Vice President, Project Development (IL)

About us:

As an Independent Power Producer (IPP), BlueWave develops, owns, and operates distributed generation (DG)-scale solar and battery storage projects that bring clean power directly to communities and the grid. With a proven track record and a pipeline of several gigawatts across the United States, BlueWave is helping ensure a cleaner, more reliable, and more resilient energy future. BlueWave is proud to be a certified B Corp, recognized by B Labs as "Best for the World" in Governance.

About the role:

BlueWave has an immediate opening for a Vice President, Development based in Illinois, responsible for leading development activities across the Illinois market and broader Midwest region. This role reports to the SVP of Project Development and has accountability for the strategy, execution, and performance of BlueWave’s solar and storage development portfolio in the region, from early-stage origination through readiness for construction and financing.

The Vice President will serve as the senior development leader for the Midwest, setting market strategy, driving pipeline growth, and ensuring disciplined execution across a portfolio of complex solar and storage projects. This role works closely with executive leadership and cross-functional teams including Development Services, Policy, Execution, Grid Integration, Engineering, Capital Markets, and external stakeholders to deliver high-quality, financeable projects.

BlueWave is at the forefront of innovative dual-use solar projects, including agrivoltaics, and this role will play a central role in shaping market strategy and bringing those projects to scale. This position requires strong development leadership, strategic judgment, financial acumen, and the ability to manage projects in a fast-paced, growth-oriented environment.

What you'll do:

• Own and lead the Midwest development strategy, with primary responsibility for the Illinois market, including pipeline growth (market team building and management), prioritization, and capital efficiency
• Provide executive oversight of the development and delivery of profitable solar and storage projects across the region
• Partner with Development Services, Policy, Execution, and Grid Integration leadership to guide origination strategy, site selection, and interconnection approaches at both the project and market level
• Establish development best practices, processes, and performance standards to support consistent execution at scale
• Oversee consultants, contractors, and external partners to ensure timely, cost-effective, and high-quality development outcomes
• Serve as a senior representative of BlueWave at community meetings, public hearings, and regulatory proceedings, including high-visibility and sensitive stakeholder engagements
• Act as a senior point of escalation for landowners, permitting authorities, utilities, engineers, and other external stakeholders
• Maintain deep expertise in Illinois solar incentive programs, policy developments, and regulatory frameworks
• Lead presentation of regional pipeline performance, project budgets, risk profiles, and capital requirements at Investment Committee (IC) and executive-level meetings
• Partner closely with the Capital Markets team to support financing strategies, transaction execution, project/pipeline acquisition, and asset sale processes
• Monitor and interpret federal, state, and local regulatory changes, proactively identifying risks, opportunities, and strategic responses
• Represent BlueWave in interactions with investors, regulatory agencies, utilities, and strategic partners
• Ensure effective use of project management, document control, and MIS tools to support transparency, risk management, and executive reporting
• Oversee project documentation, milestone tracking, and readiness for handoff to construction and operations
• Collaborate closely with internal teams to ensure seamless transitions between development, construction, and operations
• Contribute to broader company strategy, growth initiatives, and continuous improvement efforts

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree strongly preferred
• 10-15+ years of experience developing DG-scale solar and energy storage projects
• Located in Illinois, with preference for the Chicago area
• Demonstrated success leading regional or market-based renewable energy development portfolios
• Deep knowledge of solar PV technology, system design principles, and DG-scale development best practices
• Experience overseeing or coordinating the engineering and construction of energy storage facilities
• Familiarity with agricultural practices and operations, and/or demonstrated experience advancing dual-use agrivoltaic projects
• Strong working knowledge of renewable energy financing, capital markets, construction processes, and development-stage risk management
• Extensive familiarity with Illinois renewable energy policies, incentives, and permitting frameworks
• Proven ability to lead teams, manage complex portfolios, and drive results across multiple projects and timelines
• Strategic thinker with the ability to balance long-term market development with near-term execution priorities
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Experience with Salesforce or similar CRM and project tracking systems
• Valid U.S. driver’s license and ability to conduct site visits, including uneven or sloped terrain

The anticipated salary range for this role is $210,000 - $220,000 per year + bonus.

Compensation will be influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to internal pay equity, job-related knowledge, skills, education, certifications, and relevant experience as outlined in the job description above.

Benefits:

At BlueWave, we offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support health, financial well-being, and work-life balance. Our benefits include subsidized medical coverage and 100% company-paid dental and vision, along with HSA, FSA, and Dependent Care FSA options. We also provide a commuting stipend for hybrid Massachusetts-based employees.

In addition, employees have access to voluntary benefits such as supplemental life, critical illness, and accident insurance, as well as 100% company-paid basic life/AD&D, short-term disability, and long-term disability coverage. We also offer cell phone reimbursement, an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and a 401(k) plan with company match.

Time-off benefits include unlimited PTO, 15 paid holidays, Summer Fridays, and dedicated volunteer days, supporting flexibility, rest, and time to give back.

EEO Statement:

BlueWave is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. Providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment is critical to our identity and we do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, religious creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, handicap (disability), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetics, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition, military status or obligation, or other protected status, in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.

A Note to Third-Party Recruiters:

BlueWave’s People Team manages all recruitment and hiring activities at our company. We do not accept unsolicited resumes from third-party recruiters, staffing firms, or related agencies. Resumes will only be accepted from third-party recruiters, staffing firms, or related agencies if there is a signed agreement in place AND if the People Team has authorized external recruiting assistance for a specific position. All unsolicited resumes will be considered the property of BlueWave. BlueWave is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.

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