Electrical Controls Engineer
Via Separations
Other Engineering
Watertown, MA, USA
Posted on Jan 12, 2025
Via Separations is a Boston-area startup dedicated to eliminating CO2 emissions from industrial manufacturing processes. In H1 2024, Via delivered its first commercial facility and changed the narrative around market-driven climate technologies that drive value for industrial customers. At the intersection of engineering, society, and impact, our team is passionate about making a difference and building the technology and organization to do it. We are a fast-paced, interdisciplinary team backed by leading venture capital firms, and we are looking to add talented, mission-driven people to our cohort.
We are passionate about global climate impact, optimistic about scientific progress, and unafraid of hard problems. We believe that our people are our unfair advantage, and drive our mission forward. We embrace the diversity of our team for creative solutions and believe the best ideas come from the intersection of disciplines and perspectives. We want you to join us!
Role Description
Via Separations’ technology is the first commercial implementation of Graphene Oxide based membranes in several difficult industrial applications. As a Senior Electrical Engineer, you will work with the commercial systems engineering team to define electrical system requirements for new process installations. Typical installations will include motor control centers with some projects requiring design and integration of new electrical infrastructure from higher-voltage power supplies.
You will lead the design, testing, and deployment of electrical systems while serving as support for electrical controls, PLC programming, and system troubleshooting. This role will require travel approximately 20% of the time and a mix of office-based design work and field-based system commissioning.
Your expertise will ensure the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of our systems, advancing Via’s mission to decarbonize industrial processes.
Responsibilities include:
- Define electrical system requirements for new process installations.
- Conduct power system studies, including load flow, short circuit, and protective coordination analysis.
- Design and develop electrical systems, including one-line diagrams, schematics, and panel layouts.
- Specify and source components such as substations, transformers, motor control centers, relays, switches, motor starters, and power supplies while adhering to relevant codes and standards (e.g., NEC, IEC).
- Lead technical reviews of electrical designs and contribute to system-level design evaluations.
- Provide hands-on field support, including commissioning and troubleshooting electrical systems.
- Develop construction and equipment specifications, along with technical documentation to support system installation, operation, and maintenance.
- Serve as a backup for electrical controls work, including PLC programming (e.g., ladder logic, structured text) and HMI development for system monitoring and troubleshooting.
- Travel up to 20% of the time to project sites for commissioning and troubleshooting.
The ideal candidate will have most, if not all, of the following:
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field.
- 5+ years of experience in electrical design, with a focus on medium-voltage AC systems and industrial installations.
- Proficiency in electrical design software (e.g., AutoCAD Electrical) and familiarity with relevant electrical codes (e.g., NEC, IEC).
- Strong analytical skills and hands-on aptitude in power systems, electromechanical systems, and instrumentation.
- Experience with industrial automation hardware, PLCs, and industrial protocols (e.g., OPC-UA, ProfiNet).
- Familiarity with diagnostic equipment and techniques for troubleshooting.
- PE certification is preferred but not required.
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills to work effectively across teams and stakeholders.
- Strong project management capabilities, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
We Offer:
- Competitive compensation package, including equity options
- Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
- Disability & Life Insurance
- 401(k)
- 12+ weeks of paid Family Leave
- Paid Flex time off
- Paid time off for Company holidays
At Via, we value and prioritize diversity of thought, access, and experiences, and are an equal opportunity employer by choice. We consider all qualified applicants equally for employment. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, protected veteran status, religion, physical or mental disability, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, or any other basis protected by law, ordinance, or regulation.