Manager, Thermal Permitting

Company Overview

Copia Power ("Copia") is an energy transition company committed to developing, constructing and owning large-scale infrastructure assets in the U.S. Copia is actively developing more than 15 GW of renewable and thermal energy generation and 12 GW of data center and industrial load. Copia is backed by Carlyle, one of the world’s largest global investment firms.

At Copia, we pride ourselves on a culture where sustainability is at the heart of everything we do. We are dedicated to making a meaningful impact on the environment, and we believe that achieving this goal requires not just hard work but also enjoying the journey. Our team thrives on connectivity, fostering strong relationships across all levels of the organization. Together, we combine passion and playfulness to drive progress and make a difference.

Copia is seeking a Manager of Thermal Permitting to lead Copia’s development efforts related to the development of thermal power generation facilities. Seeking candidates with 3+ years of experience the energy space with an emphasis on the permitting process, from early stage development through construction commencement. This role requires a versatile individual who possesses exceptional decision making, communication, and influencing skills as well as the ability to collaborate well in a fast past, people-first company.

The ideal candidate will have experience supporting large portfolio projects through the full project cycle from greenfield inception, to financing, and through construction.

The Manager of Thermal Permitting will report directly to the Senior Director of Permitting, working closely with Copia’s Development, Engineering, Commercial, Legal, and Finance teams in an individual contributor capacity.

• Acting as the lead subject matter expert to obtain all necessary permits related to both early and late-stage thermal energy projects, as well as projects in the construction phase, and support the project through commissioning and project financing processes.
• Managing third-party consultants and experts in support of the permitting of portfolio projects.
• Coordinating with interdisciplinary teams including development, real estate, engineering, interconnection and legal.
• Facilitating project discretionary permitting including permit strategy, tracking permit efforts, working with local AHJs, and obtaining all entitlements for the successful construction and operation of project facilities.
• Collaborating with an internal team and external consultants to identify siting constraints, project design, technology options, and both regional and local permitting strategies.
• Leading direct engagement with community stakeholders and regulatory officials.
• Supporting community outreach and engagement in tandem with the project development team.
• Representing Copia and the projects in community meetings and hearings.

• Ability to communicate effectively in verbal and written correspondence.
• Highly driven with problem-solving abilities, integrity, and strong work ethic.
• Proactive mindset with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Ability to work effectively within a rapidly changing organization.
• Demonstrated collaborative partnerships with peers, management, and vendors.
• Resourcefulness and polite persistence.

• 5+ years professional experience, in the energy industry (AZ and BLM experience preferred)
• Bachelor’s degree preferred
• Proven experience with Microsoft Office, including advanced proficiency in PowerPoint & Excel
• Experience with project management software
• Ability to work in the Dana Point, Salt Lake City, or Lake Oswego office a minimum of 3 days per week.
• Ability to travel up to 30%
• Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without employer sponsorship.

We are partnering with select search firms for this role and are not accepting inquiries or candidates from additional third-party agencies or recruiters.

• We work hard to embrace diversity and inclusion and encourage everyone at Copia to bring their authentic selves to work every day. We offer flexible work hours and…