Systems Development Manager Jobs in Houston, TX (NOW HIRING)

Urban Grid is a leading independent power producer (IPP) delivering reliable, utility-scale solar and storage solutions to help meet America's unprecedented energy demand. We develop, own and operate projects that strengthen local economies through long-term partnerships and responsible land stewardship. By integrating agrivoltaics into our land management practices, we enhance soil health, support local farmers and benefit the communities we serve.

With a strong focus on execution and integrity, we are committed to being a trusted domestic energy provider and responsible corporate citizen. Urban Grid is headquartered in Houston, Texas, and operates across the United States with a growing portfolio that includes 12,000 megawatts of development assets.  We continue to maintain our optionality to co-locate with battery storage based on customer demand, ensuring flexibility and responsiveness in our energy solutions.

Since becoming an IPP in 2023, we have successfully brought five solar projects online, begun construction on three additional projects and are actively advancing one gigawatt of capacity into pre-construction. To learn more, please visit www.UrbanGridSolar.com.

Urban Grid is a portfolio company of Brookfield. one of the world's largest owners and operators of renewable power and climate transition assets.

Job Summary

The Sr. Manager/Director, BESS Development will be responsible for leading the technical and commercial development of utility-scale battery energy storage projects throughout the development lifecycle. This role serves as the technical authority within the development team, ensuring that projects are optimized, competitive, financeable, and executable.

Working closely with other members of the Development group as well as Construction, Procurement, Interconnection, Offtake teams and external OEMs/integrators, the individual will define system architectures, manage equipment selection, evaluate commercial proposals, negotiate supply and service agreements, and support project diligence through financial close. In this key role, the individual will be responsible for strategic supplier management, and ownership of technology strategy.

Key Responsibilities

Technical & Project Development Leadership

• Lead technical aspects of standalone and hybrid BESS project development from early-stage through start of construction.
• Provide support during site acquisition, permitting, environmental review, financing and lender technical diligence
• Coordinate technical and commercial inputs into financial models.
• Identify project technical risks and develop mitigation plans.
• Define system configurations including AC/DC architecture, storage duration, power and energy sizing, PCS topology, EMS architecture and auxiliary systems
• Evaluate project layouts with consideration for cost efficiency, constructability, permitting, operations, fire safety, maintenance access
• Coordinate technical interface among civil, electrical, SCADA, protection, and controls disciplines.
• Support interconnection studies and optimize system configurations to maximize project value.
• Track BESS technology trends, pricing trends, supplier roadmaps, manufacturing capacity, regulatory developments and emerging technical risks.

Supplier Management and Procurement Support

• Develop relationships with leading battery manufacturers and system integrators.
• Evaluate supplier bankability, manufacturing capability, domestic manufacturing and FEOC strategy, and delivery risk.
• Develop technical specifications for equipment procurement.
• Lead / support competitive RFPs for battery systems, PCS, EMS, system integrators and associated long-lead equipment

• Perform technical and commercial bid evaluations. Review warranty structures, performance guarantees, availability guarantees, liquidated damages and augmentation strategies

• Build total cost of ownership analyses including CAPEX, degradation and augmentation, warranties, O&M and overall lifecycle costs
• Actively lead supply and service contract negotiations with suppliers and EPC contractors.

Regulatory & Incentive Compliance

• Supported by the legal team, lead equipment selection and compliance strategy for Domestic Content requirements, FEOC restrictions, Investment Tax Credit (ITC) qualification and applicable UL, NFPA, IEEE, and local code requirements
• Coordinate documentation required by tax equity investors and independent engineers.
• Monitor changes in federal and state incentive programs affecting BESS projects.

Cross-Functional Leadership

Partner closely with Construction, Commercial (offtake), Procurement, Asset Management groups to serve as the primary technical interface for executive management on BESS project development decisions.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related engineering discipline.
• Minimum 5 years of direct utility-scale (projects greater than 50 MW) BESS experience in project development, operations or sales.
• Strong understanding of lithium-ion battery technology, BESS system architecture, PCS, EMS, SCADA and utility interconnection
• Experience working with major battery OEMs and system integrators; evaluating supplier proposals and negotiating commercial terms
• Experience supporting project finance due diligence
• Strong financial and commercial acumen.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced, growth-oriented environment.
• Willingness to travel as needed for project site visits, supplier meetings, factory visits, diligence activities, testing, and project execution support.
• Location: Hybrid in Houston, Texas (4 days in office, Fridays remote).
• Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. Visa sponsorship or transfer visas, including H-1B or L-2, are not available for this position.

Key Technical Knowledge

Candidates should demonstrate expertise in utility-scale BESS design, battery degradation modeling, augmentation planning, performance guarantees, round-trip efficiency, thermal management, fire protection systems, grid codes, grid-forming/grid-following inverters, EMS optimization, Domestic Content calculations, FEOC compliance and ITC qualification

Benefits

Urban Grid offers a full benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, company-paid life insurance, short-term disability and long-term disability, and a 401(k) plan with matching contributions.