas power plant projects, including engines, simple‑cycle, combined‑cycle, and cogeneration facilities.
Conduct feasibility studies, preliminary engineering, and technology selection (turbines, engines, BESS, emissions controls, balance‑of‑plant systems).
Manage the development of conceptual designs, site layouts, and equipment specifications.
Analyze plant performance, fuel supply options, emissions control strategies, and BESS / data center integration.
Provide leadership to the environmental permitting process.
Prepare capital cost estimates, O&M cost assumptions, and performance models.
Support financial modeling by providing heat rate, output, degradation, and availability assumptions.
Participate in due diligence for project acquisitions or partnerships.
Lead the preparation of proposals, RFP responses, and investment memoranda.
Manage EPC contractors, OE’s, OEMs, consultants, and permitting agencies.
Manage schedules, deliverables, and risk assessments during early‑stage development.
Facilitate cross‑functional collaboration with strategy, environmental, Data Center, and finance teams.
Track project milestones and ensure alignment with corporate development strategy.