Controls Engineer III

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:

• Design, develop, and maintain electrical, instrumentation, and control (EIC) systems for iron-production processes from concept through detailed design, fabrication, commissioning, and handover
• Owns programming and troubleshooting Siemens S7 PLCs (TIA Portal), Ignition HMI & SCADA, and associated communication networks
• Work on the full lifecycle of control system design, including P&IDs, I/O lists, control narratives, instrumentation specifications, electrical schematics, panel layouts, and network architectures
• Ensure all control systems are efficient, reliable, safe, compliant with applicable codes/standards (e.g., NEC / NFPA, ISA, IEC), and aligned with site EHS requirements
• Collaborate cross-functionally with process engineering, mechanical systems, operations, and R&D teams to define system requirements and control strategies
• Work on integration efforts for new and existing equipment, including PLC/HMI/SCADA system architecture and control strategies
• Lead and execute the installation, configuration, commissioning, and site acceptance testing (SAT) of control systems
• Conduct system testing, tuning, loop checks, and validation to ensure optimal and stable process performance
• Develop, maintain, and review electrical design packages in SolidWorks Electrical, including control panel designs, wiring diagrams, and bill of materials
• Read, understand, and comply with all workplace health and safety policies, safe work practices, and company policies and procedures
• Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor in a rapidly evolving startup environment

What we need you to bring to the team:

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, control systems engineering, automation engineering, or related
• 5+ years of industry experience working on controls and data acquisition (excludes internships, co-ops, and other school projects)
• Exhibits high-level programming proficiency in one or more languages (C/C++, C#, Python, JavaScript, or equivalent), developing, modifying, and troubleshooting software solutions to address complex control, analytics, or automation challenges
• Demonstrates advanced, hands-on experience with industrial instrumentation, including voltage, amperage, temperature, pressure, level, weight, and flow measurement systems; independently evaluates instrumentation performance and resolves complex measurement and integration issues
• Applies proven proficiency with industrial automation communication protocols (e.g., Modbus, Profibus, Ethernet/IP, RS‑485), selecting and adapting protocols to meet system integration, reliability, and performance requirements across diverse applications
• Demonstrates proficient knowledge of industrial control system (ICS) design principles, including instrumentation specification, P&IDs, and relevant ISA/IEC standards
• Demonstrates the ability to independently implement industrial electrical safety programs—including Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), arc‑flash boundaries, and electrical safe‑work practices—and to assess risks in unusual or nonroutine situations while recommending corrective actions to maintain regulatory and operational compliance

Compensation:

The anticipated starting pay range for this position is $95,000-$145,000 and may be more or less depending upon skills, experience, and education.

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