Lead Mechanical Engineer (100%)

Climeworks is a leading high-quality carbon removal provider, combining decades of expertise in Direct Air Capture (DAC) technology with a holistic approach to carbon removal solutions.

Climeworks advises companies on their carbon removal strategies and provides tailored portfolios of nature-based and engineered approaches, offering end-to-end services to help achieve net-zero goals. The company runs the world’s first two DAC plants in Iceland, demonstrating its core commitment to high-quality carbon removal that is backed by over 15 years of pioneering research, development, and deployment.

By advancing the most reliable solutions in the market, Climeworks accelerates the global transition to net zero, unlocking economic value for businesses, governments, and society.

We foster a dynamic environment and are building a global purpose driven team. We are looking for disruptive thinkers, passionate achievers and inspiring leaders that are ready to take on the world’s greatest challenge.

Will you join us?

Your mission

Specifications and design : You lead the development of fit-for-purpose mechanical 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 applicable regulatory expectations. This includes defining a pressure equipment compliance pathway (e.g., registration and lifecycle documentation expectations) suitable for local and regional execution.

Contractor management : You review and approve contractor submissions, 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.

Innovation and cost optimization : You develop innovative engineering solutions to identify cost‑saving opportunities without compromising quality or safety. You focus on design‑to‑construct decisions appropriate for local boundary conditions (e.g., modularization readiness, reduced field welds, optimized layout, local climactic conditions, access and maintenance).

Interface management : You assure strong integration with process, civil, electrical, and O&M disciplines to achieve seamless and optimized designs. You proactively manage cross‑discipline interfaces.

Regulatory and stakeholder awareness : Where relevant, you support alignment of mechanical scope assumptions with local permitting and application needs for energy/industrial facilities and infrastructure interfaces.

Documentation and knowledge management : You maintain thorough records of technical decisions, design bases, vendor information, and lessons learned for future operational use, including pressure equipment records and lifecycle documentation expectations.

Cold‑weather and constructability : As our next DAC plant is planned for Alberta, Canada, you incorporate Alberta (or similar) climate conditions into mechanical design and execution planning (freeze protection, winterization, insulation/heat tracing philosophy, drainage/low‑point management, 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 civil activities.

Requirements

Educational background : You hold a degree in Mechanical Engineering.

Professional experience : You bring at least 10 years of experience in process plants, preferably in cold weather climates, as a mechanical static equipment engineer, with proven expertise in API and ASME equipment such as heat exchangers, columns, pressure vessels, storage tanks, and packaged auxiliary equipment.

Project experience : You have hands‑on involvement in at least one full‑cycle project in the chemical, petrochemical, or renewables industry, covering all phases from FEED and detailed design to construction, commissioning and start‑up – preferably in cold‑weather or remote/seasonally constrained execution environments.

Work 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.

Communication : You are confident in presenting to executive audiences and EPC contractors, translating technical content into clear, actionable information.

Languages & 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.

At Climeworks, we believe the people make all the difference. Discover other opportunities and learn more about our team, our technology and our culture.

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