Industrial Systems Designer

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