Land Acquisition & Development Engineer – Solar

Leap29 have a fantastic opportunity available with a client who are actively expanding in the PJM Region and have a strong pipeline of activity in Pennsylvania, to identify an experienced Land Acquisition and Development Engineer for utility-scale Solar and BESS.

This role is crucial for managing strategic real estate initiatives within a designated market, which supports the growth and execution of our development pipeline. Responsibilities include overseeing land acquisition, project administration, sourcing, due diligence, and execution across our portfolio. The candidate will be fully responsible for the land acquisition aspects and related activities of the project development process to support the expansion of our solar and battery storage pipeline.

Additionally, this role involves managing daily engineering tasks for prospective project sites from initial identification through early development phases. The engineer will coordinate with internal engineering teams, external consultants, and technicians, aiming to mitigate risks and establish a path to project realization, including solar and battery storage projects.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage site and land acquisition, including coordination with third-party brokers and agents, to support the company’s utility-scale solar and standalone battery storage project development goals in the U.S.
• Oversee all facets of the siting and land acquisition process, including planning, targeting, negotiation, legal and title management, and preparation for project financing and construction.
• Collaborate with engineers and development managers on project support, including development, design, and cost estimation related to site inception and budget creation.
• Conduct site visits to assess and document site dimensions, electrical systems, PV array locations, and utility interconnection options.
• Build and maintain relationships with landowners and community stakeholders to facilitate site control negotiations and foster repeat transactions.
• Assist with due diligence for potential project acquisitions, focusing on the real estate aspects.
• Collect technical project data such as site dimensions, boundaries, setbacks, infrastructure, and electrical load data.
• Create preliminary Solar PV layouts and electrical one-line diagrams.
• Perform system energy modeling and estimates using software tools.
• Help prepare and submit utility interconnection applications and permits as required.
• Support Development Managers with technical aspects and drawings for proposals, contracts, and presentations.
• Ensure compliance with company, industry, and jurisdictional safety standards, practices, and codes.
• Cultivate positive business relationships throughout project phases and perform other duties as needed.

Required Qualifications:

• BA/BS degree in Engineering, Real Estate, or a related field.
• Experience in large project transactions, including infrastructure, oil/gas, energy, or similar real property acquisitions.
• At least 3 years of experience in Solar PV and/or Energy Storage commercial development, including project development, design, engineering, and construction of energy generation projects.
• Proficiency with GIS platforms, MS Excel, Helioscope (or similar), and PV SYST.
• Basic understanding of codes related to commercial Solar PV and Battery Storage, along with a solid grasp of renewable energy markets and project lifecycle.
• Ability to work effectively within a cross-functional team and manage multiple projects with varying complexities and priorities.
• Willingness to travel and conduct site visits as needed.
• Valid driving license required.

If you are interested in this fantastic opportunity, please send your CV through to Rob Byrom.