The posting
Job Description
Primary purpose:
The Associate plays a central role in project finance execution, capital formation, commercial structuring, and underwriting of major growth investments. This role is designed for candidates with a private equity associate-level skillset who are seeking greater ownership, autonomy, and direct exposure to real assets, while maintaining institutional rigor and sponsor visibility.
The role reports directly to a Vice President and works closely with senior management, the private equity sponsor, lenders, and external advisors.
Responsibilities
Essential duties and responsibilities
- Project Finance & Capital FormationLead analytical workstreams for the structuring and execution of construction and term financings for large-scale energy infrastructure projects, including bank debt, private placements, structured equity, and sponsor capital Develop and evaluate optimal capital structures, debt sizing frameworks, covenant profiles, and return metrics across greenfield and brownfield investments Serve as day-to-day finance lead on select transactions, coordinating across internal teams and external advisors (banks, legal counsel, independent engineers) Support lender diligence processes, manage data requests, and assist in negotiation of key financing terms
- Financial Modeling & Investment UnderwritingOwn the development and maintenance of complex, institutional-quality project finance models, including construction draws, operating projections, debt sizing, and return analysis Perform scenario and sensitivity analyses to evaluate downside protections, capital structure resilience, and sponsor return outcomes Review and refine financial analyses prepared by junior team members and external advisors Translate commercial and contractual terms into clear financial impacts to inform investment decisions
- Strategic Finance & Commercial SupportProvide financial leadership and support in commercial negotiations, including offtake agreements, tolling arrangements, and EPC contracts Evaluate contractual risk allocation and economic tradeoffs in coordination with legal and commercial teams Contribute to corporate-level strategic initiatives, portfolio optimization, and capital allocation decisions
- Board, Sponsor & Investor EngagementPrepare board-level materials, investment memoranda, and strategic analyses for senior management and the private equity sponsor Support presentations and diligence processes for lenders, investors, and rating agencies Provide independent analytical recommendations to senior leadership regarding investment, financing, and risk management decisions
Qualifications
Minimum requirements:
Education:
- Bachelor of Science in Business, Accounting, Finance, Economics, or related field.
Experience/Specific Knowledge:
- 2-5 years of relevant experience in:Project finance or infrastructure investment banking Infrastructure / energy private equity Corporate development or strategic finance within energy infrastructure
- Demonstrated involvement in closed transactions, including direct exposure to construction financing
- Experience with midstream, gas-fired power generation, or CO₂ / CCUS infrastructure strongly preferred
Certifications, Licenses & Registrations:
- Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license and a driving record satisfactory to the company and its insurers (for travel).
Competencies, Skills & Abilities:
- Advanced financial modeling skills with demonstrated ability to independently own complex analyses end-to-end
- Strong understanding of project finance structures, capital markets execution, and contractual risk allocation
- Polished, detail-oriented, and analytical, with a private equity mindset
- Comfortable operating in a lean, high-accountability environment with direct senior and sponsor exposure
- Proficiency in MS Office applications that may include but are not limited to Excel, Word, SharePoint, PowerPoint, and Outlook
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- High level of integrity, confidentiality, and professionalism
- Must be able to work with a team, take direction from management, adhere to required work schedules, and follow company policies
Physical Demands:
All the physical requirements listed below are those that may be necessary for an employee to successfully perform the essential function of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Must be able to sit for prolonged periods of time.
- The employee is regularly required to use hands to type, touch, handle, or feel. The employee is required to talk and hear. The employee is frequently required to stand and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to walk and climb or balance. The employee must regularly lift and /or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
Working Conditions:
- Will work non-traditional hours as needed.
- May be required to carry a cell phone and be available to respond during working and non-working hours.
- Candidates will be required to clear a drug screen and complete a background check, including a credit report for certain positions after an offer has been extended and prior to being employed.
Supervisory Responsibility:
- Yes
About Us
Tallgrass was named one of the Top Workplaces USA and highlighted in Colorado's Top Workplaces for the past seven consecutive years. Tallgrass is a leading energy infrastructure company focused on safely, reliably, and sustainably delivering the energy and services that power our nation and enable our quality of life.
At Tallgrass, we value our teams and strive to create an environment where employees feel respected, and their contributions are valued. We aim to support employees' physical, mental, and financial well-being through a comprehensive Total Rewards Program.
- Industry competitive pay
- Health insurance package options that include Flexible Spending & Health Savings Accounts
- Infertility Coverage
- Parental Leave
- 401(k) with up to a 6% match that vests immediately plus an employer discretionary contribution of up to 4%
- Wellness Programs and Mental Health Resources
- Employer-paid life insurance, short-term disability, and long-term disability coverage
- Critical Illness & Accident Insurance
- Vacation, sick days, paid caregiver leave, volunteer and bereavement paid time off
- Identity theft protection
- Annual discretionary bonus
- Generous Tuition Reimbursement Program
- Company-paid holidays and floating holidays
- Company vehicle (if applicable)
- Employee discounts; vehicles, tires, cellular plans, and more
- Networking and employee engagement events
- Personal development to grow your career with us based on your strengths and interests
Application Deadline: Recruiting timelines vary by position; however, all Tallgrass positions accept applications for at least five business days from the posting date. This position is open and still accepting applications.
Compensation: Compensation ranges are provided in good faith based on what we anticipate when researching wages for this position at the state and national levels. We may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range. This salary range may also be modified in the future.
Notice to External Search Firms: Tallgrass does not accept unsolicited resumes from search firms or employment agencies. Unsolicited referrals and resumes are considered Tallgrass property; therefore, Tallgrass will not pay a fee for any placement resulting from the receipt of an unsolicited referral. Approved vendors may be invited to refer talent for specific positions at Tallgrass's request only. A fully executed agreement with Tallgrass must be in place and current in these cases.
EEO Statement: Tallgrass complies with all Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) affirmative action laws and regulations. Tallgrass does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, religion, color, sex, national origin, marital status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender Identity and expression, disability, veteran status, pregnancy status, or other status protected by law.
