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:
The Staff Process Development Engineer will provide technical leadership for the development, design, and scale-up of chemical and hydrometallurgical processes across a range of scales, from bench-scale proof-of-concept through Electra’s pilot and demonstration facilities. This role will serve as a senior technical resource within process engineering, driving complex development efforts, shaping technical approaches, and partnering across engineering teams to support sound technical decisions as Electra advances toward commercial-scale operations.
Responsibilities include:
- Provide technical leadership for complex process development and scale-up projects from laboratory through pilot and demonstration scale
- Design and guide development of chemical process systems, including mass and energy balances, P&IDs, equipment specifications, fabrication, and commissioning
- Develop technical approaches for process development and scale-up using engineering principles, modeling, and experimental data
- Lead process safety activities, including HAZOPs, FMEAs, and other hazard reviews
- Partner across mechanical, electrical, controls, and other engineering disciplines to define requirements and support technical decisions
- Analyze complex experimental and process data and translate findings into recommendations that guide engineering and business decisions
- Lead commissioning, troubleshooting, and optimization of equipment and process systems to improve safety, reliability, and performance
- Advance process development and engineering practices through documentation, practical standards, and knowledge sharing
- Serve as a trusted technical resource and mentor, providing guidance on complex process engineering challenges
- Maintain a safe working environment and lead safety assessments for new equipment, processes, and operations
- Read, understand, and comply with all workplace health and safety policies, safe work practices, and company policies and procedures
- Perform other duties as assigned
What we need you to bring to the team:
- Bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering, mining/metallurgical engineering, chemistry, or a related field
- 12+ years of relevant industry experience; OR 8+ years with a Master’s degree; OR 5+ years with a PhD; or equivalent experience (excludes internships, co-ops and other school projects)
- Deep experience in process design, including mass and energy balances, reaction kinetics, thermodynamics, separations, and fluid flow
- Demonstrated ability to provide technical leadership on complex process engineering projects and serve as a trusted subject-matter resource
- Proven ability to influence technical decisions and collaborate effectively across engineering disciplines and functions without relying on formal authority
- Demonstrated success implementing safety measures for gas- and liquid-processing systems and leading process safety reviews
- Expert proficiency with process simulation software and the ability to use models to inform experimental design, predict outcomes, and guide process development and scale-up
- Strong ability to analyze complex experimental data, recognize meaningful patterns, develop technical recommendations, and communicate results clearly to both technical and non-technical teams
- Solid experience in analytical chemistry and applying it to troubleshoot complex experimental issues, evaluate alternatives, and determine appropriate technical approaches
- Strong understanding of fluid power systems, including pumps, valves, and heat-exchange equipment, and how they integrate into larger mechanical and process systems
- Hands-on experience using power tools and basic fabrication methods to build or modify custom equipment supporting testing, development, and process improvement
- Experience coordinating with external vendors, providing technical guidance, tracking progress, and ensuring contracted work meets quality, schedule, and project objectives
- Demonstrated ability to improve engineering practices, share knowledge, and contribute to the technical development of others
- Proficient in, or able to quickly pick up, Microsoft Office applications including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneDrive, and SharePoint to create clear documentation and support project needs
Compensation:
- The anticipated starting pay range for this position is $135,000-$185,000.Compensation will vary based on experience and qualifications, with offers determined by skills, experience, and overall alignment with the role. The top of the salary range is usually reserved for candidates with highly specialized expertise and extensive relevant experience.
At Electra, We Invest in Your Future
At Electra, we invest in the well-being, financial security, and long-term success of our employees. Our comprehensive benefits package is designed to support you and your family—both at work and at home.
We are proud to offer:
- 100% Employer-Paid Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance – Full premium coverage for full-time employees, spouses/domestic partners, and dependents at no cost to you
- Equity – Share in Electra's success through company equity
- 401(k) with 5% Employer Match – Immediately 100% vested, so every employer contribution is yours once you're eligible
- Health Savings Account (HSA) – Employer contributions of $1,800 for individuals and $3,600 for families
- Paid Time Off & Paid Holidays – Time to rest, recharge, and focus on what matters most
- 12 Weeks of 100% Paid Parental Leave – Supporting your family during life's biggest moments
- 100% Employer-Paid Life Insurance & AD&D – Coverage equal to 2x your annual salary
- 100% Employer-Paid Disability Insurance – Income protection when you need it most
- Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) – Pre-tax savings for eligible healthcare and dependent care expenses
- Supplemental Accident & Critical Illness Insurance – Additional financial protection for unexpected events
- Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) – Confidential mental health, financial, and wellness resources available to you and your family
If you need an accommodation during the application or interview process, reach out to us at [email protected] We’re here to help.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in chemical engineering, mining/metallurgical engineering, chemistry, or related field (graduate degree or equivalent experience accepted)
- 12+ years relevant industry experience; OR 8+ years with Master's; OR 5+ years with PhD (excludes internships/co-ops)
- Deep experience in process design including mass and energy balances, reaction kinetics, thermodynamics, separations, and fluid flow
- Demonstrated technical leadership on complex process engineering projects and subject-matter expertise
- Proven ability to influence technical decisions and collaborate across engineering disciplines without formal authority
- Experience implementing safety measures for gas- and liquid-processing systems and leading process safety reviews (HAZOPs, FMEAs)
- Expert proficiency with process simulation software and using models to inform experimental design and scale-up
- Strong ability to analyze complex experimental and process data and communicate results to technical and non-technical audiences
- Solid experience in analytical chemistry applied to troubleshooting experiments and evaluating technical approaches
- Strong understanding of fluid power systems including pumps, valves, and heat-exchange equipment and integration into process systems
- Hands-on experience using power tools and basic fabrication methods to build or modify custom test equipment
- Experience coordinating with external vendors, providing technical guidance, and ensuring contracted work meets project objectives
- Proficiency with or ability to quickly learn Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneDrive, SharePoint)
What We Do
Electra is decarbonizing iron and steelmaking to eliminate 3.7 gigatons or 10% of global carbon dioxide emissions. Leveraging proven industrial-scale electrochemical and hydrometallurgical processes, and backed by leading sustainability-focused venture capitalists, our team is developing lower cost, scalable solutions utilizing renewable energy to forge a cleaner, greener future for the trillion-dollar steel industry. With a uniquely collaborative culture, endless passion for developing disruptive technologies, and the opportunity to revolutionize carbon-intensive manufacturing industries, careers at Electra offer challenge, reward, and the chance to bring to market solutions that dramatically improve the health of the planet.
