Utility Coordination Specialist

Utility Coordination SpecialistReports To: Director of Site DesignThis role requires a full-time onsite presence in Durham, NCTarget Base Range: $75 - 85k (Final compensation commensurate with experience and qualifications)Please note: We are only able to consider candidates who are U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents (green card holders) and who do not require current or future visa sponsorship of any sort.About IONNAAre you ready to electrify your career and drive the future of sustainable transportation? Join IONNA, the groundbreaking joint venture founded by eight automotive titans, as we redefine the EV charging landscape across North America.At IONNA, we're building a reliable, scalable EV charging network that drivers can trust-backed by some of the most respected names in the automotive industry.Job SummaryThe Utility Coordination Specialist plays a pivotal role in ensuring utility engagement never becomes the critical path for deployment. As we scale, consistent, proactive, and disciplined coordination with utilities is essential to hitting deployment targets.This role exists because utility timelines are unforgiving-and success depends on early action, relentless follow-through, and clear ownership. The Utility Coordination Specialist initiates all utility engagements early in the site lifecycle, applies standardized processes developed by our Utility Partnership team, and remains engaged throughout the coordination process to ensure nothing jeopardizes the preconstruction schedule.When this role is working well, utility coordination is predictable, visible, and progressing-even when external dependencies are not. The Utility Coordination Specialist will be a key element in developing the process to enable large scale, distributed build out of an asset network.What Great Looks Like (12-18 Months In)You are winning in this role when:Utility applications are never late.All projects have utility service applications submitted during the Diligence stage-early enough to secure planners without schedule pressure.Nothing is stuck without visibility.We have a clear, portfolio-level view of where each utility engagement stands, what IONNA owes, and what the utility owes.Utility timelines consistently beat targets.Through preparation, persistence, and accountability, coordination efforts result in utility schedules that outperform baseline expectations.Incentives and programs are understood-not missed.Applicable utility, state, and federal EV programs are identified early and incorporated into project planning were beneficial.Key ResponsibilitiesUtility Engagement & InitiationInitiate all utility service applications during the Diligence stage using established SOPsEnsure applications are complete, accurate, and submitted early enough to secure a utility plannerServe as the primary point of coordination for utility engagements throughout preconstructionIdentifying all requirements for design packages for PDF/DWG & Survey Exhibits to meet Utility StandardsYou are not measured by submission alone-but by whether utility engagement ever becomes a deployment blocker.Portfolio Tracking & AccountabilityMaintain clear visibility into all active utility engagements across the deployment portfolioTrack open deliverables, actions, and dependencies across internal teams and utility partnersHold action owners accountable and push for resolution when progress stallsMaintaining utility data within iONNA project tracking software on a daily basisSuccess in this role requires comfort pushing-politely, professionally, and persistently.Cross-Functional CoordinationPartner closely with Due Diligence, Site Development Managers, Design, and Utility Partnership teamsEnsure all administrative requirements, documentation, and follow-ups are completed on timeSurface risks early and escalate intelligently to protect deployment schedulesIncentives, Rebates & EV Programs ResearchIdentify applicable utility incentives such as make-ready programs, charger rebates, and demand charge reduction offeringsResearch relevant federal, state, and utility-level EV programs by regionTrack eligibility criteria, application deadlines, funding availability, and program limitationsCoordinate incentive and rebate application submissions where applicable, in partnership with internal stakeholdersEstimate potential financial benefits and ensure they are incorporated into project assumptions and models when relevantMaintain an up-to-date, regionally organized repository of utility incentives and EV programsThis responsibility requires curiosity, discipline, and follow-through-missed programs often equal missed value.Process Discipline & ConsistencyApply standardized utility coordination processes consistently across all projectsIdentify recurring points of friction and provide feedback to help refine SOPsHelp scale a utility coordination function that performs reliably at volumeKey Performance Indicators (KPIs)Utility Application Timeliness: % of projects with complete utility service applications submitted during the Diligence stageUtility Milestone Adherence: % of projects meeting or beating target utility coordination timelinesIncentive Capture Rate: % of eligible projects where applicable utility or EV programs are successfully identified and pursuedRequired QualificationsA minimum of 2 years of direct experience coordinating utility service applications or utility engagements in infrastructure, construction, or development environmentsStrong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple active projects simultaneouslyClear, confident communicator capable of working across internal teams and external utility stakeholdersProven ability to track details, follow through, and close open loopsHigh ownership mindset-if progress stalls, you take responsibility for restarting itPreferred QualificationsExperience supporting EV infrastructure, energy, utilities, or large-scale site development programsFamiliarity with utility incentives, make-ready programs, or EV rebate structuresExperience working with SOP-driven coordination modelsExposure to fast-growth or insourced operational environmentsHow This Role Makes an ImpactThis role directly affects:Deployment speed - utilities don't become the long poleCapital efficiency - incentives are captured, not missedPartner trust - utilities and agencies experience prepared, professional engagementIONNA's mission - sites move from concept to energized faster and more efficientlyHigh performers in this role see tangible results: projects that progress smoothly through preconstruction because utility coordination-and incentive awareness-is proactive, not reactive.Who Will Thrive HereYou'll thrive in this role if you:Are comfortable working in environments with external dependencies you don't fully controlTake pride in staying ahead of problems rather than reacting to themCan manage ambiguity while still driving progressAre persistent, organized, and unafraid to follow up multiple timesPrefer being accountable for outcomes-not just tasksThis is not a passive coordination role. It requires judgment, persistence, and ownership.Why IONNA?Build the backbone of the EV charging futureWork in a highly visible, high-impact rolePartner with industry-leading automotive stakeholdersJoin a team that values clarity, accountability, and execution excellenceJoin the ChargeThis isn't just a utility coordination role-it's an opportunity to own one of the most schedule- and value-critical workstreams in EV infrastructure deployment.Based in Durham, NC, this on-site role offers real accountability, measurable impact, and the opportunity to directly influence how IONNA scales.IONNA is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices through a competitive base salary, as well as offering bonus programs, comprehensive benefits such as medical, dental, vision, life, 401(K), and paid holidays. Actual base salaries are based on several factors unique to each candidate, including but not limited to skill set, experience, certifications, and specific work location.