This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, which manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for a Project Developer Contractor based in the United States.
The Project Developer Contractor will lead the development of energy efficiency and infrastructure retrofit projects within existing data centers. This hands-on engineering role spans the entire project development lifecycle, from initial site assessments and technical analysis to cost estimation and client-ready proposals. You will identify opportunities to improve energy performance, validate potential savings, and develop practical solutions for mission-critical facilities. Working directly with clients and technical stakeholders, you will translate complex engineering findings into clear scopes of work and investment recommendations. The role combines fieldwork, analytical problem-solving, financial modeling, and technical communication, with opportunities to help improve internal processes. This flexible consulting engagement offers the potential for long-term career growth and increased project leadership responsibility as the organization expands.
Accountabilities
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Site Audits and Field Assessments: Conduct site audits and jobsite walkthroughs at operational data centers. Collect equipment nameplate information, field measurements, and operating conditions, documenting existing systems through detailed notes, photographs, and sketches.
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Engineering Documentation and Quality Assurance: Review field findings for accuracy and completeness, ensuring all technical documentation meets established quality standards and supports reliable project development.
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Energy Engineering and Savings Analysis: Independently calculate and validate projected energy savings, evaluate potential retrofit opportunities, and prioritize projects based on technical feasibility and expected impact.
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Building Systems and Operational Analysis: Analyze building automation system (BAS) trend logs, equipment performance, and operational data to support engineering conclusions and refine technical assumptions.
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Technical Methodologies and Process Improvement: Develop and improve engineering calculation methods, technical assumptions, and standardized procedures for site audits, energy analysis, estimating, and proposal preparation.
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Cost Estimation and Vendor Coordination: Prepare preliminary and detailed project cost estimates. Request, evaluate, and consolidate vendor quotations and subcontractor pricing to establish realistic project budgets.
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Financial and Investment Analysis: Develop payback calculations, return on investment (ROI) assessments, and lifecycle cost analyses to evaluate project economics and support client decision-making.
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Proposal Development: Write technical narratives and scopes of work for client proposals, preparing supporting exhibits, diagrams, calculations, and other technical documentation.
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Client Presentations and Project Reporting: Translate engineering findings into clear, professional, client-facing recommendations. Present project opportunities, support proof-of-concept documentation, and prepare pilot project reports.
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Client Relationship Management: Serve as the day-to-day point of contact for assigned projects, maintaining clear communication, responding to technical questions, and coordinating project development activities.
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Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work with internal technical teams, vendors, subcontractors, and clients to ensure project recommendations are accurate, practical, and aligned with operational requirements.
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Professional Growth and Leadership: Contribute to the development of project delivery practices, with opportunities to assume greater responsibility for project teams, client accounts, and business development activities.
Requirements:
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A bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, General Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
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Five to seven years of relevant experience in HVAC, mechanical systems, energy engineering, or a closely related technical field.
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Demonstrated experience conducting jobsite visits, technical audits, or field assessments independently and with minimal supervision.
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Strong understanding of mechanical and electrical systems, with the ability to assess existing infrastructure and identify practical efficiency improvements.
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Proven ability to perform energy savings calculations, develop engineering assumptions, evaluate retrofit opportunities, and validate technical findings.
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Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including engineering calculations, financial modeling, cost estimation, and analytical reporting.
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Experience preparing project budgets, reviewing vendor and subcontractor quotations, and conducting payback, ROI, or lifecycle cost analyses.
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Strong technical writing and presentation skills, including the ability to explain engineering concepts and recommendations clearly to clients.
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Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple project activities while maintaining documentation quality.
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Ability to work independently in active mechanical and electrical environments, including operational data center facilities.
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Strong communication and collaboration skills, with a practical, solution-oriented approach to technical challenges.
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Preferred qualifications: Experience with building automation and controls systems; a Professional Engineer (PE) license or Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification with progress toward PE licensure; Certified Energy Manager (CEM) certification or a comparable industry credential; and experience with mission-critical facilities or data center infrastructure projects.
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Willingness to travel domestically for site assessments and client needs, potentially up to 30% of the time.
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Must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without employer sponsorship. Visa sponsorship or transfer is not available for this position.
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Availability to begin projects promptly and accommodate hours based on client and project requirements.
Benefits:
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Contractor flexibility: Consulting engagement with working hours that can be adjusted based on customer and project needs.
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Compensation: Determined based on experience and qualifications; a specific salary or hourly rate was not provided.
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Potential full-time opportunity: Possibility of transitioning into a full-time role as the organization grows, depending on business needs and performance.
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Career advancement: Clear potential to progress into project leadership and management roles with broader responsibility for teams, client accounts, and business development.
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Professional development: Opportunities for ongoing learning, technical training, mentorship, and engagement with industry developments.
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Meaningful technical impact: Contribute to energy efficiency, infrastructure modernization, and improved reliability across mission-critical data center environments.
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Collaborative culture: Work with a team that values curiosity, high standards, thoughtful execution, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
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Project ownership: Take responsibility for projects from initial field assessment through engineering analysis, cost estimation, and proposal delivery.
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Growth opportunities: Help shape technical processes, improve project delivery methods, and contribute to the development of sustainable data center solutions.