Economic Development Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

About Us:

EDF power solutions North America has been providing clean energy solutions throughout the U.S., Canada, and Mexico since 1987. We are a market-leading independent power producer and service provider, serving utilities, corporations, industries, communities, institutions, and investors with reliable, low-carbon energy solutions that help meet growing demand.

From developing and building scalable wind (onshore and offshore), solar, storage (battery and pumped storage hydro), smart EV charging, microgrids, green hydrogen, and transmission projects, to maximizing performance and profitability through skilled operations and maintenance and innovative asset optimization, our teams deliver expert solutions along the entire value chain—from origination to commercial operation.

Be a part of an innovative and collaborative team environment that fosters our goal of delivering renewable solutions to lead the transition to a sustainable energy future.

Benefits & Perks: 

EDF power solutions offers best-in-class employee benefits, including the following:

• Competitive bonus incentives. This position is eligible for our annual bonus program.
• Comprehensive health coverage. We provide low-cost health & wellness coverage for employees and their eligible dependents.
• Rewarding 401k. We provide a generous matching contribution.

We are also proud to offer:

• Favorable paid time off programs, including paid parental leave after one year of service.
• Rewarding learning & career development and advancement opportunities.
• Supportive mentorship & buddy programs.

Salary Range: The full pay range for the Development Manager role is $120,800 - $201,300 annually.  The full pay range for the Senior Development Manager role is $135,600- $226,100 annually. We generally base our salary decisions on factors including but not limited to, relevant work and leadership experience, education, demonstrated performance, internal equity, and in some cases, geographic location.

Job Scope: We are seeking experienced professionals to lead the development of large-scale renewable energy assets within our West Region. These positions are deeply technical and regulatory in nature. You will be responsible for navigating the complex lifecycle of utility-scale solar, wind, and storage projects—transforming raw land into operational, grid-connected power plants.  The ideal candidate possesses a mix of real estate acumen, technical understanding of power grids, and the persistence to manage multi-year permitting and interconnection timelines.

Work Location:  San Diego (Rancho Bernardo) or San Francisco, CA

Please note that this is not a sales or fundraising type position.

Utility-Scale Project DevelopmentCore Responsibilities (Both Levels)

• Site Control: Lead the identification, evaluation, and secured site control of viable land for utility-scale deployment.

• Interconnection Management: Navigate the ISO/RTO interconnection queues and manage the technical studies required for grid injection.

• Permitting & Entitlements: Manage the environmental and land-use permitting process at the local, state, and federal levels (including CEQA/NEPA where applicable).

• Project Economics: Maintain rigorous project models, tracking development budgets and ensuring assets meet internal "Final Investment Decision" (FID) criteria.

• Technical Coordination: Collaborate with specialized engineering and GIS teams to optimize site layouts and technology selection.

---

Level Distinction: Scope & Technical ImpactFeatureDevelopment ManagerSr. Development ManagerProject PortfolioFocuses on a specific cluster of projects through the mid-stage development cycle.Manages a diverse regional portfolio, overseeing projects from initial prospecting through to COD.Grid & InterconnectionAssists in submitting interconnection requests and monitoring study results.Strategically manages high-level queue positions and negotiates Interconnection Agreements.Regulatory LeadCoordinates with consultants on environmental surveys and standard local permits.Leads strategy for complex jurisdictional hurdles and represents the company in public hearings.Financial AuthorityTracks project spend against a set budget for individual assets.Exercises oversight of regional development budgets and provides input on project valuation and PPA pricing.

---

Development Manager

• Experience: Minimum of 8 years of directly related experience in renewable energy project development, with at least 3 years managing energy-related projects through the full development lifecycle. Direct experience in utility-scale energy, infrastructure, or heavy industrial land development.

• Technical Skills: Familiarity with power markets, land-use law, and project management software (e.g., MS Project or Primavera).

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Finance, or Environmental Science.

Sr. Development Manager

• Experience: A minimum of 10+ years in utility-scale renewables with a track record of successfully de-risking projects for construction.Demonstrated experience developing utility-scale solar, wind, or battery storage projects in western U.S. markets, with working knowledge CAISO, WECC, and other relevant ISO/RTO markets.

• Expertise: Deep knowledge of power purchase agreements (PPAs), transmission constraints, and tax equity structures.

• Leadership: Ability to lead cross-functional project teams and provide strategic direction for the West Region portfolio.

Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities

• Proven ability to deliver large-scale utility energy development projects from origination through financing and construction readiness.
• Strong contract negotiation skills with a command of the legal knowledge required for successful agreement management.
• Thorough understanding of project development risks and the ability to frame issues with context, analysis, recommendations, and risk/benefit tradeoffs for leadership.
• Demonstratable knowledge of interconnection processes, permitting, real estate, and state/federal regulation affecting renewable energy projects.
• Strong financial analysis capabilities, including experience with project economic modeling and budget management, and impacts associated with local incentives and property taxes.
• Experience with project financing structures, Power Purchase Agreements, and investor documentation.
• Effective communicator who collaborates well with senior management, peers, and external third parties across diverse backgrounds.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint), GIS tools, and project management software (e.g., SharePoint, Microsoft Project, or similar platforms).
• Self-starter who thrives managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment with strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

Physical Requirements

Must be able to travel to various office locations and remote development sites throughout the western United States. Site visits and meetings may occur in variable weather environments and may require walking over uneven or rough terrain.

Working Conditions

This position combines office-based work with up to 50% regular field travel to support project development, stakeholder meetings, and site evaluations. Overnight travel may be required on a weekly basis, at times with limited notice. Hybrid work flexibility may be available.