Senior Controls Engineer

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
• Own 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, 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
• Lead integration efforts for new and existing equipment, including PLC/HMI/SCADA system architecture and control strategies
• Oversee and perform 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
• Identify opportunities for process optimization, advanced control, alarm management, and system reliability improvements
• Program and troubleshoot Siemens S7 PLCs (TIA Portal), Ignition HMI & SCADA, and associated communication networks
• Develop, maintain, and review electrical design packages in SolidWorks Electrical, including control panel designs, wiring diagrams, and bill of materials
• Specify and source instrumentation and electrical equipment (sensors, transmitters, motors, drives, MCC components, etc.) to meet process and project requirements
• Autonomously lead engineering projects or small multi-disciplinary teams, including scheduling, budgeting, technical decision-making, and vendor management
• Troubleshoot complex electromechanical systems, perform root cause analysis, and execute corrective/preventive actions
• Apply industry-standard safety analysis methodologies such as FMEA, PHA, and HAZOP to effectively manage risks
• Develop and maintain engineering documentation, including control narratives, cause-and-effect matrices, test plans, operating procedures, and safety protocols
• 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
• 8+ years of industry experience working on controls and data acquisition (excludes internships, co-ops, and other school projects)
• 3+ years of experience with PLC programming, including Ladder Logic and structured text (Siemens preferred)
• Advanced experience with instrumentation such as voltage, amperage, temperature, pressure, level, weight, and flow
• Strong working knowledge of high- and low-voltage electrical design, electrical troubleshooting, and industrial power distribution
• Proficiency with industrial automation communication protocols such as Modbus, Profibus, Ethernet, RS485, etc.
• High level programming experience in C/C++/C#, Python, Javascript, or equivalent
• In-depth knowledge of industrial control system design principles, instrumentation specification, P&IDs, and ISA/IEC standards
• Experience implementing LOTO procedures, arc-flash boundaries, electrical safe-work practices, and other industrial electrical safety programs
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite of programs including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneDrive, and SharePoint

What we would like you to bring to the team

• Proficiency with Siemens S7 (TIA portal), Ignition, SolidWorks Electrical, and SQL databases
• Experience in chemical processing, industrial manufacturing, pilot-plant operations, or continuous/batch process industries
• Experience with control panel design per UL 508A, hazardous area classification, and instrument selection for chemical environments

Compensation

The anticipated starting pay range for this position is $100,000-$175,000 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
• Reasonable use PTO
• $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