Lead Mechanical Engineer

Get to know Climeworks
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?

Job description

• Specifications and design: You lead the development of fit-for-purpose mechanical specifications, design philosophies, and basis of design. You ensure owner requirements are clearly defined, documented, and communicated to contractors, and validate that design assumptions meet operational, safety, and regulatory expectations.
• Contractor management: You review contractor submissions, enforce owner requirements, provide technical clarifications, and ensure adherence to schedule, quality, safety, and operability.
• Innovation and cost optimization: You develop innovative engineering solutions to identify cost-saving opportunities without compromising quality or safety.
• Interface management: You assure strong integration with process, civil, electrical, and O&M disciplines to achieve seamless and optimized designs.
• Documentation and knowledge management: You maintain thorough records of technical decisions, design bases, vendor information, and lessons learned for future operational use.

Your Story
Job requirements

• Educational background: You hold a degree in Mechanical Engineering.
• Professional experience: You bring at least 10 years of experience in process plants 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.
• Work style: You are precise, adaptable, and reliable, with a proactive and solution-oriented approach.
• 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.

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.
• We do not accept candidate profiles through recruitment agencies.