Industrial Systems Designer

Electra

Design

Boulder, CO, USA

USD 95k-150k / year + Equity

Posted on Jun 25, 2026

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: <ul> <li>Develop and refine industrial system and plant layout designs using 3D modeling software based on defined process requirements, equipment lists, and functional design criteria  </li> <li>Create and maintain designs and documentation packages for process equipment, skid-mounted systems, tanks, piping, vessels, and associated mechanical, process, instrumentation, and automation systems  </li> <li>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  </li> <li>Support the development and continuous improvement of pilot plant processing system designs, layouts, and associated engineering documentation  </li> <li>Collaborate cross-functionally with process engineers, controls engineers, equipment suppliers, contractors, and internal stakeholders to support installation, startup, commissioning, and issue resolution activities  </li> <li>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  </li> <li>Integrate OEM and supplier equipment into broader mechanical and process system designs while ensuring alignment with operational, safety, and functional requirements </li> <li>Utilize PDM/Vault systems to manage revision control, release workflows, engineering documentation, and libraries of 3D models and components  </li> <li>Exercise independent judgment in evaluating design approaches, adapting existing solutions, and resolving issues of diverse scope within established engineering practices  </li> <li>Build effective working relationships across technical and operational teams while communicating complex design information to varied audiences  </li> <li>Read, understand, and comply with workplace health and safety policies, procedures, and safe work practices  </li> <li>Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor </li> </ul> What we need you to bring to the team: Level III Qualifications    <ul> <li>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)  </li> <li>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  </li> <li>Experience developing industrial system layouts, equipment arrangements, and engineering solutions for complex processing or manufacturing operations  </li> <li>Proficiency creating 3D equipment layouts, piping and duct routing, and general arrangement drawings using SolidWorks or similar CAD platforms  </li> <li>Experience designing or supporting skid-mounted systems, process equipment, tanks, vessels, piping systems, and structural frameworks  </li> <li>Working knowledge of integrating automation hardware and controls systems into industrial or process system designs  </li> <li>Ability to assess unusual design conditions, evaluate multiple variables, and apply sound technical judgment to develop practical and scalable engineering solutions  </li> <li>Ability to work independently on assignments of diverse scope while adapting existing approaches and resolving issues through analysis, evaluation, and interpretation of engineering information  </li> <li>Strong collaboration and communication skills with the ability to work effectively across cross-functional teams, suppliers, contractors, and technical stakeholders  </li> <li>Understanding of ergonomics, operational safety principles, and industrial design best practices within pilot plant or industrial processing environments </li> </ul> Senior Level Qualifications <ul> <li data-section-id="1mzmkv5" data-start="355" data-end="669">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)</li> <li data-section-id="162x9i5" data-start="670" data-end="917">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</li> <li data-section-id="lebbaj" data-start="918" data-end="1094">Demonstrated experience leading the design and execution of complex industrial systems and plant layouts from concept through detailed design with minimal technical oversight</li> <li data-section-id="1e1h24p" data-start="1095" data-end="1288">Experience serving as a technical lead on multidisciplinary projects, coordinating design activities across engineering disciplines while balancing scope, schedule, and technical requirements</li> <li data-section-id="1mudmb3" data-start="1289" data-end="1449">Experience mentoring junior designers and engineers through technical guidance, design reviews, problem-solving, and development of engineering best practices</li> <li data-section-id="kwssre" data-start="1450" data-end="1663">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</li> <li data-section-id="1lvknxe" data-start="1664" data-end="1831">Extensive experience designing process equipment, skid-mounted systems, tanks, vessels, piping systems, structural frameworks, and industrial equipment installations</li> <li data-section-id="1pztgf5" data-start="1832" data-end="1957">Strong understanding of automation hardware, instrumentation, and controls integration within industrial processing systems</li> <li data-section-id="bqm6rc" data-start="1958" data-end="2155">Demonstrated ability to evaluate complex technical challenges, assess multiple design alternatives, and apply sound engineering judgment to develop practical, scalable, and maintainable solutions</li> <li data-section-id="1c9jacn" data-start="2156" data-end="2333">Proven ability to independently manage multiple concurrent projects and deliver high-quality engineering solutions with minimal direction in a fast-paced technical environment</li> <li data-section-id="2bhdd8" data-start="2334" data-end="2533">Excellent collaboration, communication, and technical leadership skills with experience working effectively across engineering disciplines, operations, suppliers, contractors, and external partners</li> <li data-section-id="18zx6o1" data-start="2534" data-end="2734">Strong understanding of industrial safety, ergonomics, operability, maintainability, and constructability principles, with experience incorporating these considerations throughout the design process</li> <li data-section-id="1pesxfv" data-start="2735" data-end="2865">Experience supporting equipment procurement, construction, commissioning, startup, and field troubleshooting is highly desirable</li> <li data-section-id="1xr753b" data-start="2866" data-end="3032">Experience working in pilot plant, first-of-a-kind, or rapidly evolving technology environments where engineering solutions must adapt alongside process development</li> </ul>   <div> <div class="job__description body"> What we want you to bring to the team:    <ul> <li>Experience serving as a technical lead, coordinating design activities across multiple engineering disciplines and driving projects to successful completion</li> <li>Experience mentoring and providing technical guidance to junior designers and engineers, including design reviews and best practice development</li> <li>Advanced proficiency with AutoCAD P&ID, Plant 3D, or equivalent industrial plant design software</li> <li>Extensive experience developing complex 3D plant layouts, equipment arrangements, piping systems, and routing solutions for industrial processing facilities</li> <li>Experience integrating automation hardware, controls systems, robotics, or instrumentation into industrial plant designs</li> <li>Experience designing systems for corrosive chemicals, aggressive media, or other demanding industrial process environments</li> <li>Familiarity with heavy industrial facilities such as mining, metals, minerals processing, chemical manufacturing, oil & gas, or power generation</li> <li>Experience supporting EPC projects, commissioning, plant construction, and field installation activities</li> <li>Strong understanding of industrial design principles, including safety, operability, maintainability, accessibility, and ergonomics</li> <li>Advanced proficiency with SolidWorks, including PDM/Vault administration, engineering change management, revision control, and release processes</li> <li>Experience working in a startup, pilot plant, or rapidly evolving technology organizations, where design solutions evolve alongside process development</li> </ul>   Compensation:    <ul> <li>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.</li> </ul> Benefits For You:   <ul> <li>100% paid premiums across all medical, dental, vision, telemedicine, short-term disability, long-term disability, and basic life insurance plans</li> <li>$1,800 in annual employer HSA contributions (health savings account) </li> </ul> Benefits For Your Family:   <ul> <li>100% paid premiums across all medical, dental, vision, and telemedicine plans </li> <li>12 weeks of paid parental leave </li> </ul> Benefits For Your Future:   <ul> <li>401k with up to 5% matching contributions which vest 100% on day one  </li> <li>Eligibility for incentive stock options </li> </ul>   If you need an accommodation during the application or interview process, reach out to us at <a href="mailto:careers@electra.earth">careers@electra.earth</a> We’re here to help. </div> </div>

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