Chief Technology Officer [EVREC]

Abraxas Power Corp. and EDF Group are seeking a Chief Executive Officer for the Exploits Valley Renewable Energy Corporation (EVREC) green hydrogen and ammonia project in Central Newfoundland.  This is a joint venture between these leading energy transition companies. 

Please note that EDF Renewables North America is is promoting and posting this opportunity on behalf of the joint venture and we are not accepting referrals from executive search firms or agencies.  

Under the direction of the Chief Operating Officer, the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) is responsible for managing all aspects and phases of technology selection and engineering for a P2X project in Atlantic Canada consisting of utility scale wind + ammonia facility. The CTO role is primarily responsible for overseeing the engineering team, ensuring technical quality, managing contractors, engaging with stakeholders, selecting, and partnering with external technology vendors. The CTO will achieve project and corporate goals which are generally described as follows: project schedule, scope management, budget performance, quality requirements, and safety. The CTO will foster a cooperative relationship with project partners and internal resources while meeting the Company strategic goals and continually messaging the value of the Company services to stakeholders. This position has project P&L responsibility. The project consists of up to 3GW Wind, 2+ GW of Electrolysis, and 1MTPA of Ammonia at an expected cost of approximately $10B.

Travel: Expected to be 25% of overall work time.

Location: This position will be based in  Houston, TX, Toronto, Canada or Paris, France. The ideal candidate will be local or open to relocation.

Remote may be considered for exceptional candidates in select locations.

• Oversee and manage the engineering of the project, on time, on budget, and in accordance with all applicable health, safety, contract, quality, and legal requirements; coordinate, supervise, and manage project team consisting of internal resources (i.e., Project Managers, Project Engineers, Superintendents, Design Engineers) and outside partners such as EPC, subcontractors, consultants, clients, development partners; implement and manage project administration, including project meetings, document control, submittals, quality control, construction team planning and documentation, and other close‑out and commissioning of projects.
• Ensure compliance with safety and environmental regulations, including compliance by personnel, subcontractors, and others at the project site.
• Review technical solutions to improve the efficiency and safety of the plants
• Lead selection of technical solutions, support or lead presentation to shareholders of recommendations, and manage external vendor relationships
• Ultimate responsibility to development of electrolysis, ammonia synthesis and other processing technology development efforts
• Collaborate with clients, suppliers, and partners to ensure project success.
• Review and approve technical documentation and detailed reports
• Coordinate all required inputs necessary for the finance team to secure project financing, including support of independent engineering reports.
• Participate in conferences and workshops to stay updated on the latest trends and innovations in the hydrogen and ammonia sector

Fiscal Responsibilities: Oversight and management of project budget, project schedule, project P&L; subcontract payments; and project billings.

• Holds a university degree in Mechanical or Chemical Engineering
• Ten or more years of progressive experience in engineering design, project management, or project development.
• Advanced understanding of contracts, construction methods, and technical processes to produce ammonia.
• Experience with utility-scale wind systems greater than 50MW preferred.
• Experience with Haber-Bosch ammonia licensors preferred.
• Experience with electrolysis and green Hydrogen production preferred.
• Experience designing large-scale industrial facilities from FEED to construction.
• Excellent leadership skills, deep knowledge of safety and environmental regulations related to hydrogen plants.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills

The preferred candidate will have experience leading the engineering aspects of a large-scale hydrogen or ammonia production facility.