Project Development Manager

Lightshift Energy • Arlington, VA

11h • $115,000 - $155,000

About The Position

The Project Development Manager is an integral member of Lightshift’s team, providing strategic support to the Project Development team with a focus on utility-scale energy storage project development. The role facilitates Lightshift’s on-the-ground project development efforts, supported by the broader team. The position is preferably based at Lightshift’s Arlington, Virginia headquarters; remote employment may be considered for well-qualified candidates whose work overlaps with Lightshift’s development efforts.

The role leads projects through the development lifecycle, from inception to Notice to Proceed, and supports land acquisition, siting, permitting, interconnection, project design, stakeholder research and due diligence, and coordination with battery supply and EPC partners. The listed base salary range is $115,000–$155,000, commensurate with qualifications and experience or educational background. Benefits include annual cash bonuses and a full benefits package.

Requirements

• Experience identifying viable project sites and leading land acquisition efforts for project development.
• Experience with pre-NTP project development workstreams culminating in project approvals from state and local authorities.
• Excellent project management skills, including effective planning, organizing, and prioritizing tasks.
• Strong leadership and communication skills to manage project workstreams and stakeholders.
• Direct experience identifying energy storage market opportunities, determining use cases with prospective customers, and developing project sites.
• At least 2 years of direct project development experience in the energy sector.
• Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills.
• Willingness to travel approximately 25–50% of the time.
• A bachelor’s or master’s degree in business, environmental science, energy management, renewable energy, electrical engineering, or a related field is desired.

Nice To Haves

• More than 2 years of project development experience with demonstrated results, including obtaining project permitting approvals.
• Strong problem-solving and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent research and presentation skills.
• Knowledge of development risks and risk management best practices.
• Working knowledge of US energy markets.
• A collaborative attitude and willingness to help as needed to support company growth plans.
• Desire to effectuate swift change in the clean energy transition.
• Prior mentorship experience developing junior development team members.

Responsibilities

• Lead land acquisition efforts and siting campaigns, identifying viable project sites to grow the project pipeline.
• Lead projects through the development lifecycle, from inception to Notice to Proceed.
• Create project management plans for Lightshift team use.
• Manage federal, state, and local permitting challenges as they arise.
• Ensure interconnection rights are secured and advanced for projects.
• Work with team engineers and analysts on project scope and site design.
• Research and provide due diligence on federal, state, and local officials, regulators, utilities, RTOs, and other stakeholders throughout project development.
• Provide key support to battery supply and EPC partners from project design through contract negotiation and execution.

Benefits

• Generous annual cash bonuses.
• 401(k).
• Health insurance.
• Dental insurance.
• Vision insurance.
• Paid vacation.
• Paid sick leave.
• Paid holidays.
• Short-term disability.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level