Project Engineer (Compliance)

Project Engineer (Compliance)

About the Role 

Acts as a thought leader in the compliance area of expertise to improve and simplify processes, drive standardization and organization, and create scalable solutions that enable compliance in the Affiliate. Manages the activities of regulatory affairs and ensure regulatory compliance within the team. 

Key Responsibilities 

For our new Energy business unit, we are looking for a Project Engineer (Compliance) to oversee all aspects of the permitting processes required for the construction and operation of an upcoming solar project. The Compliance Manager will report to the Asset Manager (Spain) and Lead Project Manager (US). The position will be located in Austin, Texas with weekly travel to the project site. 

- Lead the development and implementation of permitting strategies for the project, ensuring timely acquisition of all required permits. 

- Coordinate with the Project Manager, environmental teams, and legal counsel to ensure comprehensive compliance with environmental laws and other regulatory requirements. 

- Manage relationships with local, state, and federal regulatory bodies. 

- Interact with all relevant stakeholders to facilitate the permitting process (E.g. the County, TXDOT). 

- Prepare and submit permit applications, monitor their progress, and ensure any compliance issues. 

- Manage and lead the development process in dynamic regulatory environments. 

- Minimize the company's permitting risk and liability. 

- Supervise the work of project environmental consultants, if / when needed. 

- Develop strategies to mitigate environmental impact. 

- Manage project schedules and budgets and ensure quality of documents. 

- Respond to internal and external environmental and permitting-related inquiries. 

- Support Purchase Agreement bids, project financing, and third-party due diligence. 

- Advise Project Manager and reports to senior management and project stakeholders – as needed regarding the environmental and overall permitting status of the project. 

- Maintain up-to-date knowledge of regulatory changes that could affect project permitting and adapt strategies accordingly. 

- Conduct risk assessments related to permitting delays or denials and develop mitigation strategies. 

- Provide expert advice and guidance to project teams on all matters related to permitting and regulatory compliance. 

Qualifications 

- Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Law, or a related field. JD, MBA or other post-graduate degree will be highly valued. 

- +5 years of experience in permitting and regulatory compliance, specifically for renewable assets. 

- Strong understanding of regulatory frameworks and guidelines in renewable energy. 

- Demonstrated experience in developing projects throughout permitting environments. 

- Demonstrated experience interacting with government agencies at local, state, and federal levels. 

- Experience monitoring compliance and maintaining rigorous documentation through the project lifecycle. 

- Experience working collaboratively in a cross-functional and culturally diverse team environment. 

Professional Qualities:

- Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to manage internal and external stakeholders effectively. 

- Ability to develop and implement effective permitting strategies. 

- Proficiency in managing multiple project facets simultaneously. 

- Ability to negotiate effectively and manage relationships. 

- Meticulous attention to detail to ensure all permit applications are accurately prepared. 

- Problem-solving skills. 

- Strong organizational skills and ability to meet deadlines. 

- Motivated self-starter, goal-oriented, and strong problem-solving abilities. 

- Flexibility to face changes and to adapt to different environments. 

- Focus on continuous improvement. 

- Ability to effectively plan, direct, and lead to accomplish objectives.