Manager, Project Development – Grid Solutions & Early-Stage Engineering

Priority Power Management LLC•Arlington, TX

9d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Manager, Project Development – Grid Solutions & Early-Stage Engineering will lead the development of a pipeline of utility-class, natural gas-fired power generation projects, including simple-cycle combustion turbines, combined-cycle plants, reciprocating engine facilities, and waste-heat recovery systems. These projects will deliver reliable, dispatchable generation capacity to Priority Power’s large industrial and commercial customers across market verticals including oil and gas, hyperscale data centers, crypto mining, and other power-intensive industries. The successful candidate will lead technical evaluation and early-stage development work across a diverse project portfolio, with particular emphasis on interconnection feasibility, grid topology analysis, system resiliency and redundancy design, technology selection and comparison, Class 3–5 conceptual cost estimating, and milestone-based early-stage scheduling. This role requires the ability to rapidly assess project viability, identify risks, and develop technically credible plans that support go/no-go decisions and advance projects into full development. This position can be based in Priority Power’s Arlington, Midland or Houston, Texas office (Hybrid) and will be expected to travel at least 25% of the time to other Priority Power offices, customer meetings, and project site visits. The successful candidate will work on a cross functional team with new product development, origination, commercial, legal, finance, engineering, construction, and outside consultants, landowners, customers, project stakeholders and utility companies. The role requires project management knowledge and expertise with utility-class electrical infrastructure development.

Requirements

At least 10 (ten) years of experience in utility-class electrical infrastructure development, engineering, or project management, with demonstrated hands-on experience in interconnection analysis, grid topology, system resiliency design, technology selection, cost estimating, and/or early-stage project scheduling.
Bachelor of Science in Engineering, with preference for electrical and mechanical, or demonstration of sufficient expertise in electrical engineering for utility scale power systems.
Thorough familiarity with high-voltage electrical infrastructure including transmission, substation, distribution, generation, and storage systems; working knowledge of ERCOT and other RTO/ISO interconnection processes, grid codes, and applicable standards (IEEE, NERC, NESC) is required.
Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail and ability to meet deadlines.
Strong working knowledge of thermal generation plant systems including fuel handling, combustion, emissions controls (SCR, oxidation catalyst, DLN combustors), cooling water, and auxiliary electrical systems.
Demonstrated experience developing Class 3–5 conceptual cost estimates and early-stage project schedules for utility-class electrical infrastructure projects, with understanding of appropriate contingency levels, cost drivers, long-lead equipment, and critical path development.
Excellent oral and written communication skills are required including public speaking and/or platform skills for executive management presentations.
Self-starter, very self-reliant and capable of operating with minimum 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 either manage or participate in the resolution of conflicts with clients or other project stakeholders which may arise throughout the course of project development.
Willingness and ability to travel 25 - 50% on average but more as required by projects.

Nice To Haves

Professional Engineering licensing or ability to obtain is preferred.
Experience with power flow modeling, short circuit analysis, load flow studies, or other power systems simulation tools (e.g., PSS/E, PowerWorld, PSCAD, ETAP) is a plus.
Experience utilizing CRM systems and developing metrics.
Comfortable managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

Support the Sr. Director, Development and other internal stakeholders with early-stage technical expertise to qualify and advance utility-class electrical infrastructure projects across generation, transmission, distribution, and storage technology types.
Conduct grid topology analyses to evaluate network configuration options, identify single points of failure, and recommend resiliency and redundancy improvements including looped feeds, dual-source substations, automatic transfer schemes, and microgrid islanding capabilities.
Develop and manage project development schedules and budgets.
Lead project meetings with internal and external stakeholders.
Manage contract obligations in key project documents.
Lead technology selection processes for early-stage projects, developing technology comparison matrices, evaluating vendor capabilities, assessing equipment lead times and supply chain risk, and recommending optimal solutions based on project-specific technical and commercial requirements.
Develop Class 3–5 conceptual cost estimates for utility-class electrical infrastructure projects, including equipment, civil, electrical, structural, labor, and owner’s cost components, with appropriate contingency levels reflective of project development stage.
Coordinate for delivery of ALTA Surveys and Title Reports.
Develop early-stage project schedules establishing key development, permitting, procurement, and construction milestones; identify critical path activities and long-lead items; and maintain schedule updates as projects advance through the development process.
Prepare and present technical findings, risk assessments, technology recommendations, cost estimates, and schedule summaries to internal leadership, customers, and external project stakeholders in support of go/no-go decisions and project advancement.
Work with internal construction management team on contractor selection process.
Coordinate with construction management team on securing other permits.
Handoff projects once fully developed and permitted to construction management team.
Participate in project financings answering relevant diligence questions and providing required documents.
Coordinate additional resources or outside consultants/contractors as well as managing and meeting expenses throughout project development.
Apply critical thinking needed to communicate and influence employees at all levels regarding project risks, opportunities, and recommended action.
Provide support and analysis for Business Development pipeline reporting.