Application Guide
How to Apply for Principal, Tax Investor Coverage - Underwriter
at Crux Climate
🏢 About Crux Climate
Crux Climate is unique as a fintech platform specifically focused on streamlining tax credit transactions for clean energy projects, bridging the gap between project developers and investors. The company operates at the intersection of sustainable finance, technology, and regulatory expertise, aiming to accelerate the clean energy transition through efficient market mechanisms. Someone might want to work here to be at the forefront of implementing the Inflation Reduction Act's financial mechanisms and to help build the infrastructure for a growing asset class.
About This Role
This role involves leading the underwriting process for renewable energy tax credit transactions, from initial review of potential deals to overseeing the production of compliance-focused diligence memorandums. It's impactful because you'll be ensuring the financial viability and regulatory compliance of clean energy projects that receive crucial funding through tax credits, directly contributing to the acceleration of sustainable infrastructure. Additionally, you'll be building new investor relationships to expand Crux's transaction pipeline.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might involve reviewing incoming project packages from developers to assess initial eligibility for tax credits, coordinating with legal and technical teams to compile diligence findings into investor-ready memorandums, and participating in calls with potential investor clients to explain deal structures and Crux's process. You might also spend time researching recent IRS guidance updates and preparing for or following up on industry networking events to expand Crux's investor network.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Crux Climate Is Looking For
- Has 8-12+ years in renewable energy project finance, investment banking, or Big 4 tax advisory, with hands-on experience structuring tax equity transactions.
- Possesses deep, current knowledge of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) provisions, IRS tax codes (especially Sections 45, 48, 45Q), and the associated transferability/monetization mechanisms.
- Holds or is immediately willing to obtain FINRA SIE, Series 79, and Series 63 licenses, understanding this is required for operating under Crux's broker-dealer.
- Is a relationship-builder who can leverage industry conferences and networks to source new investor clients for Crux's platform, not just an analytical underwriter.
📝 Tips for Applying to Crux Climate
Quantify your experience with tax credit transactions: specify the number, dollar volume, and types (ITC, PTC, 45Q) of renewable energy deals you've underwritten or advised on in your resume.
Explicitly mention your familiarity with the specific transferability rules under the IRA and how they change traditional tax equity structures, as this is core to Crux's business model.
If you don't currently hold the required FINRA licenses, state your clear plan and willingness to obtain them promptly under Crux's sponsorship in your cover letter or a note.
Highlight any experience using or building fintech/digital platforms for financial transactions, as Crux is a technology-driven intermediary, not just a traditional advisory firm.
Demonstrate your dual capability in deep technical underwriting (financial, legal, engineering docs) and external-facing business development, as both are explicitly required.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
['Your direct experience underwriting renewable energy tax credit transactions and your technical interpretation of the IRA and related IRS guidance.', "Your proven ability to build 'net new relationships' with investors in the climate finance space, citing specific conferences or networks you're active in.", "Why you are specifically interested in Crux's platform approach to streamlining tax credit transactions, rather than just a general interest in renewable energy finance.", 'Your readiness to handle the full deal lifecycle from early review to diligence memo oversight, emphasizing your project management and compliance focus.']
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Crux's announced transactions and partnerships (e.g., their work with specific developers or investors) to understand their current market footprint and deal types.
- → The backgrounds of Crux's leadership team (especially founders Alfred Johnson and Allen Kramer) to understand their vision and expertise in climate fintech.
- → Recent news or analysis about the transferable tax credit market post-IRA, including challenges and volumes, to speak knowledgeably about the industry context.
- → Crux's specific technology platform features as described on their website or in media, to discuss how you would leverage tools for underwriting efficiency.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Applying with only generic renewable energy or finance experience without highlighting specific tax credit underwriting or IRA expertise.
- Failing to address the FINRA licensing requirement or showing reluctance to obtain the Series 79 and 63 licenses, which are mandatory for the broker-dealer aspect.
- Emphasizing only the analytical/underwriting duties while neglecting the business development and relationship-building responsibilities outlined in the job description.
📅 Application Timeline
This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.
Typical hiring timeline:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!