Director of Engineering & Project Development
Job Description
Job Description
Position: Director of Engineering & Project Development
Location: New York City (preferred) | Hybrid with travel to West Africa
Type: Full-Time | Founding Team
About the Project:
We are building one of West Africa's most ambitious industrial ventures, a 300,000-ton-per-year aluminum rolling mill powered entirely by hydroelectric energy. As the region's first large-scale green aluminum platform, this project is setting a new standard for sustainable manufacturing while catalyzing economic transformation in Guinea and beyond.
Currently in Front-End Loading Phase 2 (FEL-2) and preparing to advance into FEL-3, our integrated development strategy spans rolled products, extrusion capabilities, scrap recovery, and a forward-looking ESG infrastructure plan-including the creation of a community health clinic.
Role Overview:
As Director of Engineering & Project Development, you will be the technical cornerstone of this landmark greenfield initiative. Reporting directly to the founding team, you will lead end-to-end engineering strategy, scope definition, consultant oversight, and FEL-stage execution. Your role will cover process engineering, capital validation, hydropower infrastructure, and project scheduling.
This is a rare opportunity to shape a transformative industrial project from the ground up and make a lasting impact on sustainable development in the region.
Key Responsibilities:
Engineering & Project Execution
Lead all FEL-2 and FEL-3 engineering activities including conceptual design, material flow modeling, and site utility planning.
Translate production targets (300,000+ TPA) into equipment specifications, plant layouts, and process designs.
Manage external consultants, EPCs, OEM vendors, and permitting processes
Optimize facility layout for full hydropower integration (including grid design, substations, and water recovery systems)
Develop and maintain project documentation such as WBS, PFDs/P&IDs, equipment schedules, and refined CapEx models
Cross-functional Collaboration:
Partner with regional leadership to align technical planning with land access, labor availability, ESG objectives, and local regulations.
Support finance and investor relations teams with technical inputs for data rooms, pitch decks, and due diligence materials.
Contribute to risk assessment and mitigation planning in preparation for EPC contracting and procurement
Ideal Candidate Profile:
10+ years of experience in engineering and capital project development within aluminum, steel, cement, or other heavy process industries.
Proven leadership on greenfield or FEL-stage projects with capital expenditures exceeding $100M.
Strong knowledge of aluminum rolling technologies, extrusion lines, or foil production (ACP/anodizing experience is a plus).
Experience designing and integrating energy-intensive facilities with renewable or grid infrastructure.
Ability to lead cross-functional and cross-border teams in emerging or high-growth markets.
A deep commitment to sustainable industrial innovation and long-term economic development.
Bonus: Proficiency in French and/or experience working in Sub-Saharan Africa or francophone regions.
What's Offered:
Founding-level equity and competitive compensation.
A leadership role in one of Africa's most significant green manufacturing projects.
The opportunity to shape a major industrial platform from inception.
Collaboration with a seasoned, mission-driven team across New York, West Africa, and Europe.
Exposure to frontier-market development and international travel.