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Director, Project Development - Gas-Fired Power Plant

Houston, TX

COMPANY OVERVIEW 

Hanwha Energy USA, headquartered in Houston, Texas, is part of the Hanwha Group—a FORTUNE Global 300 company and one of South Korea’s most respected business enterprises. With over a decade of experience delivering high-quality, utility-scale energy projects across North America, Hanwha Energy USA has evolved into a comprehensive energy solutions provider. Our portfolio now spans utility-scale renewables, natural gas generation, retail electricity, and strategic partnerships that power America’s growing data center industry.

Our expertise covers the entire energy value chain—from project development and engineering to construction, operations, and maintenance. By integrating advanced technologies, proven processes, and strong partnerships, we deliver reliable, customized solutions that meet the dynamic needs of local energy markets.

Hanwha Energy USA is actively advancing strategic initiatives in natural gas generation and data center development, including hyperscaler solutions on both sides of the meter. We are proud to serve as the parent company of:

  • Hanwha Renewables – specializing in utility-scale solar and battery energy storage systems (BESS)
  • Chariot Energy – providing retail electricity services for residential, commercial, and industrial customers in deregulated markets

 

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Project Development Director leads the technical team in evaluating, planning, and advancing natural gas–fired power generation projects for Data Centers from concept through financial close. This position blends Project Development expertise with technical engineering expertise, commercial analysis, regulatory awareness, and cross‑functional coordination to bring utility‑scale gas to power projects to life.

The employee may be required to perform other job-related duties as requested by management.  All duties will be assigned in accordance with applicable laws and company policies.

 

RESPONSIBILITIES

Project Development Leadership

  • Lead technical development of natural gas power plant projects, including engines, simple‑cycle, combined‑cycle, and cogeneration facilities.
  • Conduct feasibility studies, preliminary engineering, and technology selection (turbines, engines, BESS, emissions controls, balance‑of‑plant systems).
  • Manage the development of conceptual designs, site layouts, and equipment specifications.
  • Analyze plant performance, fuel supply options, emissions control strategies, and BESS / data center integration.
  • Provide leadership to the environmental permitting process.

Commercial & Financial Support

  • Prepare capital cost estimates, O&M cost assumptions, and performance models.
  • Support financial modeling by providing heat rate, output, degradation, and availability assumptions.
  • Participate in due diligence for project acquisitions or partnerships.
  • Lead the preparation of proposals, RFP responses, and investment memoranda.

Project Management & Coordination

  • Manage EPC contractors, OE’s, OEMs, consultants, and permitting agencies.
  • Manage schedules, deliverables, and risk assessments during early‑stage development.
  • Facilitate cross‑functional collaboration with strategy, environmental, Data Center, and finance teams.
  • Track project milestones and ensure alignment with corporate development strategy.

 

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education & Experience

  • Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical, or Energy Engineering (Master’s is a plus).
  • 15+ years of experience in power generation, natural gas turbines, EPC, or energy project development.
  • Experience with gas turbine and gas engine power projects is strongly preferred.

Technical Skills

  • Familiarity with gas turbine technologies (GE, Siemens, Mitsubishi, etc.).
  • Knowledge of environmental permitting processes and grid interconnection requirements.
  • Familiarity with engineering tools (e.g., GT Pro/GT Master, AutoCAD) is a plus.

Soft Skills

  • Strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities.
  • Excellent communication and stakeholder‑management skills.
  • Ability to work independently and manage multiple development tracks simultaneously.
  • Strategic mindset with attention to detail.

 

COMPENSATION: $220,000 - $240,000 salary

 

Attention external recruitment firms, we will not accept any unsolicited resumes at this time. Please do not contact any internal member of our company to discuss the position or to solicit candidates.

Hanwha Energy USA provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics.

www.hanwhaenergyusa.com

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