Application Guide

How to Apply for Technical Project Developer

at Heirloom

🏢 About Heirloom

Heirloom is a pioneering climate tech company that leverages natural mineralization processes to capture CO2 directly from the air, aiming to remove 1 billion tons by 2035. Their innovative approach using limestone and low-cost materials sets them apart in the DAC space, offering a unique opportunity to work on scalable, permanent carbon removal.

About This Role

As Technical Project Developer, you'll be the technical linchpin of site selection, evaluating geotechnical, hydrological, and electrical data to de-risk deployment. Your work directly ensures that every location is optimized for Heirloom's DAC technology, accelerating the path to gigaton-scale impact.

💡 A Day in the Life

Your day might start with a GIS analysis of a potential site, overlaying water resources and grid maps. Then you'd review a geotechnical report for red flags, followed by a call with a utility to discuss interconnection timelines. Afternoon could involve CAD test-fits for equipment layout and a cross-functional meeting with the Plant Design Team to align on site constraints.

🎯 Who Heirloom Is Looking For

  • Experienced in technical due diligence for large infrastructure projects, especially renewable energy or industrial facilities.
  • Proficient in GIS and spatial analysis to overlay environmental constraints, utility infrastructure, and topography.
  • Skilled in CAD for preliminary site layouts and test-fits, with understanding of equipment footprint requirements.
  • Knowledgeable about electrical interconnection processes, including transmission studies and utility coordination.

📝 Tips for Applying to Heirloom

1

Tailor your resume to highlight specific projects where you conducted geotechnical, hydrological, or electrical feasibility assessments.

2

Mention any direct experience with DAC, carbon capture, or mineralization technologies to show domain knowledge.

3

Quantify your impact: e.g., 'Reduced site selection timeline by X% through early identification of showstoppers.'

4

Include examples of using GIS and CAD in tandem for site layout optimization.

5

Demonstrate understanding of the energy grid and interconnection challenges by referencing relevant utilities or projects.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Emphasize your ability to identify and mitigate technical risks early in the development process.', 'Highlight experience with electrical interconnection and utility coordination.', "Show passion for climate tech and Heirloom's specific mineralization approach.", 'Provide a concrete example of a site you de-risked through technical analysis.']

Generate Cover Letter →

🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • Study Heirloom's technology: their use of calcium oxide and the Cyclotron process for CO2 release.
  • Review their recent project announcements, especially partnerships and site selection criteria.
  • Understand the broader DAC landscape, including competitors like Climeworks and Carbon Engineering.
  • Familiarize yourself with the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) 45Q tax credits for carbon capture.

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Walk me through a time you identified a 'showstopper' in a site assessment and how you resolved it.
2 How would you approach evaluating the electrical interconnection feasibility for a remote site?
3 Describe your experience with GIS; what layers are most critical for DAC site selection?
4 How do you prioritize when multiple sites have conflicting trade-offs (e.g., water vs. grid access)?
5 What is your understanding of the regulatory environment for carbon capture projects in the US?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Overlooking the importance of electrical interconnection; this role is heavy on grid analysis.
  • Being vague about GIS/CAD skills; provide specific software (ArcGIS, AutoCAD) and project examples.
  • Failing to connect your experience to carbon removal; show genuine interest in climate impact.

📅 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:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Heirloom!