Mechanical Engineering and Automation Manager III

Who we are:  

We're transforming one of the world’s oldest industries with cutting-edge technology and an innovative approach. Backed by top-tier investors and recognized by Time as one of the "best Inventions of 2024" and Fast Company as one of 2024's "Next Big Things in Tech", Electra is scaling rapidly and we're looking for bold, driven individuals to help us reshape the future of iron production. If you're ready to make a real impact in a company that's redefining heavy industry for a cleaner, smarter world, we want to hear from you.

What will you do:  

Manager III - Mechanical Engineering and Automation works with senior management to execute strategic plans and objectives for the development of industrial plants from demonstration capabilities to full commercialization. This position is responsible for providing oversight of the design, development, and optimization of complex mechanical engineering systems, ensuring that these systems meet the required standards for scalability, sustainability, and reliability. This is a key leadership role that requires both deep technical expertise and strong management skills.

 Responsibilities include:

• Works with senior leaders to execute the industrial plant equipment engineering strategy ensuring alignment with the company’s vision for scalable green iron production.

• Leads and mentors a team of mechanical engineers and designers, to support all projects and requirements across the company including new technologies developed internally, ensuring high performance and professional growth.

• Provides technical representation for Electra regarding Mechanical engineering (and Civil and Structural engineering disciplines where applicable) performed by outside consultants. Ensures compliance with the company’s requirements.

• Proactively collaborates with cross-functional teams to deliver integrated solutions.

• Fosters a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement within the team.

• Oversees the design, development, and validation of Mechanical Engineering and Automation for green iron production, ensuring technical, cost, and sustainability goals are met or exceeded.

• Optimizes plant performance through continuous monitoring and iterative design improvements.

• Manages internal complex mechanical, civil and structural engineering projects from concept to deployment, ensuring projects are delivered on time and within budget.

• Coordinates with stakeholders across the company to align engineering efforts with business objectives.

• Implements and ensures ongoing application of engineering best practices, including documentation, requirements tracking, and system validation processes.

• Identifies and mitigates technical risks during development and deployment.

• Provides advanced troubleshooting and support for plant failures or underperformance.

• Implements solutions to ensure system resilience and reliability as we scale production.

• Provides budget oversight to ensure department deliverables are completed within the approved financial scope.

• Manages the timeline, resources, and budget for engineering projects.

• Promotes a culture of safety within the teams.

• Reads, understands, and complies with all workplace health and safety policies, safe work practices, and company policies and procedures.

• Performs other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

What we need you to bring to the team:   

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or a related field of study

• 8+ years of industry experience in mechanical engineering within process engineering or manufacturing environments

• 3+ years of experience in a leadership role

• Demonstrated success leading engineering teams to manage complex system-level projects

• Strong understanding of engineering principles, including systems integration, testing, and validation

• Demonstrated success in translating functional plans into operational processes with the ability to guide execution

• Experience managing and leading teams with multiple disciplines, responsible for process control systems, large-scale production systems, control systems, and industrial applications

• Proficiency in relevant software and tools such as CAD, FEA, MATLAB, etc.

• Ability to work on complex issues where problems are not clearly defined and where fundamental principles do not fully apply

• Ability to interact on a consistent basis with senior management and executives, reconciling discrepancies amongst multiple stakeholders’ views to drive business results

• Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously

• Ability to effectively and efficiently evaluate problems, take charge, and make decisions. Remains calm in times of significant challenge.

• Proficiency with, or ability to quickly learn, Microsoft Office suite of programs, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneDrive, and SharePoint

What we want you to bring to the team:   

• Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field

• Over 10 years of industry experience in mechanical engineering, with a focus on process engineering or manufacturing environments

• More than 5 years of experience in a leadership role

• Proven experience designing and constructing mineral processing plants, including expertise in material and equipment selection, fluid mechanics, thermal systems, material handling, and automation

• Alternatively, experience with heavy equipment, power plant equipment, or semiconductor systems

Compensation:   

• The anticipated starting pay range for this position is $135,000-$150,000 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 

If you need an accommodation during the application or interview process, reach out to us at careers@electra.com—we’re here to help.