Chemical Engineer L1

About CycloKinetics

CycloKinetics is advancing the next generation of high-performance propellants for aerospace and defense. Our highly innovative technology allows us to harness existing energy from biomass and convert it to superior performance fuels and propellants across aviation, aerospace, and defense applications.

We are a team of engineers, scientists, and operators driven by performance, innovation, and national security impact focused on building scalable, domestic energy solutions that power the future of propulsion. CycloKinetics is based in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Job Summary:

We are seeking to hire an on-site entry-level Chemical Engineer to join our dynamic team. The Chemical Engineer will utilize chemical plant equipment and devise processes for separating and purifying intermediates and products, such as performance advantaged sustainable fuels by applying principles and technology of chemistry, physics, and engineering.

The successful candidate must have theorical knowledge of catalytic systems, process integration, scale up of chemical processes, reaction and separation systems, hydrocarbon, olefins, and organic convergent systems.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities:

Support daily operations handling, preparing, and managing chemical substances using appropriate PPE

Safely measure, mix, transport, and handle chemicals per procedures and PPE requirements

Operate and maintain chemical processing and testing equipment

Perform detailed and routine engineering assignments (calculations, tests, analysis)

Contribute to design, optimization, and implementation of measurement and control systems using lab and pilot data

Design and develop simple test fixtures and experimental setups

Conduct small-scale unit operation experiments

Perform pilot-scale experiments to test materials, reactions, or process modifications

Evaluate equipment and processes to optimize performance and ensure safety/environmental compliance

Test and monitor process performance across production stages (temperature, flow, concentration, catalyst loading, pressure) under senior guidance

Recommend arrangements of basic unit operations (distillation, continuous reactors, adsorption/desorption) with general guidance

Contribute to separation processes for liquids or gases using controlled chemical methods

Conduct research to develop improved chemical manufacturing processes

Compile and analyze test data to assess operating efficiency or diagnose malfunctions

Prepare production cost estimates and progress reports for management

Maintain accurate laboratory records (notebooks, test results, data) per documentation/control guidelines

Stay current with industry trends, emerging technologies, materials science, and analytical techniques

Support development of standard operating procedures and progress reports

Demonstrate effective communication, organization, documentation, and computer skills (including Microsoft Suite)

Perform additional duties as assigned by Manager/Supervisor or leadership

Education and Experience:

Bachelor’s Degree in Chemical Engineering with 1–5 years industrial experience applying chemical engineering concepts; relevant undergraduate applied knowledge may be considered

Master’s Degree in Chemical Engineering with 0–3 years industrial experience applying chemical engineering concepts; relevant undergraduate applied knowledge may be considered

Background in biorefinery, petroleum, or chemical industries preferred

Basic knowledge of chemical engineering principles: mass and energy balances, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, reaction engineering

Basic knowledge of pressure and heated systems

Basic knowledge of Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs)

Familiarity with chemical handling and laboratory safety practices

Commitment to process safety; ability to build, recognize, maintain, and promote safety standards

Ability to use a respirator per OSHA standards; must pass respirator fit test and be clean-shaven where the respirator seals the face

Prior experience with hand and power tools required

Strong communication and documentation skills; ability to accurately record and report data

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

Proven experience participating in work teams with personal accountability, attention to detail, collaboration, and results-driven focus

Highly detail-oriented, organized, proactive, and self-driven with demonstrated initiative to drive scientific and operational goals

Demonstrated proficiency in common computer tools and web-based applications

Physical Demands:

Frequent lifting and moving of items up to fifty (50) pounds, bending, reaching above shoulder level, climbing stairs, pulling, prolonged standing or sitting may be required. Must have safe work habits and perform all duties in accordance with company safety policies. Personal protective equipment is provided by the company, and its use is mandatory.

General:

This position is based in Salt Lake City, Utah with work performed on-site. CycloKinetics is an At-Will, VEVRAA, Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, E-Verify, and Drug Free Workplace. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background verification and drug screens.

Benefits:

CycloKinetics offers a competitive compensation and benefits package including:

15 Days of PTO

12 Paid Holidays

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Health Savings Account (HSA)

Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

401(k) Savings Plan (including Roth options)

Basic Life Insurance

Dependent Life Insurance

Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance

Short-Term Disability (STD)

Long-Term Disability (LTD)

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Paid Parental Leave

ESOP

Bonus Potential

EEO Statement:

CycloKinetics is an Equal Opportunity Employer and embraces diversity in our employee population. We are excited to work with talented individuals from a wide range of backgrounds. All employment decisions at CycloKinetics are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status or special disabled veteran, marital status, parental status, pregnancy, genetic information, or any other legally protected status.

We’re looking for detail-oriented team members who pride themselves on solving problems while bringing positive energy and strong communication skills to the table. If this describes you, come join our team today and contribute to the success of our organization!

FLSA Classification: Exempt