Manager, Project Development - US Remote

Wärtsilä•Houston, TX

8d•Remote

About The Position

Wärtsilä is seeking a Manager, Project Development to lead and coordinate the development of gas-fired power generation projects. This role spans from origination and early-stage development through financial close and handover to execution. The successful candidate will ensure projects are technically feasible, commercially viable, properly de-risked, and investment-ready. Key responsibilities include coordinating permitting, land/site control, environmental approvals, grid connection, commercial agreements, project finance, stakeholder management, and internal governance. The ideal candidate has experience in project development within the energy sector, preferably in power generation, gas-fired projects, thermal power plants, oil & gas, renewables, utilities, IPPs, or energy infrastructure. Experience across the project lifecycle is highly valued. Strong commercial and financial acumen, experience managing project risks, and understanding the balance between development budget, project risk, expected return, and execution readiness are essential. This role is fully remote, with a preference for candidates in Houston or Fort Lauderdale, but open to other U.S. locations near major airports due to required travel. If residing within 40 miles of a Wärtsilä facility, a hybrid work model will apply.

Requirements

4–6+ years of experience in project development, project execution, commercial development, or infrastructure development within the energy sector.
Experience in power generation is highly preferred; experience in oil & gas, renewables, utilities, IPPs, or energy infrastructure may also be considered.
Understanding of the project lifecycle, including origination, development, financial close, execution handover, and/or post-development.
Experience with permitting, regulatory processes, site control, grid connection, EPC contracts, project finance, commercial structuring, or investment cases.
Strong ability to assess and manage project risks, development budgets, and risk-return trade-offs.
Strong stakeholder management, negotiation, and cross-functional coordination skills.

Responsibilities

Lead project development activities from origination through financial close and handover to execution.
Coordinate permitting, land/site control, environmental approvals, regulatory compliance, and grid connection processes.
Support commercial structuring and key project agreements, including PPAs, Fuel Supply Agreements, EPC contracts, O&M agreements, and LTSA contracts.
Contribute to financial modeling, project finance, investment cases, and internal approval processes.
Manage relationships with offtakers, utilities, IPPs, industrial customers, developers, co-development partners, and other key stakeholders.
Identify, track, and mitigate project development risks using structured risk tools, checklists, and mitigation plans.
Work closely with Business Development, Sales Support, Legal, Finance, Engineering, Project Execution, and Operations teams.