Lead EIC Engineer (100%) - Based in Zurich, Switzerland

Job description

While this role is advertised for Canada, the position is based in Zurich, Switzerland. We therefore expect the successful candidate to relocate . Technical Direction: You define and maintain the technical direction for the Electrical, Instrumentation, and Controls (EIC) Department. You lead the development of fit-for-purpose EIC specifications, design philosophies, and basis of design for execution Globally. You ensure owner requirements are clearly defined, documented, and communicated to contractors, and validate design assumptions against operability, safety, and ensure compliance with local and regional codes and regulations. Contractor management : You 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. You set clear expectations for execution methods, field quality controls, and turnover documentation needed for safe operation and maintenance. System Reliability & Innovation: You lead initiatives to improve reliability and performance of EIC systems, troubleshoot issues, and implement preventive measures. You evaluate and introduce emerging technologies such as smart instrumentation, advanced control systems, and energy efficiency solutions. Cross-Functional Collaboration: You act as the primary EIC interface with process, mechanical, and project management teams to ensure integrated designs. You identify and mitigate EIC risks during design and operation phases and support project teams with scope, cost, and schedule estimates. Team Leadership & Continuous Improvement: You supervise and coach junior team members, provide guidance on technical challenges, and drive lessons-learned sessions to maintain a strong knowledge base and promote continuous improvement. You maintain thorough records of technical decisions, design bases, vendor information, and lessons learned for future operational use. Cold-weather and constructability: As our next DAC plant is planned for Alberta, Canada, you incorporate Alberta (or similar) climate conditions into EIC design and execution planning (freeze protection, winterization, insulation/heat tracing philosophy, cold start/commissioning constraints). You ensure the design is constructable and able to operate and be maintained through winter conditions, including consideration of temporary works, winter work sequencing, and interface constraints with cold-weather activities. Professional experience: You have a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or equivalent and have at least 10 years of experience in process plants, preferably in cold weather climates, as an Electrical Controls and Instrumentation Engineer. You have experience leading teams. Project experience: You have hands-on involvement in at least one full-cycle project in the mining, water treatment, oil and gas or other comparable industries, covering all phases from FEED and detailed design to construction, commissioning and start-up; preferably in cold-weather or remote/seasonally constrained execution environments. You have expertise in low and medium voltage electrical systems, industrial instrumentation, and control systems. Communication & Collaboration: You demonstrate excellent written and verbal communication skills and can liaise with diverse stakeholders, including third-party vendors in IP-sensitive collaborations. Working Style: You are precise, adaptable, and reliable, with a proactive and solution-oriented approach. You are comfortable driving decisions and owning them in the office and under field constraints, including winter productivity and schedule risk. You are highly organized, able to plan and prioritize work for yourself and others, and comfortable working in fast-paced environments. Language Skills and Travel : You are fluent in English and ready to travel up to 60% of your time (including extended site presence in Alberta, Canada during peak design, engineering, construction and commissioning periods). Our promise: At Climeworks, you are accepted for who you are, and we are committed to building an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply – regardless of background, identity, or experience. Studies show that women and individuals from minority backgrounds often only apply for jobs when they meet 100% of the listed criteria. If this sounds like you, don’t hold back. If you think you’d make a great fit for this role, we’d love to hear from you, even if you don’t check every single box. Let’s tackle one of humankind’s greatest challenges together. What we offer: Time Off: Enjoy 25 paid vacation days every year, plus public holidays. Flexibility: Work how it suits you best. We offer a 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 – because your contributions matter. Family Support: Inclusive parental leave. Continuous Learning: Dedicated budget to invest in your professional growth. Referral Rewards: Help us grow our team and earn bonuses for your successful referrals. Salary: At Climeworks, salary ranges are assigned to a job based on the level of seniority and the location specific market median of similar jobs according to external benchmark surveys. Individual compensation depends on your skills, experience, and the value you bring to the team. Formalities: This position is based in Opfikon, Zurich, and we ask that you work onsite at least three days per week. The percentage in the job title means flexibility – choose full-time or part-time based on what works for you. We do not accept candidate profiles through recruitment agencies.