Manager of Development Engineering

LRE (Leeward Renewable Energy) is forging an American energy future with integrity, innovation, and positive impact. Born in Texas in 2003, we own and operate over 30 utility-scale wind, solar, and energy storage projects in local communities across the United States, totaling 4 gigawatts (GW) of generating capacity.  

LRE continues to help meet increased U.S. energy demand through our robust pipeline of new projects every year. Domestic jobs and manufacturing are fundamental to our full-lifecycle approach to projects, along with a long-term ownership model and a company culture dedicated to our community partners and protecting the natural environment. 

Job Summary:

The Manager of Development Engineering reports to the Director of Project Engineering and will provide managerial oversight and at times hands on work related to the design and engineering aspects of wind, solar, and energy storage projects from mid-stage development through the handoff to project execution.  This position will interface with development, origination, estimating, procurement, preconstruction, and other engineering subject matter experts to ensure the development engineering processes are completed smoothly and efficiently.  The position requires experience with development, design, and construction of utility scale renewable energy projects.

Responsibilities:

• Support the development of a zero incident Leeward safety culture.

• Provide leadership to Leeward’s project development engineering function relating to the development of all new wind, solar, and energy storage projects.

• Excellent cross-functional teamwork, especially with Leeward’s Development team on project development efforts and with Leeward’s Preconstruction team to ensure successful, proper design of safe and reliable projects

• Recruit, develop, and lead a high-performing development engineering team

• Actively weigh the consequences of all preliminary designs, engineering assumptions, and site evaluations from all the disciplines involved in the project to ensure project is set up successfully for execution

• Manage the completion of preliminary engineering studies, layouts, and energy estimates to support the development and permitting process as well as offtake marketing

• Provide accurate inputs and assumptions of risk for estimator bid inputs and financial models

• Participate in cost estimate and bid deep dive review meetings with preconstruction team

• Set up and improve processes for development engineering work by evaluating new technologies/software, editing task guidebooks, and working cross functionally to align with other departments

• Assure prioritization and the timely completion of multiple development engineering tasks in support of the project build plan and early development efforts

• Responsible for maintaining clear and concise communications, keeping accurate records, distributing progress reports and thorough documentation throughout all phases of the project and incorporating into the Leeward Document Management System 

• Provide leadership in lessons learned by taking action to correct items before recurrence and proactively updating processes and role guidebooks.

• Makes effective use of resources to achieve an optimal balance of cost and risk in the execution and delivery of renewable energy projects

• Effectively enlists leadership from all levels of the cross functional organization to achieve common vision, goals and objectives for the project(s)

• Demonstrates a sense of urgency in the face of important issues and reaching timely decisions where necessary to ensure minimal impact on project schedule and costs

Qualifications:

• Bachelor of Science in Engineering from an accredited university and a minimum of (8) years of experience in engineering and/or construction of power generation facilities and/or electrical systems.

• A minimum of two (2) years of experience in management or leadership role with engineering, construction/project management of wind/solar/storage projects.  A Professional Engineering Registration (PE) is highly desirable.

• Proficient in some of the following: AutoCAD, PVsyst, PlantPredict, Openwind, and other automated layout/optimization tools.

• Understanding of project development and permitting processes

• Knowledge of project commercial issues and project financial analysis

• Strong project management skills

• Proficient knowledge of engineering economics and optimization process

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

• Organized with the ability to simultaneously oversee multiple development projects

• Well-developed and professional interpersonal skills; ability to interact effectively with people at all levels of the organization, as well as outside customers and vendors

• Proficient use of all Microsoft Office Suite programs

• Ability to operate a motor vehicle and possession of a valid driver's license   

Physical Demands:

• Position will require sitting for long periods of time

• Occasionally lifting up to twenty-pound boxes

• Willingness and ability to travel at least 25% of time

Please Note: This is an in-office role, requiring on site presence in our office a minimum of three days per week with hybrid flexibility of working remotely two days per week, subject to manager and policy approval. #LIHybrid

Applicants must have current authorization to work for any employer in the United States on a full-time basis without the need for an employment visa now or in the future. Employer visa sponsorship is not available for this role.

Leeward Management Services, LLC is committed to employing a diverse workforce and provides equal employment opportunity for all individuals regardless of race, color, gender, age, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a protected veteran, genetic information, status as a qualified individual with a disability, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Notice to Recruiters and Staffing Agencies:Leeward Renewable Energy (LRE) does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiting vendors or employment agencies. Only recruiting vendors with a current, signed agreement in place with LRE are authorized to submit resumes for specific, requested positions. All unsolicited resumes and candidate profiles submitted to LRE, or any LRE employee, without an active agreement or written request from LRE’s HR Department, will be considered property of LRE. LRE will not be responsible for any fees or expenses associated with unsolicited resumes or candidates submitted in this manner.