Lead EIC Engineer (Cold Climate Expertise) at Climeworks

About the Role

This position, while advertised for Canada, is based in Zurich, Switzerland, and requires relocation. You will define and maintain the technical direction for the Electrical, Instrumentation, and Controls (EIC) Department, leading the development of EIC specifications, design philosophies, and basis of design for global execution. You will ensure owner requirements are clearly defined, documented, and communicated to contractors, validating design assumptions against operability, safety, and compliance with relevant codes and regulations.

Key Responsibilities

Technical Direction

• Define and maintain the technical direction for the EIC Department.
• Lead the development of fit-for-purpose EIC specifications, design philosophies, and basis of design for global execution.
• Ensure owner requirements are clearly defined, documented, and communicated to contractors.
• Validate design assumptions against operability, safety, and compliance with local and regional codes and regulations.

Contractor Management

• Review and approve contractor submissions, including power distribution, control system architecture, and instrumentation design.
• Enforce owner requirements, provide technical clarifications, and ensure adherence to schedule, quality, safety, and operability standards.
• Set clear expectations for execution methods, field quality controls, and turnover documentation necessary for safe operation and maintenance.

System Reliability & Innovation

• Lead initiatives to enhance the reliability and performance of EIC systems.
• Troubleshoot issues and implement preventive measures.
• Evaluate and introduce emerging technologies, such as smart instrumentation, advanced control systems, and energy efficiency solutions.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Serve as the primary EIC interface with process, mechanical, and project management teams to ensure integrated designs.
• Identify and mitigate EIC risks during design and operation phases.
• Support project teams with scope, cost, and schedule estimates.

Team Leadership & Continuous Improvement

• Supervise and coach junior team members, providing guidance on technical challenges.
• Drive lessons-learned sessions to maintain a strong knowledge base and promote continuous improvement.
• Maintain thorough records of technical decisions, design bases, vendor information, and lessons learned for future operational use.

Cold-Weather and Constructability Considerations

• Incorporate Alberta (or similar) climate conditions into EIC design and execution planning, including freeze protection, winterization, insulation/heat tracing philosophy, and cold start/commissioning constraints for planned DAC plants.
• Ensure designs are constructable and capable of operating and being maintained through winter conditions, considering temporary works, winter work sequencing, and interface constraints with cold-weather activities.

Requirements

• Professional Experience: Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or equivalent, with at least 10 years of experience in process plants, preferably in cold weather climates, as an Electrical Controls and Instrumentation Engineer. Experience leading teams is required.
• Project Experience: Hands-on involvement in at least one full-cycle project in the mining, water treatment, oil and gas, or comparable industries, covering FEED, detailed design, construction, commissioning, and start-up. Experience in cold-weather or remote/seasonally constrained execution environments is preferred. Expertise in low and medium voltage electrical systems, industrial instrumentation, and control systems is essential.
• Communication & Collaboration: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to liaise effectively with diverse stakeholders, including third-party vendors in IP-sensitive collaborations.
• Working Style: Precise, adaptable, and reliable, with a proactive and solution-oriented approach. Comfortable driving and owning decisions in both office and field environments, including managing winter productivity and schedule risks. Highly organized with the ability to plan and prioritize work for oneself and others in fast-paced settings.
• Language Skills and Travel: Fluent in English. Willingness to travel up to 60% of the time, including extended site presence in Alberta, Canada during peak design, engineering, construction, and commissioning periods.

What We Offer

• Time Off: 25 paid vacation days annually, plus public holidays.
• Flexibility: Hybrid work setup and up to 4 weeks of remote work annually within any EU country.
• Ownership: Fair base pay paired with an equity package.
• Family Support: Inclusive parental leave.
• Continuous Learning: Dedicated budget for professional growth.
• Referral Rewards: Bonuses for successful team member referrals.

Salary

Salary ranges are determined by job seniority and local market median benchmarks. Individual compensation is based on skills, experience, and value to the team.

Formalities

• This position is based in Opfikon, Zurich; on-site presence of at least three days per week is expected.
• The role can be full-time or part-time, offering flexibility.
• Candidate profiles will not be accepted through recruitment agencies.

Our Promise

Climeworks is committed to an inclusive environment where everyone is valued. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, regardless of background, identity, or experience. If you believe you'd be a great fit, we encourage you to apply even if you don't meet every single listed criterion.