Senior Permitting Specialist

Senior Permitting Specialist

We are currently recruiting a Senior Permitting Specialist to join our team and contribute to key projects in a dynamic and collaborative environment. This role is part of a global team working toward common goals. We operate as one company, across all locations, with shared responsibility and clear accountability.

Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage the full permitting strategy for renewable energy projects in Mexico, ensuring compliance with all applicable local, state, and federal regulatory requirements throughout the project lifecycle.
• Prepare, coordinate, submit, and monitor complex permit applications, including technical documentation, environmental impact assessments, and supporting regulatory filings, ensuring all submissions comply with applicable codes and multi-jurisdictional requirements.
• Manage all permitting activities required for renewable generation projects, including:
• CNE generation permits.
• CENACE interconnection studies and interconnection agreements, coordinated with CFE Transmisión/Distribución.
• SEMARNAT environmental impact authorization (MIA) and, where applicable, forestry land-use change authorization (CUSTF).
• Social Impact Assessments before SENER, including Indigenous consultation processes when required.
• Municipal and state land-use and construction permits (uso de suelo, licencias de construcción) and land/right-of-way authorizations.
• Archaeological clearances with INAH.
• Manage the development and execution of renewable generation projects awarded to Atlantica by the Comisión Federal de Electricidad (CFE) under mixed public-private schemes, from project award through Financial Close and Notice to Proceed (NTP).

Ensure compliance with all contractual obligations, milestones, and regulatory commitments established under CFE award agreements, coordinating directly with CFE counterparts and other governmental authorities throughout the project lifecycle.

Coordinate regulatory, permitting, legal, financial, and technical work streams required to achieve Financial Close and NTP, working closely with internal multidisciplinary teams and external advisors.

Build and maintain strong working relationships with regulatory agencies, including CFE, CENACE, CNE, SEMARNAT, SENER, INAH, municipal authorities, consultants, and legal advisors to facilitate permitting activities and project execution.

Research, interpret, and advise project teams on permitting regulations, zoning requirements, environmental legislation, construction codes, and regulatory changes, providing strategic guidance to ensure project compliance.

Communicate permitting requirements, project milestones, regulatory risks, and timelines effectively to developers, contractors, consultants, and internal stakeholders.

Develop and maintain permitting matrices, compliance trackers, inspection logs, and project documentation for multiple concurrent projects, ensuring accurate reporting and timely follow-up.

Proactively identify permitting risks, regulatory challenges, and potential project delays, implementing mitigation strategies and process improvements to support efficient project delivery.

Drive continuous improvement of permitting processes, documentation standards, and regulatory best practices to enhance operational efficiency across the project portfolio.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in environmental science, Urban Planning, Engineering, Public Policy, or a related field.
• Additional training in project management, permitting processes, or relevant regulatory frameworks preferred.
• Familiarity with permit tracking systems, CRM software, and document management platforms is advantageous.

• 6–8 years of progressive experience in permitting, regulatory affairs, or related fields (preferably in renewable energy, utilities, or complex infrastructure projects).
• In-depth knowledge of permitting and regulatory frameworks (CEQA, NEPA, CUPs, SPDs, zoning codes, environmental assessments).
• Experience reviewing, preparing, and tracking permit applications and technical documents across multiple jurisdictions.
• Strong project management skills, including ability to manage multiple projects, schedules, and…