Role Overview for VP, Engineering with a Renewable Energy Producer – Denver, CO
JRG Partners is proud to represent a premier, rapidly expanding renewable energy producer in their exclusive search for a visionary and strategic Vice President of Engineering. Based in the vibrant energy hub of Denver, Colorado, this executive leadership role is a career-defining opportunity to shape the technical future of a company at the forefront of the clean energy transition. The successful candidate will be a cornerstone of the executive team, responsible for steering the entire engineering function and driving technical excellence across a multi-gigawatt portfolio of utility-scale solar, wind, and energy storage projects across the United States.
As the VP of Engineering, you will be more than just a technical leader; you will be a strategic partner to the CEO and other C-suite executives, translating business objectives into a robust and innovative engineering roadmap. You will command a multidisciplinary team of talented engineers, fostering a culture of collaboration, continuous improvement, and unparalleled quality. Your leadership will directly impact the company’s ability to develop, construct, and operate best-in-class renewable energy assets that power communities and contribute to a sustainable future.
This position demands a dynamic leader with deep industry expertise, a proven track record of executing large-scale projects, and a passion for building the energy infrastructure of tomorrow. If you are an experienced engineering executive ready to make a significant impact in the renewable energy sector, we invite you to explore this exceptional opportunity.
Key Responsibilities of VP, Engineering with a Renewable Energy Producer – Denver, CO
The Vice President of Engineering will have a broad and impactful scope of responsibilities, encompassing strategic leadership, project execution, team development, and financial oversight. Your duties will include, but are not limited to:
Strategic Technical Leadership
Develop, articulate, and execute the company’s long-term engineering vision and technical strategy in alignment with corporate goals. Champion innovation by identifying, evaluating, and implementing cutting-edge technologies, design methodologies, and construction practices to enhance project efficiency, performance, and profitability. Serve as the company’s chief technical authority, staying ahead of industry trends, regulatory changes, and the latest advancements from institutions like the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL).
Full-Lifecycle Project Oversight
Provide executive oversight for all engineering activities across the entire project lifecycle, from initial site assessment and feasibility studies to detailed design, procurement, construction, commissioning, and operational handover. Ensure seamless integration of solar, wind, and battery energy storage system (BESS) technologies.
Team Building and Mentorship
Lead, mentor, and expand a world-class engineering department. Recruit, train, and retain top-tier talent. Establish clear performance metrics (KPIs), foster a culture of accountability and excellence, and promote professional development opportunities for your team members. Structure the department for scalability and optimal efficiency.
Engineering Excellence and Quality Assurance
Establish and enforce rigorous engineering standards, design specifications, and quality control protocols for all projects. Implement best practices for design reviews, risk assessment, and value engineering to optimize project costs and long-term asset performance. Ensure all engineering deliverables are of the highest quality and accuracy.
Financial and Budgetary Management
Assume full P&L responsibility for the engineering department. Develop and manage annual departmental budgets, project-specific engineering budgets, and resource allocation plans. Drive cost-saving initiatives and ensure all engineering activities are completed on time and within budget.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Work in close partnership with other executive leaders, including the heads of Project Development, Finance, Construction, and Operations. Provide critical technical input during project origination, financing, and M&A due diligence. Ensure effective communication and alignment between engineering and all other business units.
External Stakeholder Management
Oversee the selection and management of external engineering consultants, EPC contractors, and equipment suppliers. Negotiate contracts, define scopes of work, and ensure third-party partners meet the company’s stringent quality and performance standards. Represent the company in technical discussions with utilities, regulatory agencies, and independent engineers.
Safety and Compliance
Champion a safety-first culture within the engineering department and across all project sites. Ensure that all designs and engineering practices comply with relevant local, state, and federal regulations, as well as industry codes and standards (e.g., NEC, IEEE, NESC).
Requirements for the VP, Engineering with a Renewable Energy Producer – Denver, CO
The ideal candidate will possess a blend of deep technical expertise, proven leadership capabilities, and strong business acumen. We are seeking an individual who has demonstrated the ability to lead engineering functions in a high-growth environment.
Educational Background
A Bachelor of Science in Electrical, Mechanical, Civil, or a related engineering discipline is required. A Master of Science in Engineering or a Master of Business Administration (MBA) is highly preferred.
Professional Experience
A minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in engineering, with at least 7 years in a senior leadership role (e.g., Director of Engineering, VP of Engineering) within the U.S. renewable energy industry.
Technical Expertise
Demonstrable, in-depth knowledge of utility-scale renewable energy technologies, including solar PV (both ground-mount and tracker systems), wind turbines, and battery energy storage systems (BESS). Familiarity with substation design, grid interconnection processes, and SCADA systems is essential.
Project Portfolio
A proven track record of having led engineering teams through the successful development and execution of multiple large-scale (100 MW+) renewable energy projects from conception through to commercial operation.
Leadership Acumen
Exceptional leadership and people management skills with a history of building, scaling, and motivating high-performing engineering teams. Ability to inspire confidence and lead by example.
Business and Financial Acumen
Strong understanding of project finance models, capital and operational expenditure management, and the key economic drivers of renewable energy projects. Experience with EPC contract negotiation and management is critical.
Communication Skills
Superior verbal, written, and presentation skills. The ability to distill complex technical concepts and communicate them effectively to diverse audiences, including executive leadership, investors, and non-technical stakeholders.
Licensure
A Professional Engineer (P.E.) license is strongly preferred.
Location
Must be willing to work from the Denver, CO headquarters. The role will require periodic travel to project sites and partner offices (approximately 20-25%).
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to attracting and retaining top-tier executive talent by offering a highly competitive and comprehensive compensation and benefits package. This includes:
- A highly competitive base salary and an attractive annual executive bonus plan tied to individual and company performance.
- Meaningful long-term incentives, including equity participation or stock options, allowing you to share in the company’s success.
- Comprehensive health and wellness benefits, including premium medical, dental, and vision insurance for you and your dependents.
- A robust 401(k) retirement savings plan with a generous company match.
- A generous paid time off (PTO) policy, including vacation, sick leave, and company holidays, to support a healthy work-life balance.
- Relocation assistance for qualified candidates moving to the Denver area.
- A dedicated budget for professional development, including conferences, certifications, and continuing education.
- The opportunity to work in a dynamic, mission-driven organization with a passionate team dedicated to accelerating the transition to a clean energy future.
How to Apply
If you are a results-driven engineering leader with a passion for renewable energy and meet the qualifications outlined above, we encourage you to apply for this exciting executive opportunity. JRG Partners is managing this search on an exclusive basis for our client. To be considered, please submit your confidential resume and a compelling cover letter outlining your relevant experience and leadership philosophy. To learn more about our specialized recruitment services in this sector, please visit JRG Partners’ Energy & Engineering practice area. We look forward to reviewing your application and discussing how you can help lead our client into their next phase of growth.
