How to apply for Senior Manager or Director Project Development

About Origis Energy

Origis Energy is a leading U.S. renewable energy and decarbonization platform, headquartered in Miami, with a mission to accelerate the shift to carbon-free energy through innovative solar and energy storage solutions. Founded in 2008, Origis has developed a substantial pipeline and is known for its customer-first approach and core values like 'Solve for Tomorrow' and 'Rise Together.' Working here means being at the forefront of the clean energy transition with a collaborative, mission-driven team.

About the role

As a Senior Manager or Director of Project Development, you will lead the development of utility-scale solar and energy storage projects from early-stage siting through to notice to proceed. This role is pivotal in expanding Origis's project pipeline, requiring cross-functional collaboration with engineering, finance, and legal teams to bring projects to financial close. Your work directly contributes to the company's goal of deploying sustainable solutions and achieving net-zero goals.

A typical day

A typical day might involve leading a project development meeting to review site control status, interconnection milestones, and permitting progress. You could then engage with legal and finance teams to advance a PPA negotiation, followed by a call with a landowner or utility representative. You'll balance strategic planning with hands-on problem-solving to keep projects on track.

Who Origis Energy is looking for

• 5-10+ years of experience in renewable energy project development, with a strong track record in utility-scale solar and/or energy storage.
• Proven expertise in site selection, permitting, interconnection, and power purchase agreement (PPA) negotiation.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex projects across multiple states and jurisdictions, with strong financial acumen and understanding of project financing.
• Excellent leadership and communication skills, with experience leading cross-functional teams and engaging with external stakeholders such as landowners, utilities, and regulators.

Tips for this application

• Highlight specific projects you've developed from inception to financial close, including capacity (MW), location, and your role.
• Emphasize your experience with interconnection processes and navigating ISO/RTO queues, as this is critical for Origis's utility-scale projects.
• Showcase your ability to work remotely and manage teams across different time zones, as this is a remote position with a national scope.
• Demonstrate alignment with Origis's core values, particularly 'Solve for Tomorrow' and 'Rise Together,' by providing examples of innovative problem-solving and teamwork.
• Quantify your impact: e.g., 'Led development of 500 MW of solar projects, achieving 20% cost reduction through strategic site selection.'

What to cover in your cover letter

['Your experience in taking solar/storage projects from greenfield to NTP, with specific metrics on pipeline growth and project success.', 'Your ability to navigate complex permitting and interconnection landscapes, especially in key U.S. markets where Origis operates.', "How you embody Origis's values, particularly 'Solve for Tomorrow' through innovative development strategies.", "Your motivation to contribute to Origis's mission of accelerating the carbon-free transition and your fit for a remote, collaborative culture."]

Research before applying

• Origis Energy's current project portfolio and pipeline, including recent announcements and target markets.
• The company's core values and mission, especially 'Reimagining Zero' and how it differentiates Origis in the industry.
• Key U.S. renewable energy policies and ISO/RTO interconnection procedures, particularly in regions where Origis is active.
• Recent news about Origis's financing, partnerships, and expansions to understand their strategic direction.

Likely interview topics

Based on the job description, expect questions about:

• Walk us through a project you developed from site selection to financial close, highlighting challenges and how you overcame them.
• How do you approach interconnection queue management and mitigate risks associated with delays?
• Describe your experience negotiating PPAs and working with off-takers; what strategies have you found most effective?
• How do you prioritize projects in a competitive landscape, and what criteria do you use for site selection?
• Give an example of how you've lived one of Origis's core values, such as 'Rise Together,' in a previous role.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Focusing only on technical skills without demonstrating leadership and cross-functional collaboration, which are essential for this senior role.
• Neglecting to mention specific project experience in solar and energy storage, as Origis is a specialized renewable energy developer.
• Using generic language about clean energy without tying it to Origis's unique values and mission, showing a lack of research.