Director, Utility Development (AI)

TL;DR

Director, Utility Development (AI): Leading utility development strategy and execution for data center portfolios in the Eastern United States with an accent on securing power, water, and fiber infrastructure. Focus on negotiating interconnection agreements, evaluating grid capacity, and managing complex utility interfaces to support high-performance AI GPU clouds.

Location: Must be based in the Eastern United States

Salary: $160,000 - $300,000 USD

Company

Nscale is a GPU cloud engineered for AI, providing cost-effective, high-performance infrastructure for AI startups and large enterprise customers.

What you will do

• Develop and own the utility development strategy for data center projects in the East region.
• Lead technical and commercial engagements with utilities, ISOs, and RTOs from site diligence through energization.
• Manage power supply strategies, including grid supply and on-site/behind-the-meter generation.
• Coordinate with municipal and regional authorities to secure water and sewer capacity for cooling and domestic use.
• Lead fiber development by negotiating with outside providers to secure diverse, redundant routes.
• Partner with Development, Construction, and Operations teams to align utility milestones with project schedules.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Civil Engineering, or a related field.
• 8-12+ years of experience in utility development or grid-connected infrastructure, specifically with large-scale data centers or industrial loads.
• Proven experience working directly with utilities and ISOs/RTOs in Eastern U.S. markets.
• Success leading complex, multi-stakeholder projects from concept through energization.
• Experience securing fiber connectivity and negotiating with outside fiber providers.
• Must be based in the Eastern United States.

Nice to have

• Master's degree in Engineering or a related field.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license.
• Experience with high-density AI/GPU or HPC data centers.
• Familiarity with fiber route engineering and IRUs in Eastern U.S. markets.

Culture & Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Flexible paid time off and parental leave.
• Retirement plan participation.
• A culture centered on relentless innovation, ownership, accountability, and transparency.