Project Developer, Built Environment

Pivot Energy•Chicago, IL

About The Position

The Project Developer, Built Environment, develops assigned solar, solar-plus-storage, and standalone energy storage projects in urban, commercial, and infrastructure-adjacent settings across the United States. Projects originate with Pivot’s C&I sales or greenfield site origination teams. The Developer manages each project from receipt of the site through discretionary permitting, interconnection, environmental diligence, and other development work, then transitions it to the Project Delivery team for construction and the EPC sequence. The role focuses on interconnection, site diligence, and permitting for C&I projects—including rooftop, ground-mount, and carport PV—and greenfield energy storage projects. The Developer works closely with internal teams and manages external contractors throughout the project life cycle. Success requires strong organization, clear communication, attention to detail, and the ability to navigate complex or novel jurisdictional approval processes while coordinating stakeholders across multiple projects. The role is based preferably in Denver, Chicago, or Baltimore; remote work within the US will also be considered. Travel of up to 50% is expected for permitting and community-engagement meetings. The estimated base salary is $105,000–$140,000, depending on relevant experience. The position is also eligible for a company bonus plan with a 20% target bonus and a commission based on project throughput.

Requirements

At least 4 years of experience in renewable energy development or comparable professional experience.
Substantial experience developing projects in the built environment, including rooftop and carport/canopy projects and their distinct diligence, interconnection, and discretionary permitting needs.
Substantial experience developing BESS and SAS projects, including interconnection, discretionary permitting, community engagement, and coordination with fire districts and staff.
Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to explain complex concepts to internal and external audiences.
Comfort presenting Pivot project concepts in public to recommending and decision-making bodies.
Strong communication and public-relations skills and a positive attitude in interpersonal interactions.
Valid driver’s license and ability to drive to project sites and permitting authorities.
Ability to travel up to 50% for permitting and community-engagement meetings, make travel arrangements independently, and work self-reliantly.
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, ask questions, and take on tasks outside one’s comfort zone.
Ability to prioritize tasks and manage complex evaluation processes across a significant number of sites to support project siting and related decisions.
Experience preparing applications and documents for federal, state, and local renewable-energy project permitting.
Understanding of real-estate title, LLCs, tax maps, deeds, and parcel identification.

Responsibilities

Manage and lead the creation and submission of permitting documents for energy and industrial facility development, expansion, and maintenance, with a focus on local permitting.
Manage third-party consultants and contractors completing project diligence, ensuring work meets quality, budget, schedule, and scope expectations.
Attend community events to discuss solar with stakeholders and periodically participate in local policy working groups.
Meet with landowners, manage lease terms, and amend leases for solar and battery energy storage system (BESS) development.
Coordinate with Engineering and Grid Integration teams on interconnection timelines, processes, and strategies.
Complete title-curative work required for project financing in collaboration with the legal team.
Represent Project Development at internal and external handoff meetings and clearly communicate project requirements among sales, engineering, preconstruction, project management, and other stakeholders.
Prepare project deliverables for and work with the Structured Finance team to ensure qualifying projects are ready for financial closings.
Support client relationships managed by origination teams by attending meetings and providing timely updates.
Perform additional duties as required by the Director or VP.

Benefits

Company bonus plan with a target bonus of 20% of annual salary, prorated in the first year based on start date.
Commission based on project throughput.
Health, dental, and vision insurance, with up to 100% of premiums covered by the company.
Four weeks of vacation, prorated in the first year.
Company-paid life insurance and short- and long-term disability coverage.
Parental leave.
401(k) matching.
Home-office setup stipend for new employees.
Public transit reimbursement.
Paid time off for volunteering in the community.
Charitable donation matching up to $500 per year.
Professional development and educational reimbursements.