New

Industrial Systems Designer

Boulder, Colorado, United States

Who we are:  

Electra is reinventing ironmaking from the ground up with a breakthrough electrochemical technology that produces high-purity, clean iron and critical co-minerals. With two operating pilots in Boulder and a new demonstration facility underway in Jefferson County, we’re on track to reach commercial scale by the end of the decade. Backed by over $300 million and strategic partnerships with global leaders across mining, steel, and big tech, momentum is on our side.  Recognized by Fast Company as a Most Innovative Company and a Next Big Thing in Tech, and named one of TIME’s 100 Climate Leaders, we’re building a company shaping the future of industry. If you’re looking to make an impact and join a team that’s driven, focused, and scaling, we want to hear from you.

What you will do:  

As an Industrial Systems Designer, you will design, develop, and document plant systems for Electra’s pilot and industrial-scale operations. This role focuses on supporting the development of robust, cost-effective mechanical systems that enable efficient plant performance and reliable operation

Responsibilities include:

  • Develop and refine industrial system and plant layout designs using 3D modeling software based on defined process requirements, equipment lists, and functional design criteria  
  • Create and maintain designs and documentation packages for process equipment, skid-mounted systems, tanks, piping, vessels, and associated mechanical, process, instrumentation, and automation systems  
  • Apply engineering judgment and problem-solving skills to evaluate design challenges, identify root causes, and develop practical solutions within pilot plant and industrial processing environments  
  • Support the development and continuous improvement of pilot plant processing system designs, layouts, and associated engineering documentation  
  • Collaborate cross-functionally with process engineers, controls engineers, equipment suppliers, contractors, and internal stakeholders to support installation, startup, commissioning, and issue resolution activities  
  • Prepare and maintain general arrangement drawings, piping isometrics, equipment layouts, plan and elevation views, and routing designs using CAD tools for both in-house fabrication and site installation activities  
  • Integrate OEM and supplier equipment into broader mechanical and process system designs while ensuring alignment with operational, safety, and functional requirements 
  • Utilize PDM/Vault systems to manage revision control, release workflows, engineering documentation, and libraries of 3D models and components  
  • Exercise independent judgment in evaluating design approaches, adapting existing solutions, and resolving issues of diverse scope within established engineering practices  
  • Build effective working relationships across technical and operational teams while communicating complex design information to varied audiences  
  • Read, understand, and comply with workplace health and safety policies, procedures, and safe work practices  
  • Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor 

What we need you to bring to the team:

Level III Qualifications   

  • Associate’s degree in Design with 7+ years of professional experience in plant design, industrial systems integration, or equipment layout; OR Bachelor’s degree in Engineering with 5+ years of related professional experience (excluding internships, co-ops, and academic projects)  
  • Complete knowledge and practical application of industrial design principles, plant layout practices, and mechanical system integration within processing, manufacturing, chemical, minerals, or similar industrial environments  
  • Experience developing industrial system layouts, equipment arrangements, and engineering solutions for complex processing or manufacturing operations  
  • Proficiency creating 3D equipment layouts, piping and duct routing, and general arrangement drawings using SolidWorks or similar CAD platforms  
  • Experience designing or supporting skid-mounted systems, process equipment, tanks, vessels, piping systems, and structural frameworks  
  • Working knowledge of integrating automation hardware and controls systems into industrial or process system designs  
  • Ability to assess unusual design conditions, evaluate multiple variables, and apply sound technical judgment to develop practical and scalable engineering solutions  
  • Ability to work independently on assignments of diverse scope while adapting existing approaches and resolving issues through analysis, evaluation, and interpretation of engineering information  
  • Strong collaboration and communication skills with the ability to work effectively across cross-functional teams, suppliers, contractors, and technical stakeholders  
  • Understanding of ergonomics, operational safety principles, and industrial design best practices within pilot plant or industrial processing environments 

Senior Level Qualifications

  • Associate's degree in Design with 10+ years of progressive experience in industrial plant design, systems integration, equipment layout, or related disciplines; OR Bachelor's degree in Engineering with 8+ years of related professional experience (excluding internships, co-ops, and academic projects)
  • Advanced knowledge and practical application of industrial design principles, plant layout methodologies, and mechanical systems integration within processing, manufacturing, chemical, mining, metals, minerals, or similar industrial environments
  • Demonstrated experience leading the design and execution of complex industrial systems and plant layouts from concept through detailed design with minimal technical oversight
  • Experience serving as a technical lead on multidisciplinary projects, coordinating design activities across engineering disciplines while balancing scope, schedule, and technical requirements
  • Experience mentoring junior designers and engineers through technical guidance, design reviews, problem-solving, and development of engineering best practices
  • Advanced proficiency creating complex 3D equipment layouts, piping and duct routing, general arrangement drawings, and detailed manufacturing documentation using SolidWorks, Plant 3D, or comparable CAD platforms
  • Extensive experience designing process equipment, skid-mounted systems, tanks, vessels, piping systems, structural frameworks, and industrial equipment installations
  • Strong understanding of automation hardware, instrumentation, and controls integration within industrial processing systems
  • Demonstrated ability to evaluate complex technical challenges, assess multiple design alternatives, and apply sound engineering judgment to develop practical, scalable, and maintainable solutions
  • Proven ability to independently manage multiple concurrent projects and deliver high-quality engineering solutions with minimal direction in a fast-paced technical environment
  • Excellent collaboration, communication, and technical leadership skills with experience working effectively across engineering disciplines, operations, suppliers, contractors, and external partners
  • Strong understanding of industrial safety, ergonomics, operability, maintainability, and constructability principles, with experience incorporating these considerations throughout the design process
  • Experience supporting equipment procurement, construction, commissioning, startup, and field troubleshooting is highly desirable
  • Experience working in pilot plant, first-of-a-kind, or rapidly evolving technology environments where engineering solutions must adapt alongside process development

 

What we want you to bring to the team:   

  • Experience serving as a technical lead, coordinating design activities across multiple engineering disciplines and driving projects to successful completion
  • Experience mentoring and providing technical guidance to junior designers and engineers, including design reviews and best practice development
  • Advanced proficiency with AutoCAD P&ID, Plant 3D, or equivalent industrial plant design software
  • Extensive experience developing complex 3D plant layouts, equipment arrangements, piping systems, and routing solutions for industrial processing facilities
  • Experience integrating automation hardware, controls systems, robotics, or instrumentation into industrial plant designs
  • Experience designing systems for corrosive chemicals, aggressive media, or other demanding industrial process environments
  • Familiarity with heavy industrial facilities such as mining, metals, minerals processing, chemical manufacturing, oil & gas, or power generation
  • Experience supporting EPC projects, commissioning, plant construction, and field installation activities
  • Strong understanding of industrial design principles, including safety, operability, maintainability, accessibility, and ergonomics
  • Advanced proficiency with SolidWorks, including PDM/Vault administration, engineering change management, revision control, and release processes
  • Experience working in a startup, pilot plant, or rapidly evolving technology organizations, where design solutions evolve alongside process development

 

Compensation:   

  • This position may be filled at either the Level III or Senior level based on the selected candidate's qualifications. The anticipated starting base salary range is $95,000–$150,000. Starting pay will be determined by the level hired, relevant skills, experience, education, and overall qualifications. Compensation within the range is based on the scope and complexity of a candidate's experience and demonstrated capabilities. Placement near the upper end of the range is typically reserved for candidates who bring extensive relevant experience, demonstrated technical leadership, and specialized or niche expertise that is highly aligned with the Senior-level expectations of the role.

Benefits For You:  

  • 100% paid premiums across all medical, dental, vision, telemedicine, short-term disability, long-term disability, and basic life insurance plans
  • $1,800 in annual employer HSA contributions (health savings account) 

Benefits For Your Family:  

  • 100% paid premiums across all medical, dental, vision, and telemedicine plans 
  • 12 weeks of paid parental leave 

Benefits For Your Future:  

  • 401k with up to 5% matching contributions which vest 100% on day one  
  • Eligibility for incentive stock options 

 

If you need an accommodation during the application or interview process, reach out to us at careers@electra.earth We’re here to help.

 

Create a Job Alert

Interested in building your career at Electra? Get future opportunities sent straight to your email.

Apply for this job

*

indicates a required field

Resume/CV*

Accepted file types: pdf, doc, docx, txt, rtf

Cover Letter

Accepted file types: pdf, doc, docx, txt, rtf

Select...
Select...
Select...
Select...

Voluntary Self-Identification

For government reporting purposes, we ask candidates to respond to the below self-identification survey. Completion of the form is entirely voluntary. Whatever your decision, it will not be considered in the hiring process or thereafter. Any information that you do provide will be recorded and maintained in a confidential file.

As set forth in Electra’s Equal Employment Opportunity policy, we do not discriminate on the basis of any protected group status under any applicable law.

Select...
Select...
Race & Ethnicity Definitions

If you believe you belong to any of the categories of protected veterans listed below, please indicate by making the appropriate selection. As a government contractor subject to the Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA), we request this information in order to measure the effectiveness of the outreach and positive recruitment efforts we undertake pursuant to VEVRAA. Classification of protected categories is as follows:

A "disabled veteran" is one of the following: a veteran of the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service who is entitled to compensation (or who but for the receipt of military retired pay would be entitled to compensation) under laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs; or a person who was discharged or released from active duty because of a service-connected disability.

A "recently separated veteran" means any veteran during the three-year period beginning on the date of such veteran's discharge or release from active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval, or air service.

An "active duty wartime or campaign badge veteran" means a veteran who served on active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service during a war, or in a campaign or expedition for which a campaign badge has been authorized under the laws administered by the Department of Defense.

An "Armed forces service medal veteran" means a veteran who, while serving on active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service, participated in a United States military operation for which an Armed Forces service medal was awarded pursuant to Executive Order 12985.

Select...

Voluntary Self-Identification of Disability

Form CC-305
Page 1 of 1
OMB Control Number 1250-0005
Expires 04/30/2026

Why are you being asked to complete this form?

We are a federal contractor or subcontractor. The law requires us to provide equal employment opportunity to qualified people with disabilities. We have a goal of having at least 7% of our workers as people with disabilities. The law says we must measure our progress towards this goal. To do this, we must ask applicants and employees if they have a disability or have ever had one. People can become disabled, so we need to ask this question at least every five years.

Completing this form is voluntary, and we hope that you will choose to do so. Your answer is confidential. No one who makes hiring decisions will see it. Your decision to complete the form and your answer will not harm you in any way. If you want to learn more about the law or this form, visit the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) website at www.dol.gov/ofccp.

How do you know if you have a disability?

A disability is a condition that substantially limits one or more of your “major life activities.” If you have or have ever had such a condition, you are a person with a disability. Disabilities include, but are not limited to:

  • Alcohol or other substance use disorder (not currently using drugs illegally)
  • Autoimmune disorder, for example, lupus, fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, HIV/AIDS
  • Blind or low vision
  • Cancer (past or present)
  • Cardiovascular or heart disease
  • Celiac disease
  • Cerebral palsy
  • Deaf or serious difficulty hearing
  • Diabetes
  • Disfigurement, for example, disfigurement caused by burns, wounds, accidents, or congenital disorders
  • Epilepsy or other seizure disorder
  • Gastrointestinal disorders, for example, Crohn's Disease, irritable bowel syndrome
  • Intellectual or developmental disability
  • Mental health conditions, for example, depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorder, schizophrenia, PTSD
  • Missing limbs or partially missing limbs
  • Mobility impairment, benefiting from the use of a wheelchair, scooter, walker, leg brace(s) and/or other supports
  • Nervous system condition, for example, migraine headaches, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis (MS)
  • Neurodivergence, for example, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder, dyslexia, dyspraxia, other learning disabilities
  • Partial or complete paralysis (any cause)
  • Pulmonary or respiratory conditions, for example, tuberculosis, asthma, emphysema
  • Short stature (dwarfism)
  • Traumatic brain injury
Select...

PUBLIC BURDEN STATEMENT: According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless such collection displays a valid OMB control number. This survey should take about 5 minutes to complete.