Development Manager
Suna Solutions, San Francisco, CA, United States
Utility Scale Project Development Manager / Sr. Development Manager
Exciting opportunity to work with an international renewable energy company that is dedicated to building a sustainable future! This role is direct hire, hybrid, and offers full benefits!
As a Utility Scale Project Development Manager or Sr. Development Manager, you will be responsible for leading the development of large-scale renewable energy assets within the West Region of the U.S. This position is deeply technical and regulatory in nature. You will be responsible for navigating the complex lifecycle of utility-scale solar, wind, and storage projects—transforming raw land into operational, grid-connected power plants. The ideal candidate possesses a mix of real estate acumen, technical understanding of power grids, and the persistence to manage multi-year permitting and interconnection timelines.
Responsibilities for Utility Scale Project Development Manager & Sr. Development Manager
Site Control: Lead the identification, evaluation, and secured site control of viable land for utility-scale deployment.
Interconnection Management: Navigate the ISO/RTO interconnection queues and manage the technical studies required for grid injection.
Permitting & Entitlements: Manage the environmental and land-use permitting process at the local, state, and federal levels (including CEQA/NEPA where applicable).
Project Economics: Maintain rigorous project models, tracking development budgets and ensuring assets meet internal "Final Investment Decision" (FID) criteria.
Technical Coordination: Collaborate with specialized engineering and GIS teams to optimize site layouts and technology selection.
Responsibilities for Utility Scale Project Development Manager level
Focuses on a specific cluster of projects through the mid-stage development cycle.
Assists in submitting interconnection requests and monitoring study results.
Coordinates with consultants on environmental surveys and standard local permits.
Tracks project spend against a set budget for individual assets.
Manages a diverse regional portfolio, overseeing projects from initial prospecting through to COD.
Strategically manages high-level queue positions and negotiates Interconnection Agreements.
Leads strategy for complex jurisdictional hurdles and represents the company in public hearings.
Exercises oversight of regional development budgets and provides input on project valuation and PPA pricing.
Qualifications
Ability to travel up to 50% for project support.
Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Finance, or Environmental Science.
8+ years
of directly related experience in renewable energy project development, with at least 3 years managing energy-related projects through the full development lifecycle. Direct experience in utility-scale energy, infrastructure, or heavy industrial land development.
10+ years
in utility-scale renewables with a track record of successfully de-risking projects for construction. Demonstrated experience developing utility-scale solar, wind, or battery storage projects in western U.S. markets, with working knowledge CAISO, WECC, and other relevant ISO/RTO markets.
Familiarity with power markets, land-use law, and project management software (e.g., MS Project or Primavera).
Deep knowledge of power purchase agreements (PPAs), transmission constraints, and tax equity structures.
Ability to lead cross-functional project teams and provide strategic direction for the West Region portfolio.
Proven ability to deliver large-scale utility energy development projects from origination through financing and construction readiness.
Strong contract negotiation skills with a command of the legal knowledge required for successful agreement management.
Thorough understanding of project development risks and the ability to frame issues with context, analysis, recommendations, and risk/benefit tradeoffs for leadership.
Demonstratable knowledge of interconnection processes, permitting, real estate, and state/federal regulation affecting renewable energy projects.
Strong financial analysis capabilities, including experience with project economic modeling and budget management, and impacts associated with local incentives and property taxes.
Experience with project financing structures, Power Purchase Agreements, and investor documentation.
Effective communicator who collaborates well with senior management, peers, and external third parties across diverse backgrounds.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint), GIS tools, and project management software (e.g., SharePoint, Microsoft Project, or similar platforms).
Self-starter who thrives managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment with strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT
Suna Solutions provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.
This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training. Applicants, with criminal histories, are considered in a manner that is consistent with local, state, and federal laws.
Pay Scale
Starting Pay for role: $120,800–$226,100/yr. DOE
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Exciting opportunity to work with an international renewable energy company that is dedicated to building a sustainable future! This role is direct hire, hybrid, and offers full benefits!
As a Utility Scale Project Development Manager or Sr. Development Manager, you will be responsible for leading the development of large-scale renewable energy assets within the West Region of the U.S. This position is deeply technical and regulatory in nature. You will be responsible for navigating the complex lifecycle of utility-scale solar, wind, and storage projects—transforming raw land into operational, grid-connected power plants. The ideal candidate possesses a mix of real estate acumen, technical understanding of power grids, and the persistence to manage multi-year permitting and interconnection timelines.
Responsibilities for Utility Scale Project Development Manager & Sr. Development Manager
Site Control: Lead the identification, evaluation, and secured site control of viable land for utility-scale deployment.
Interconnection Management: Navigate the ISO/RTO interconnection queues and manage the technical studies required for grid injection.
Permitting & Entitlements: Manage the environmental and land-use permitting process at the local, state, and federal levels (including CEQA/NEPA where applicable).
Project Economics: Maintain rigorous project models, tracking development budgets and ensuring assets meet internal "Final Investment Decision" (FID) criteria.
Technical Coordination: Collaborate with specialized engineering and GIS teams to optimize site layouts and technology selection.
Responsibilities for Utility Scale Project Development Manager level
Focuses on a specific cluster of projects through the mid-stage development cycle.
Assists in submitting interconnection requests and monitoring study results.
Coordinates with consultants on environmental surveys and standard local permits.
Tracks project spend against a set budget for individual assets.
Manages a diverse regional portfolio, overseeing projects from initial prospecting through to COD.
Strategically manages high-level queue positions and negotiates Interconnection Agreements.
Leads strategy for complex jurisdictional hurdles and represents the company in public hearings.
Exercises oversight of regional development budgets and provides input on project valuation and PPA pricing.
Qualifications
Ability to travel up to 50% for project support.
Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Finance, or Environmental Science.
8+ years
of directly related experience in renewable energy project development, with at least 3 years managing energy-related projects through the full development lifecycle. Direct experience in utility-scale energy, infrastructure, or heavy industrial land development.
10+ years
in utility-scale renewables with a track record of successfully de-risking projects for construction. Demonstrated experience developing utility-scale solar, wind, or battery storage projects in western U.S. markets, with working knowledge CAISO, WECC, and other relevant ISO/RTO markets.
Familiarity with power markets, land-use law, and project management software (e.g., MS Project or Primavera).
Deep knowledge of power purchase agreements (PPAs), transmission constraints, and tax equity structures.
Ability to lead cross-functional project teams and provide strategic direction for the West Region portfolio.
Proven ability to deliver large-scale utility energy development projects from origination through financing and construction readiness.
Strong contract negotiation skills with a command of the legal knowledge required for successful agreement management.
Thorough understanding of project development risks and the ability to frame issues with context, analysis, recommendations, and risk/benefit tradeoffs for leadership.
Demonstratable knowledge of interconnection processes, permitting, real estate, and state/federal regulation affecting renewable energy projects.
Strong financial analysis capabilities, including experience with project economic modeling and budget management, and impacts associated with local incentives and property taxes.
Experience with project financing structures, Power Purchase Agreements, and investor documentation.
Effective communicator who collaborates well with senior management, peers, and external third parties across diverse backgrounds.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint), GIS tools, and project management software (e.g., SharePoint, Microsoft Project, or similar platforms).
Self-starter who thrives managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment with strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT
Suna Solutions provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.
This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training. Applicants, with criminal histories, are considered in a manner that is consistent with local, state, and federal laws.
Pay Scale
Starting Pay for role: $120,800–$226,100/yr. DOE
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