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Renewable Energy Project Developer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Significant, successful experience supporting the design basis and specifications for site characterization and preliminary engineering works of a renewable energy project * Successful renewable ...

Significant, successful experience supporting the design basis and specifications for site characterization and preliminary engineering works of a renewable energy project * Successful renewable ...

You will have an in-depth understanding of renewable energy markets, project development and ... from project developers in such regions regarding the latest trends in project finance and ...

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Renewable Energy Project Developer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$48.5K

$110.4K

$195.9K

How much do renewable energy project developer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for renewable energy project developer in Chicago, IL is $110,440.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $83,500.00 and $129,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a renewable energy project developer do?

A Renewable Energy Project Developer is responsible for managing the entire lifecycle of renewable energy projects, such as solar, wind, or hydroelectric installations. Their work includes identifying suitable sites, securing permits, arranging financing, coordinating with stakeholders, and overseeing construction and commissioning. They ensure projects comply with regulations, meet sustainability goals, and are delivered on time and within budget. Developers often work closely with engineers, local governments, and utility companies to bring clean energy solutions to fruition.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a renewable energy project developer?

To thrive as a Renewable Energy Project Developer, you need expertise in project management, financial analysis, and knowledge of renewable energy systems, often backed by a degree in engineering, environmental science, or a related field. Familiarity with project management software (like MS Project), GIS tools, and relevant regulatory frameworks or certifications (such as PMP) is typical. Strong negotiation, communication, and stakeholder management skills set successful candidates apart. These abilities are critical for efficiently developing complex projects, securing approvals, and driving successful implementation in a rapidly evolving industry.

What are the main collaboration points between a renewable energy project developer and other teams during a project’s lifecycle?

As a Renewable Energy Project Developer, you’ll regularly collaborate with cross-functional teams including engineers, environmental consultants, finance professionals, and legal advisors. Early stages involve working with engineers to assess site feasibility and with environmental teams to ensure compliance with regulations. As the project progresses, you’ll coordinate with finance for securing funding and managing budgets, and legal teams for permitting and land acquisition. Effective communication and teamwork across these groups are essential for moving projects forward smoothly and overcoming common challenges such as regulatory hurdles or technical constraints.

What is the difference between Renewable Energy Project Developer vs Renewable Energy Analyst?

AspectRenewable Energy Project DeveloperRenewable Energy Analyst
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in engineering, environmental science, or related field; certifications like PMP or LEED beneficialBachelor's or master's in environmental science, economics, or related; analytical skills emphasized
Work EnvironmentFieldwork, project sites, office planning, stakeholder meetingsOffice-based, data analysis, report writing, research
Employer & Industry UsageRenewable energy companies, project developers, consulting firmsResearch institutions, consulting firms, energy companies

The main difference is that Renewable Energy Project Developers focus on planning, securing permits, and managing renewable energy projects from inception to completion. In contrast, Renewable Energy Analysts primarily analyze data, market trends, and policy impacts to support project decisions. Both roles require relevant credentials and work within the renewable energy industry, but their daily tasks and focus areas differ significantly.

What are popular job titles related to Renewable Energy Project Developer jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Renewable Energy Project Developer jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Renewable Energy Project Developer jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Renewable Energy Project Developer jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Infographic showing various Renewable Energy Project Developer job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $110,353 per year, or $53.1 per hour.

Director, Renewable Development

Invenergy LLC

Chicago, IL • On-site

$185K - $235K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 9 days ago


Invenergy rating

9.3

Company rating: 9.3 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Invenergy is North America's largest privately held developer, owner, and operator of power infrastructure. With 25 years of trusted execution, we deliver reliable, affordable energy through a diverse portfolio that includes natural gas, solar, land-based wind, energy storage, transmission, and domestic manufacturing. Headquartered in Chicago, we develop, own, and operate large scale projects that power communities and support the energy future.

This position will be open for application for at least 3 calendar days from the posting date. This position will remain open for application based on business need, which may be before or after the 3-day posting window.

Job Description

Position Overview
As a Director, Renewable Development, you will lead the development of utility-scale renewable energy projects in the Eastern US, where Invenergy has built and is building multiple gigawatts worth of solar, energy storage and wind. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to move multiple mid-stage projects to contracts and construction as well as to initiate new developments via greenfield activities or M&A.

Responsibilities:

  • Manage wind,solar,and storage projectdevelopmentstrategieswithin theMISO, PJM, and TVAmarkets.

  • Leadsdevelopment activities in early, mid, and/or late stages of projects

  • Identifiesdevelopment prospects, including market assessments, fatal flawidentificationand initial site reconnaissance

  • Securessite control forprojects, including negotiating leases,easementsand other agreements with landowners

  • Obtainscertain local, state and/or federal permits

  • RepresentsInvenergy with customers, landowners, state and local officials and other stakeholders

  • Overseesgeneration interconnection activitiesincluding competitor intelligence and interconnection strategy

  • Supports economic modeling for all phases of projects

  • Overseesproject design work withcolleagues in engineering, environmentalcomplianceand other departmentsto effectively coordinate development projects to construction

  • Managestasks according to budgets and schedules, including coordinating internal and external technical support

  • Prepares and reviews work scopes and bids from contractors in support of development activities

  • Track recordmanaging and/or coordinating both internal and external subject matter experts in the areas of permitting, engineering, and supply chain.

  • Working knowledge of design standards and impacts on wind, solar & storage technology, project development impacts, and project delivery on a regional basis.

MinimumRequirements

  • Bachelor's Degree

  • 10+ years' experience in energy projector transmissiondevelopment,origination,constructionor engineering.

  • Experience managing a team

  • Valid driver's license and ability to travel to project site / company offices as needed,anticipated25-50% of the time

  • Eligible to work in the United States without the need for employer visa sponsorship now or in the future.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Advanced degree in related discipline such as businessor engineering

  • Significant, successful experience supporting the design basis and specifications for site characterization and preliminary engineering works of a renewable energy project

  • Successful renewable power project development experience inthe eastern US

Base Pay

$185,000.00 - 235,000.00 USD Annual
Bonus: 30% - 40%

The base pay range reflects the minimum and maximum target salary for the position. Invenergy considers a number of factors when determining base pay offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education and skills.
In addition to base pay, the total annual compensation package may also include eligibility to participate in our bonus program(s) which are designed to reward individual and company performance. Your recruiter can share more about bonus eligibility for this position during the hiring process.
Invenergy offers a variety of other benefits including medical, dental and vision insurance, 401k, paid time off, etc.

Invenergy LLC is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, among other things, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, status as a protected veteran, or disability.


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