About Charm
Our mission is to reverse climate change and return the atmosphere to 280 ppm CO₂, profitably. We convert waste biomass into carbon-rich bio-oil and inject it into permanent, underground storage as carbon removal, or reform the bio-oil to produce syngas for fossil-free steel.
Our carbon removal pathway took off in 2020 with initial purchases from customers like Stripe, Shopify & Microsoft. In 2021 and 2022 we delivered thousands of tons of carbon removal via off-the-shelf pathways, and also deployed our first R&D prototype pyrolyzer of our own. In the next 18 months, we'll build and deploy the next pyrolyzer revision, demonstrate our fossil-free ironmaking pilot, substantially expand our operations in Colorado and put thousands of tonnes of CO₂e underground.
We're looking to expand our team of ambitious creative and hands-on engineers, fabricators, operators, and forward-thinking humans. We value psychological safety and collaboration. We take calculated risks and don't sweep mistakes under the rug; instead, we pin them to the wall and learn from them. We value that everyone’s unique backgrounds and perspectives shape their work. We encourage you to read
our company values.
Come help us reverse climate change. Gigatons or bust!
About the Role
As a member of our Pyrotronics team (Pyrolyzer Electronics) based out of our Fort Lupton facility, you’ll be responsible for designing, developing, and implementing automation control hardware related to the biomass processing and biochar handling systems used with our pyrolysis machines.
This role involves designing automation control cabinets, selecting motor controllers, VFDs, industrial sensors, implementing PLC systems, designing and constructing cables, and designing AC circuits for powering our biomass processing and biochar handling systems. You will work closely with cross-functional teams to ensure sound design and rigorous testing.
This role will report to the Pyrotronics Lead based out of San Francisco, but will mainly support the Colorado Development Team Engineering Manager for our Colorado based projects. There will be regular meetings with the San Francisco based team to ensure best practices are maintained and designs are thoroughly reviewed. Occasionally, this role will be tasked by the Pyrotronics Lead to facilitate implementation of design improvements, upgrades or new systems used on the Pyrolysis Machines as well.
Some examples of early projects you would be responsible for include improving the sensorization and data collection of key biomass test fixtures, designing a control system for a wood chip processing line and commissioning various new pieces of biomass processing equipment.
Responsibilities:
- Design and develop automation control cabinets: Create electrical schematics, select appropriate components, and layout control panels for automation systems. Then you get to build it!
- Select motor controllers, VFDs, and industrial sensors: Evaluate motor control requirements and process variables, specify suitable motor controllers, VFDs, and industrial sensors (e.g., pressure transducers, thermocouples, gas flowmeters, level sensors, scales, and strain gauges), and integrate them into the overall system design.
- Implement basic PLC systems: Develop PLC programs to control and monitor industrial processes, incorporating sensor feedback to ensure accurate and reliable operation while adhering to safety standards.
- Design and construct cables: Design cable assemblies, specify cable types, connectors, and wiring schemes, and build cables for the automation control systems, considering sensor connections and communication requirements.
- Design basic AC circuits: Develop electrical circuit designs for high-power systems, ensuring compliance with safety regulations and industry standards, while considering sensor integration and power requirements.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams: Work closely with mechanical engineers, software developers, and other stakeholders to integrate control systems, motor controllers, VFDs, and industrial sensors into larger automation projects.
- Troubleshoot and resolve issues: Identify and troubleshoot control system malfunctions, sensor inaccuracies, and communication problems, implement corrective measures, and perform system testing to ensure optimal performance.
- Documentation and reporting: Create detailed technical documentation, including sensor specifications, sensor integration plans, drawings, specifications, and test reports, to support system integration, maintenance, and future enhancements
Requirements:
- Excitement about getting opportunities to build rapid prototypes, get your hands dirty and teaching others by working side-by-side with a cross functional team
- 3 years or more of Electrical, Electronics or Automation Engineering (or similar) professional experience
- Experience in designing automation control cabinets and constructing cable assemblies
- Experience with electrical schematic capture tools (We use Zuken)
- Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to troubleshoot control system and sensor-related issues
- Must be physically able to climb ladders, bend, or crawl in awkward spaces
- Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds at a time
- Have a proactive, professional and “can do” attitude
- Passionate about contributing to our mission and growing the company
- Willing to travel once a quarter to California to visit with the SF team.
Bonus (but not required):
- Bachelor's degree in Electrical or Electronics Engineering, or a related field
- Familiarity with programming languages for PLC systems, such as ladder logic or structured text
- Understanding of automation control systems, motor control principles, electrical circuit design, and industrial sensors
- Proficiency in selecting motor controllers, VFDs, and industrial sensors based on project requirements
- Knowledge of safety regulations and standards related to high-power systems
- Experience designing for or operating near high power equipment (high voltage, large horsepower motors, high force actuators …etc)
- Direct experience in the handling of high temperature or combustible materials in an industrial automation environment
- Some experience with interfacing with, or designing, energy storage devices like large battery banks or inverter systems
- Design or operation of production equipment or manufacturing processes in the field of agriculture, forestry, sawmills, paper mills or food processing
- Direct experience with equipment like wood chippers, tractors, harvesting equipment, screening, drying systems, industrial heat exchangers or other large heavy-duty industrial or agricultural equipment
What We Offer
· Stock options
· Health benefits (medical, dental, vision)
· Traditional and Roth 401(k) with a 50% match on contributions up to 6%
· Paid time off, including parental leave
- A yearly professional development stipend
· Healthy snacks and lunches for onsite employees
- A sweet workplace with lots of space inside and out
· A chance to pivot into a role in climate!
Visa Sponsorship Policy
Since we are a small startup, certain accommodations for visa sponsorship may not be within our capability. At this time, Charm Industrial is only sponsoring E3 and TN visas.
Our Commitment
Charm Industrial is an equal opportunity employer with a firm commitment to growing our team in an inclusive way, regardless of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, medical condition, age, or veteran status. The consequences of climate change inherently affect some more than others, and we need a diverse team to help us save our little planet most effectively & justly. We are excited about all of those who choose to apply, and for those who end up joining us, to see how you better us as a team and company. We are more than the sum of our parts.
