Director Project Development (m/w/d)

Job Description

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). This role is execution-focused and accountable for driving outcomes leveraging internal and external resources for planning approvals, grid connection, off take, pre-construction planning, project financing and risk management across a US portfolio.

The position requires both customer-facing expertise as well as excellent internal project management and team management capabilities. The Project Development Director will lead domestic projects, with particular focus on energy generation and storage systems. Attention to legal and regulatory compliance, on-schedule performance, quality, and accuracy are of the utmost importance. This is a highly networked position that includes partnerships and alignment with Commercial, Grid, Engineering, Legal, Finance, Pre-Construction, and external consultants and development partners, the Project Development Director serves as the project "owner" from acquisition to ready to build and financial close of project financing.

While supported by specialist internal teams and external consultants, the Project Development Director is expected to operate with a high degree of autonomy, proactively identifying issues, managing approvals and grid interface risk, and optimizing development processes as required. This includes ownership of development budgets, oversight of consultant performance, and implementation of governance, templates, and stage-gate controls to support consistent project execution. The role is primarily execution-heavy, with a strong emphasis on accountability for approvals timelines and development risk. As the portfolio matures, the position has the potential to evolve into a Team Lead role, supporting the growth and scalability of Energy Vault's Project development capability.

Your Mission

• 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.

Your Background

• 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 negotiate options at senior management levels.
• Willingness to travel domestically and/or internationally, up to 30%.
• Comfortable thriving in fast-paced, rapid growth environments.
• A passion for sustainability, our mission, and our vision is a bonus!
• Must successfully pass a pre-employment background check.
• Energy Vault participates in E-Verify.

Benefits of Powering the Future with Energy Vault

• 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.
• 8-weeks for Paternity leave.
• Generous holiday allowance.
• Flexible time off plus sick leave.
• Reimbursement for home office equipment, phone, and internet expenses.

$154,000 - $246,000 a year

The range, $154,000 to $246,000, reflects a total compensation package for this position across all U.S. locations.