Development Engineer Manager

Why Join Zelestra

At Zelestra, you'll have the opportunity to:

• Lead engineering for some of the nation's most impactful utility-scale renewable energy projects.
• Mentor and develop a high-performing engineering team.
• Shape the future of clean energy by advancing utility-scale solar, battery energy storage (BESS), and wind projects from concept through development.
• Lead technical evaluations that directly influence project investment, feasibility, and development strategy.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams across Development, Engineering, Environmental, Real Estate, Transmission, Construction, and Finance.
• Work on innovative, large-scale renewable energy projects that accelerate the global energy transition.

Position Summary

Industry:  Utility-Scale Renewable Energy  
Location: U.S. 
Job Type: Remote l Full-Time | Permanent 
Role Reports To: VP of Engineering 

Position Snapshot

Position Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Civil, Electrical, Mechanical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline; Master's degree preferred.
• 7+ years of engineering experience supporting utility-scale renewable energy, power generation, utilities, infrastructure, or EPC projects.
• 3+ years of engineering leadership or people management experience.
• Strong understanding of renewable energy project development, including 10%, 30%, 60%, and IFC engineering milestones.
• Experience supporting permitting, interconnection, procurement, project finance, construction, technical due diligence, or M&A activities.
• Demonstrated ability to lead technical workstreams and collaborate across multidisciplinary teams without direct reporting authority.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Bluebeam, PVSyst, PV design software, and other engineering applications.
• Working knowledge of renewable energy engineering standards, codes, and industry best practices.
• Experience leveraging AI tools such as ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, Claude, or similar technologies to improve productivity and engineering workflows.

What You'll Do

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of 1–2 Development Engineers while establishing priorities, balancing workloads, and supporting performance and career growth.
• Provide technical leadership for solar production modeling and energy yield assessments using PVSyst and related analytical tools.
• Oversee technical feasibility studies, fatal flaw analyses, constructability reviews, and engineering due diligence for utility-scale solar, battery energy storage, and wind projects.
• Support project development activities across site selection, permitting, land acquisition, transmission, interconnection, and environmental workstreams.
• Develop, review, and manage engineering scopes of work for civil, geotechnical, hydrology, environmental, and other technical studies.
• Manage engineering consultants and coordinate with cross-functional teams to ensure projects remain on schedule and achieve key development milestones.
• Review engineering deliverables, technical studies, and project schedules while identifying opportunities to improve project performance, reduce costs, and mitigate technical risk.
• Conduct site visits to assess constructability, validate technical assumptions, and support internal and external stakeholder engagement.
• Champion the use of AI, automation, and digital engineering tools to improve engineering efficiency, consistency, and technical decision-making.

Compensation and Benefits

The anticipated starting salary for this role is $175,000 annual plus a competitve bonus program.  Actual pay may vary depending on job-related factors, such as the candidate’s experience and qualifications.

Zelestra offers a comprehensive benefits package including:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Life insurance
• Paid holidays and paid time off
• Retirement savings benefits