Industrial Systems Designer

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.

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:

• 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 Solid Works 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…