Director - Site Development
Kearny, NJ, USA
USD 125k-230k / year + Equity
Posted on Apr 6, 2026
Key Responsibility Areas:
- Define and manage technical and resource-based site selection criteria.
- Identify, evaluate, and lead negotiations for state and local incentive packages, tax credits, and infrastructure grants.
- Serve as the primary liaison with state and local governments to navigate regulatory frameworks and permitting processes.
- Lead local stakeholder outreach to build community relationships and secure the local stakeholder trust required for a first-of-a-kind fusion energy project.
- Proactively identify and manage risks related to land use, zoning, and environmental impact assessments.
- Align the siting process with technical requirements and company stakeholders to ensure site readiness and compatibility.
- Establish and maintain schedule and cost baselines for siting, incentives, land acquisition, and construction phases.
Ideal Experience & Skillsets:
- 10+ years of relevant work experience driving site selection, first of a kind construction project development, or government affairs within deep tech, energy, hardware, or aerospace.
- Proven track record of successfully negotiating and securing complex state and local incentive packages or non-dilutive government funding.
- Comfort interfacing with legal and regulatory frameworks; able to effectively partner with counsel to navigate zoning ordinances, term sheets, and incentive contracts.
- Experience with complex and capital intensive infrastructure development cycles.
- Highly structured and process-driven, with a speed and execution mindset and the ability to manage competing priorities across internal teams and external stakeholders.
- Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills, particularly in public-facing or sensitive negotiation settings.
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic startup environment.
- Bachelor's degree or greater in a relevant technical, legal, or policy field.
Company Benefits:
- Salary range $125,000-$230,000
- Comprehensive health benefits (e.g. medical/dental/vision)
- Employee equity stock options
- 20 days PTO