Application Guide

How to Apply for Technical Project Manager

at Heirloom

🏢 About Heirloom

Heirloom is a pioneering climate tech company developing direct air capture technology that uses natural minerals to remove CO2 from the atmosphere. Unlike many carbon capture approaches, Heirloom's method leverages abundant, low-cost materials and accelerates natural carbon mineralization processes. Working here means contributing directly to their ambitious mission of capturing 1 billion tons of CO2 by 2035, making it ideal for professionals passionate about scalable climate solutions.

About This Role

This Technical Project Manager will lead the delivery of pilot and demonstration plants for Heirloom's direct air capture technology, specifically taking over management of their next-generation pilot in Tracy, CA. The role involves driving complex, first-of-a-kind industrial projects from design through commissioning, coordinating equipment, automation, and process development to generate decision-grade learnings. This position is critical for scaling Heirloom's technology and directly impacts their ability to commercialize carbon removal solutions.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day involves coordinating with equipment suppliers and automation teams on the Tracy pilot commissioning, reviewing FAT/SAT documentation, and managing RFIs and change orders with construction partners. You'll facilitate cross-functional meetings between process development, operations, and engineering teams to align on project milestones and risk mitigation strategies, while tracking progress against aggressive timelines for technology scale-up.

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🎯 Who Heirloom Is Looking For

  • Has 5+ years leading technically complex industrial or manufacturing projects where design, equipment development, and execution phases overlap significantly
  • Possesses hands-on commissioning experience with FAT/SAT protocols, IO checks, and defect management in industrial settings
  • Demonstrates proven ability to marshal trades, manage RFIs and change orders, and coordinate inspections/permitting during construction
  • Has experience with first-of-a-kind or pilot plant projects in heavy industry, energy, or climate tech sectors

📝 Tips for Applying to Heirloom

1

Quantify your experience with first-of-a-kind or pilot projects—specify project scale, complexity, and how you managed overlapping design/execution phases

2

Highlight specific commissioning experience with industrial equipment, mentioning FAT/SAT protocols, IO checks, or defect tracking systems you've used

3

Demonstrate knowledge of Heirloom's technology by referencing their limestone-based process or Tracy, CA pilot in your application materials

4

Show how you've generated 'decision-grade learnings' from previous projects—provide examples of data-driven improvements you implemented

5

Emphasize experience coordinating between equipment suppliers, automation teams, and process development in industrial settings

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your experience managing overlapping design, equipment development, and execution phases in industrial projects', 'Specific commissioning project management experience, particularly with pilot plants or first-of-a-kind technology', "How your background aligns with Heirloom's mission of scaling direct air capture technology", 'Examples of generating actionable learnings from complex projects that informed future designs']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Heirloom's limestone-based direct air capture technology and how it differs from other carbon removal approaches
  • → Details about their Tracy, CA pilot plant and any public information about their next-generation technology
  • → Heirloom's partnerships and funding (including Breakthrough Energy Ventures, Carbon Direct, Microsoft) to understand their scale-up trajectory
  • → The broader direct air capture industry landscape and Heirloom's position within it

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Walk us through how you would approach commissioning the Tracy, CA pilot plant from a project management perspective
2 Describe a time you managed a project where design, equipment development, and construction overlapped—what challenges arose and how did you handle them?
3 How do you generate 'decision-grade learnings' from pilot projects, and how have you applied those learnings to subsequent designs?
4 What experience do you have with FAT/SAT protocols and defect management in industrial commissioning?
5 How would you coordinate between equipment suppliers, automation teams, and process development to ensure project success?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Presenting only software or IT project management experience without heavy industrial/manufacturing project examples
  • Failing to demonstrate specific commissioning experience with industrial equipment and protocols
  • Using generic project management language without addressing the unique challenges of first-of-a-kind technology projects

📅 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!

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