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Project Development Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Project Development Manager

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$125K - $175K/yr

POSITION OVERVIEW The Project Development Manager is a senior client-facing role based in our Los Angeles office, within I-Grace's Project Development Team, reporting to the Senior Vice President ...

Basic Function The Director of Project Development will lead the strategy, origination, and execution of large-scale energy infrastructure projects across the U.S., with a focus on natural gas, power ...

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Project Development information

See California salary details

$42.4K

$93.3K

$140.1K

How much do project development jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for project development in California is $93,303.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $75,500.00 and $107,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Project Development vs Project Management?

AspectProject DevelopmentProject Management
Primary FocusPlanning and creating project concepts, designs, and initial phasesExecuting, monitoring, and closing projects to meet objectives
Required SkillsDesign, technical knowledge, planningLeadership, organization, communication
Work EnvironmentDesign teams, engineering, R&DProject teams, client interactions, coordination
CertificationsDepends on industry; often technical or design certificationsPMP, CAPM, or similar project management certifications

While project development focuses on creating and designing project concepts, project management involves overseeing the execution and delivery of those projects. Both roles are essential and often collaborate closely, but they emphasize different stages of the project lifecycle.

What does a project developer do?

A project developer is responsible for planning, coordinating, and managing projects from inception to completion. They analyze project requirements, secure necessary permits, coordinate with stakeholders, and ensure projects meet deadlines and budgets, often using tools like project management software. Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills are essential in this role.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in Project Development, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in Project Development often encounter challenges such as aligning diverse stakeholder interests, managing shifting project requirements, and ensuring timely resource allocation. These obstacles can be addressed by maintaining clear communication channels, implementing regular project check-ins, and utilizing effective project management tools. Building strong relationships across departments and fostering a transparent team culture also help in navigating complex project landscapes and achieving successful outcomes.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Project Development, and why are they important?

A successful career in Project Development requires strong project management skills, analytical abilities, and a relevant degree such as business, engineering, or construction management. Familiarity with project management software (like MS Project or Asana), budgeting tools, and sometimes certifications like PMP or Prince2 are highly valued. Excellent communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills enable professionals to coordinate teams and drive projects forward. These competencies are crucial for ensuring projects are completed on time, within scope, and to stakeholder satisfaction.

What is the highest paying project management job?

Senior executive roles such as Program Manager, Portfolio Manager, or Director of Project Management typically have the highest salaries in project management, often exceeding six figures. These positions require extensive experience, advanced certifications like PMP or PgMP, and strong leadership skills, especially in industries like technology, engineering, or construction.

What is project development work?

Project development work involves planning, designing, and organizing projects to meet specific goals within set timelines and budgets. It includes tasks such as feasibility analysis, resource allocation, and coordinating teams, often requiring skills in project management tools and methodologies like Agile or Waterfall.

What is project development?

Project development is the process of planning, organizing, and managing resources to bring a specific project from an initial idea to successful completion. This involves defining project goals, creating detailed plans, securing funding, coordinating teams, and monitoring progress throughout the project lifecycle. Effective project development ensures that objectives are met on time, within budget, and to the desired quality standards. Professionals in this field often work in industries such as construction, energy, technology, and nonprofit sectors.

What qualifications do I need to be a project coordinator?

To be a project coordinator, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as business, management, or engineering. Strong organizational, communication, and time management skills are essential, along with experience using project management tools like Microsoft Project or Asana. Certifications such as CAPM or PMP can enhance job prospects but are not always required.
What are the most commonly searched types of Project Development jobs in California? The most popular types of Project Development jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Project Development jobs in California? For Project Development jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in California are hiring for Project Development jobs? Cities in California with the most Project Development job openings:
Infographic showing various Project Development job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $93,303 per year, or $44.9 per hour.

Project Development Manager

Primergy Solar Management LLC

Oakland, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

Primergy is a developer, owner, and operator specializing in utility-scale solar PV and battery storage projects across the United States. The company manages a significant portfolio of operational and development-stage projects across major energy markets, including ERCOT, MISO, PJM, CAISO, WECC, and SERC. With a diverse and talented team bringing decades of expertise in renewable energy project development, financing, construction, and operations, Primergy leads the industry in delivering innovative and sustainable energy solutions. Primergy is a portfolio company of Quinbrook Infrastructure Partners and is the primary investment platform for Quinbrook Infrastructure Partners' solar and solar plus energy storage activities in North America.

Primergy is growing our experienced team to manage the significant growth in our business. We offer a fun, entrepreneurial culture, competitive compensation, and the opportunity to work with an experienced, achievement-oriented team.

ROLE & RESPONSIBILITIES

The Project Development Manager will be responsible for the development of solar, solar + storage and energy storage projects through project management, contract negotiation, and transaction support across a pipeline of projects targeting wholesale power markets in the US and Canada. The Project Development Manager will report to the Senior Director of Development and will be a member of the Development team. The successful candidate will have at least four years of experience in the energy industry, specifically in North America energy infrastructure development. The role will initially focus on projects in the WECC, SPP, and ERCOT markets across both private and public lands. Preference will be given to candidates with experience in data center siting or development, as well as those with a background in siting and developing natural gas or other non-renewable generation resources.

RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

  • Development of utility-scale solar power generation facilities within the United States
  • Manage all aspects of solar and solar+energy storage project development from initial greenfield or acquisition efforts through to the start of construction.
  •  Support and conduct due diligence on development-stage project and portfolio acquisitions, including comparison and prioritization of multiple opportunities based on risks, schedules, valuations, investment criteria, and other project metrics.
  •  Ability to communicate and sync cross-functionally, including off-take M&A, Origination, Transmission, Legal, Project Finance, Engineering, Procurement, and Construction team members regularly to minimize project risks.
  • Identify, propose, and implement creative or alternative project development approaches that reduce exposure to permitting risks, optimize development schedules or drive additional project value.
  •  Manage and administer development services agreements with local or regional development partners.
  •  Work with finance department during financial feasibility analysis, evaluation, and during the project debt and tax equity financing processes.
  •  Manage project budgets, objectives, schedules, and deliverables for assigned development projects.
  •  Travel to site locations to meet with landowners and evaluate sites. 
  • Negotiate tax abatements, land use agreements, mitigation settlements, and various other agreements.
  •  Engage community, local, state, and federal institutions for project support. Manage contractors, vendors, and consultants to maintain project timeline, value optimization, and budget.
  • Secure permits and ensure environmental compliance throughout the development, construction, and operation of projects.
  • Coordinate and provide input to project interconnection requests, load-flow and congestion studies, and other necessary aspects of securing project transmission.
  •  Provide market intelligence feedback to the M&A team to inform on the development and acquisition strategies.
  •  Highly energetic and results-driven with a teamwork attitude.
  • 5% - Other duties as assigned.
  • Approximately 30% travel required.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

  •  Requires a bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • 4+ years of relevant renewable energy development experience.
  • Experience with and understanding of project development.
  • Solar development and energy storage development experience is preferred
  • Data Center Siting and/or Datac Center development experience preferred.
SKILLSET
  • Honesty and integrity.
  • Resourceful and accomplished research skills ability to effectively utilize publicly available materials.
  • Ability to succinctly communicate and summarize complex issues into actionable deliverables.
  • Driven, resourceful and comfortable working in an entrepreneurial environment.
  • Rigorous attention to detail, work ethic, personal responsibility, work product ownership, and organizational skills
  • Requires intimate knowledge of the power and renewable energy market dynamics. Preference for renewable experience in U.S. competitive wholesale electricity markets.
  • Requires the ability to stay current with changing technologies, regulations, and trends influencing the continued adoption of renewable energy.
  • Commercial mindset, strong prioritization, communication, and organizational skills are required.
  • Ability to quickly step into new tasks and adapt to new circumstances in a dynamic environment.

Primergy is committed to cultivating an inclusive and welcoming workplace. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status. We understand that individuals from historically underrepresented groups - including women and people of color - may hesitate to apply if they don't meet 100% of the listed qualification. If this role aligns with your interests and career goals, we encourage you to apply even if you don't meet all the criteria.