Project Development Director

About the role

The Project Development Director plays a critical role across Energy Vault’s front-end development activities, acting as the single point of ownership for progressing acquired projects to deploy energy storage and/or generation assets under its Build-Own-Operate strategy, from early development through to Ready to Build (RTB).

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end development of utility-scale energy storage and generation projects from early-stage assessment/acquisition through contracting and Ready-to-Build (RTB)
• Manage third-party developers, consultants, and internal cross-functional teams to advance development workstreams, ensure stage-gate readiness, and drive critical decisions
• Own development budgets, schedules, critical path execution, risk management, and reporting to leadership and investment stakeholders
• Secure and manage key project agreements and permits, including land control, environmental/community engagement, and local approvals with relevant authorities
• Drive grid interconnection and utility coordination through application, studies, and agreements to support bankable RTB outcomes
• Define project scope and requirements aligned to commercial strategy, ensuring development deliverables support financing, offtake, and long-term value creation

Requirements

• 15 years of related experience with a bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Communication, or Business; 12 years of related experience with a master’s degree; or 8 years of related experience with a PhD
• 5+ years of experience in Project Management of complex projects in the Energy Generation and/or Energy Storage industries
• Proven experience developing projects from origination/acquisition through development approvals and grid connections
• Certification in Project Management preferred
• Capacity to learn on-the-fly, particularly regarding nuanced project technical or legal requirements
• Excellent Project Management skills and the ability to work independently on multiple project timelines simultaneously
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Agile work ethic with flexibility to address pressing project needs as they arise
• Proficiency in effective communication of project plans, proposals, and results, and ability to negotiate options at senior management levels
• Willingness to travel domestically and/or internationally, up to 30%
• Comfortable thriving in fast-paced, rapid growth environments

Qualifications

• A passion for sustainability, our mission, and our vision is a bonus!

Skills

• Project Management
• Grid Coordination
• Financial Management
• Legal Compliance
• Communication

Benefits

• Annual bonus plan
• Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)
• 401K employer matching
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans for employees and family
• Flexible Spending Account
• Company-paid Life insurance, Short- and Long-term disability insurance
• Paternity leave
• Generous holiday allowance
• Flexible time off plus sick leave
• Reimbursement for home office equipment, phone, and internet expenses

Pay

$154,000 - $246,000 a year

Schedule

Full-time