Controls Engineer

About Zero Carbon Systems

Zero Carbon Systems (ZCS) is a clean energy and direct air capture company on a mission to accelerate the transition to a zero carbon future. We are developing and deploying breakthrough technologies designed to reduce atmospheric CO2 at scale, addressing one of the most pressing challenges of our time.

Backed by mission aligned investors and led by a team of passionate innovators, ZCS sits at the intersection of cutting edge science and real world impact. We are building a diverse, collaborative, and driven team of individuals who share our commitment to excellence, creativity, and the belief that the work we do today will shape the world of tomorrow.

If you are energized by meaningful work and want to be part of a company where your contributions directly advance the clean energy transition, we would love to hear from you.

Position Overview

Zero Carbon Systems seeks a Controls Engineer to join a fast growing and flexible team working to address one of the most pressing challenges of our time. Reporting to the Director of Site Engineering, this role is responsible for supporting instrumentation and controls for our Direct Air Capture (DAC) units. This is a full-time, on-site position based in Brighton, CO.

Responsibilities Include:

• Troubleshoot and commission automation equipment and instrumentation including electrical systems and panels.
• Build, test, and implement machines, instruments, and controls, including PLC and process monitors.
• Implement and maintain quality control methods, HMI, and PLC systems and real time data tracking for closed loop feedback response.
• Provide operational input to the engineering design team and review designs, layouts, and plans.
• Design, build, wire, and troubleshoot electrical control panels and field instrumentation for experimental research rigs.
• Develop, program, and commission HMI screens and associated control logic for custom, first of a kind process equipment.
• Select and specify sensors, actuators, PLCs, and other control system components appropriate for carbon capture applications.
• Collaborate with process and mechanical engineers to define control philosophies, interlock logic, and alarm setpoints.
• Participate in process safety reviews including HAZID, PSSR, and PHA studies.
• Develop and maintain control system documentation including P&IDs, loop sheets, I/O lists, and wiring diagrams.
• Support installation, commissioning, and startup activities in the field and troubleshoot control and electrical issues during operations.
• Ensure all designs and installations comply with applicable electrical codes (NEC), industry standards (NFPA, ISA, IEC), and company safety procedures.
• Maintain and continuously improve control system software and hardware across the experimental rig fleet.
• Train operators and technicians on control system operation, HMI navigation, and safe operating procedures.
• Contribute to continuous improvement efforts to enhance system reliability, data quality, and operational efficiency.

Requirements Include:

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or a closely related field.
• 5+ years of hands-on experience in controls engineering, instrumentation, or industrial automation.
• Direct participation in formal process safety reviews including HAZID, PSSR, and PHA studies.
• Working knowledge of the National Electrical Code (NEC) and relevant ISA/IEC standards.
• Ability to read and create engineering documents including P&IDs, electrical schematics, and loop drawings.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to work independently on novel, non-standard systems.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills in a multidisciplinary team setting.
• Demonstrated experience wiring electrical control panels and field devices in an industrial or research environment, including hands-on experience with the following signal and communication formats:

• Digital (Primarily 24 VDC)
• Analog (0-10V, 4-20mA, HART, and IO-Link)
• Serial (RS-232 and RS-485)
• Ethernet Based (Modbus TCP/IP, Ethernet IP, Ethernet Powerlink, etc.)

Skills

• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to analyze data, identify trends, and report findings effectively.
• Ability to understand and redline system P&IDs and other controls documentation such as IO maps and process sequence documentation.
• Experience with SCADA systems, historian software, and data acquisition platforms.
• Ability to troubleshoot instrumentation and controls.
• Proficiency with AutoCAD Electrical.

Preferred Skills

• Experience with PLC and/or HMI programming or willingness to learn.
• Experience with PLC software, remote IO, and other hardware.
• Experience with different programming styles including ladder logic, structured text, and HMI design.
• Familiarity with carbon capture, direct air capture (DAC), or other clean energy technologies.
• Experience working in research, pilot scale, or prototype development environments.
• Experience working with Automation Direct.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to stand, bend, and walk in and around an industrial environment for extended periods.

$120,000 - $135,000 a year

Zero Carbon Systems is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Your Right to Work
In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.