Sr. Engineer, Project Development M&A

Leeward Renewable Energy•Chicago, IL

7d•$138,000 - $194,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Sr. Project Development Engineer (P4) is responsible for the engineering and technical aspects of utility-scale wind, solar, and energy storage M&A projects during commercial transaction periods, through handoff to execution. The role provides engineering leadership for M&A transactions and thoroughly evaluates potential projects through engineering due diligence and preliminary design work. The engineer optimizes projects to ensure they are marketable and ready for execution while maintaining quality consistent with LRE’s long-term ownership focus. The role emphasizes collaboration and proactive risk management to inform LRE’s project pipeline and support future project success. It leads multiple projects, coordinates with internal and external stakeholders, and transfers engineering knowledge and project risks to the execution team during pre-construction. The role also guides and trains junior engineers. This is an in-office role requiring presence at the office at least three days per week, with the possibility of working remotely two days per week, subject to manager and policy approval. The role requires willingness and ability to travel at least 25% of the time. The stated annual salary range is $138,000 to $194,000. The position includes a 401(k) retirement plan and health, dental, vision, and life insurance. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States full-time without current or future employment visa sponsorship.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in engineering (four-year degree).
At least 6 years of relevant technical experience, including project development, permitting, conceptual and detailed engineering design, project engineering, scope preparation, scheduling, cost estimating, procurement, and contracts.
At least 5 years of development engineering experience in the renewable energy industry.
Ability to take ownership and oversee projects and tasks involving complex issues.
Proficiency in some of the following: AutoCAD, PVsyst, PlantPredict, PVFarm, Openwind, and other automated layout or optimization tools.
Understanding of M&A, project development, cost estimating, and permitting processes.
Knowledge of project commercial issues and financial analysis.
Strong project management skills.
Proficient knowledge of engineering economics and optimization processes.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Organizational skills and ability to oversee multiple development projects simultaneously.
Well-developed professional interpersonal skills and ability to interact effectively with people at all organizational levels, as well as external customers and vendors.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite programs.
Ability to manage priorities in a complex and dynamic environment.
Ability to read and interpret technical documentation, drawings, and other common specifications.
Ability to operate a motor vehicle and possession of a valid driver’s license.
Willingness and ability to travel at least 25% of the time.

Nice To Haves

Deep technical knowledge of photovoltaic, wind, and storage power plant systems and equipment.
Strong knowledge of procurement and construction processes and procedures.
Familiarity with building codes and standards, including the IBC, ASCE 7, and NEC.
Professional Engineer (PE) license.

Responsibilities

Conduct desktop site assessments for potential acquisition and divestiture projects to inform project capacity and energy, and identify engineering and constructability risks.
Diligence data rooms for potential project acquisitions and prepare engineering documentation for potential divestitures.
Collaborate with M&A Managers, Project Development, and Finance teams to advance transactions that add value for LRE.
Prepare or manage preliminary site layouts.
Provide energy prediction reports in coordination with the performance engineering team.
Work with the engineering team to assess and anticipate engineering deliverable needs, including site surveys, geotechnical and hydrology reports, conceptual grading and drainage plans, and preliminary collection, substation, civil, and structural designs.
Provide engineering and technical input to permitting, power purchase agreements, interconnect agreements, financial modeling, and other project development activities.
Prepare engineering quantities and information for project budgets and schedules.
Represent LRE in M&A, development, permitting, and origination meetings on engineering and technical issues, including meetings with the public and regulatory authorities.
Lead multiple projects simultaneously, manage competing priorities, and overcome obstacles to meet submittal dates.
Gather engineering scopes, exhibits, and site design criteria for RFPs for M&A and divestiture projects.
Review designs and calculations for quality control, performance optimization, and cost-reduction opportunities.
Meet with external consultants and contractors to discuss design options, address concerns, and support contract negotiations.
Conduct site visits for site evaluations.
Assist in creating and reviewing site constraints maps.
Work with procurement and performance teams to stay current on wind turbine, solar module, solar inverter, and energy storage technologies, offerings, and suppliers.
Contribute to the creation of engineering standards.
Coordinate with subject matter experts to identify long-lead procurement items needed to support project schedules.
Maintain accurate project documentation and keep stakeholders informed of project progress.
Transfer engineering knowledge and project risks to the execution-team project engineer during pre-construction.
Guide and train junior-level engineers.