Staff Process Development Engineer

Electra · Boulder, CO

Posted 8/14/2026 · last confirmed live 8/26/2026

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  y ou’re   looking to make an impact and join a team  t hat’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 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     If you need an accommodation during the application or interview process, reach out to us at  careers@electra.earth  We’re here to help.  

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