Application Guide
How to Apply for Industrial Systems Designer
at Electra
🏢 About Electra
Electra is revolutionizing electric vehicle adoption by building Europe's largest high-speed charging network, but this role is based in the USA, supporting pilot and industrial-scale operations. As a fast-growing startup with a mission to accelerate EV infrastructure, you'll have the opportunity to shape the physical systems that power the transition to clean energy.
About This Role
As an Industrial Systems Designer, you'll be the linchpin translating engineering concepts into detailed 3D models and documentation for Electra's charging equipment manufacturing and assembly plants. Your designs will directly impact the scalability and reliability of Electra's network, from skid-mounted systems to piping and instrumentation.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might start with reviewing design requirements from a project engineer, then diving into SolidWorks to model a new skid-mounted cooling system. You'll collaborate with suppliers to validate component dimensions, update P&IDs based on feedback, and wrap up by creating installation drawings for the commissioning team.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Electra Is Looking For
- You have 7+ years (or 5+ with a B.S.) of hands-on experience in plant design, industrial systems integration, or equipment layout, ideally in fast-paced manufacturing or energy sectors.
- You are a SolidWorks power user, comfortable creating complex 3D equipment layouts, piping routing, and detailed P&IDs for skid-mounted systems and process equipment.
- You thrive in cross-functional collaboration, working seamlessly with engineers, suppliers, and contractors to ensure designs are installable, maintainable, and commissionable.
- You are a practical problem-solver who can apply engineering judgment to resolve design challenges in industrial processing environments, balancing cost, safety, and performance.
📝 Tips for Applying to Electra
1. Tailor your resume to highlight specific projects where you designed skid-mounted systems, piping layouts, or process equipment using SolidWorks or similar CAD tools.
2. In your cover letter, mention your familiarity with Electra's mission and how your industrial design experience can help scale their charging infrastructure.
3. If you have experience with pilot-to-production scaling, emphasize it—Electra is moving from pilot to industrial scale.
4. Showcase any work with instrumentation and control systems (P&IDs) as these are core to the role.
5. Prepare a portfolio of 3D CAD models or design documentation examples that demonstrate your ability to create clear, detailed layouts for industrial systems.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
["Highlight your specific experience with 3D modeling of industrial systems, especially using SolidWorks, and how it aligns with Electra's need for scalable plant designs.", 'Emphasize your ability to collaborate cross-functionally, referencing past projects where you worked with engineers, suppliers, and contractors to bring designs to life.', "Show enthusiasm for Electra's mission to accelerate EV adoption, and connect your personal values to sustainable energy.", 'Mention your problem-solving approach, giving an example of a design challenge you solved in an industrial processing environment.']
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → 1. Learn about Electra's current charging network and their expansion plans in Europe and the USA.
- → 2. Understand the difference between pilot-scale and industrial-scale manufacturing—Electra is scaling up, so know the challenges involved.
- → 3. Research typical equipment used in EV charging infrastructure manufacturing (e.g., power modules, cooling systems, enclosures).
- → 4. Check out Electra's recent news or press releases about new factory or pilot plant openings.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- 1. Don't submit a generic resume without highlighting industrial design or plant layout experience; this role is highly specialized.
- 2. Avoid being vague about your CAD proficiency—specify SolidWorks and provide examples of complex models you've created.
- 3. Don't overlook the importance of documentation; emphasize your ability to create clear, detailed design packages for installation and commissioning.
📅 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!