Application Guide
How to Apply for Development Engineer (80â100%)
at Climeworks
🏢 About Climeworks
Climeworks is a pioneering direct air capture company that's literally removing CO₂ from the atmosphere at scale. They're unique because they combine ambitious climate action with business pragmatism, operating at the intersection of technology, policy, and economics. Working here means contributing to one of the most critical climate solutions while being part of a dynamic scale-up environment.
About This Role
As a Development Engineer at Climeworks, you'll be working on scaling and optimizing their direct air capture technology systems. This role is impactful because you'll directly contribute to making carbon removal more efficient and cost-effective, which is essential for achieving climate goals. You'll likely be involved in designing, testing, and improving the engineering systems that capture CO₂ from ambient air.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might involve collaborating with cross-functional teams on system optimization, analyzing performance data from existing capture plants, designing improvements to increase efficiency, and troubleshooting technical challenges. You'd balance hands-on engineering work with strategic planning for scaling the technology, all while working remotely with team members across different time zones.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Climeworks Is Looking For
- Has experience in mechanical, chemical, or process engineering with a focus on scaling technology systems
- Demonstrates entrepreneurial spirit and comfort with responsible risk-taking in a fast-paced environment
- Shows evidence of turning ambitious technical goals into reality despite challenges
- Possesses both technical expertise and understanding of business/political realities affecting climate tech
📝 Tips for Applying to Climeworks
Highlight specific experience with scaling engineering systems or technology development, not just maintenance or operations
Demonstrate how you've turned ambitious goals into reality with concrete examples of overcoming technical challenges
Show understanding of both the technical AND business aspects of climate technology development
Emphasize your comfort with dynamic, fast-paced environments and taking calculated risks
Connect your personal motivation for climate action with practical engineering experience
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
['Your specific experience with technology development and scaling engineering systems', 'Examples of turning ambitious technical goals into reality despite challenges', 'How you balance climate passion with business pragmatism', "Why you're specifically drawn to direct air capture technology and Climeworks' approach"]
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Climeworks' specific direct air capture technology and their different plant designs
- → The company's recent projects and partnerships (like their facilities in Iceland)
- → The broader carbon removal market and how Climeworks positions itself within it
- → Their funding rounds and growth trajectory as a scale-up company
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Focusing only on climate passion without demonstrating technical engineering capabilities
- Presenting as risk-averse or uncomfortable with fast-paced, uncertain environments
- Showing generic interest in 'sustainability' without specific knowledge of direct air capture technology
📅 Application Timeline
This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.
Typical hiring timeline:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!