Senior Chemical / Process Engineer

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 an experienced Senior Chemical / Process Engineer to serve as a key technical leader for continuous process development and implementation. This role will focus heavily on distillation systems, hydrogenation processes, continuous flow operations, and translating process intent into real-world industrial systems.

In this highly cross-functional role, the individual will work closely with the R&D team, and internal engineering team along with vendors, and external partners to define process requirements and ensure successful execution of process systems from concept through commissioning and operation. This individual will serve as a technical authority for process behavior, operating strategy, process safety considerations, and continuous process optimization.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities

• Lead process engineering activities for distillation columns and continuous-flow processes, including hydrogenation
• Develop heat and material balances and operational narratives for new equipment
• Document designs in company standard PFDs and P&IDs
• Review and provide feedback on R&D experiments assessing risk and maturity for process scale-up
• Collaborate with controls team on control narratives, operating philosophy, and startup/shutdown procedures
• Support mechanical engineering with key inputs to design new equipment and processes
• Assist with vendor evaluations as needed, working with consultants and EPC firms
• Participate in HAZOPs, process safety reviews, and risk assessments
• Support pilot plant activities, commissioning, startup, troubleshooting, and operational optimization
• Assist in scaling technologies from pilot to commercial deployment
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to development of engineering standards and best practices
• Support daily operational processes involving handling, preparation, and management of chemical substances using appropriate PPE
• Operate and maintain equipment used in chemical processing and testing
• Collaborate with other teams to achieve department and company goals
• Interact with project team members to develop and execute project objectives
• Develop and maintain standard operating procedures and detailed progress reports
• Stay current with engineering advancements and apply new methods to enhance process efficiency
• Maintain accurate and complete records (notebooks, test results, data) per company documentation and control guidelines
• Participate in meetings and planning sessions, providing work updates or summaries as requested
• Maintain satisfactory performance and behavior in accordance with company expectations
• Exhibit strong organizational, documentation, communication, and computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office
• Function effectively within a team environment
• Perform additional duties as assigned by the Manager/Supervisor or designated leadership

Education & Experience Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering or closely related field (required)
• 8+ years’ experience in continuous chemical processing environments
• Experience in refinery, petrochemical, renewable fuels, SAF, specialty chemicals, or related industries
• Strong experience with distillation systems and continuous-flow process equipment
• Proven ability to develop process design documentation (PFDs, P&IDs, heat & material balances)
• Aspen HYSYS / Aspen Plus proficiency is a plus
• Working knowledge of process controls and industrial automation concepts
• Experience supporting plant commissioning, startup, troubleshooting, and operational optimization
• Excellent project management, organization, and problem-solving skills
• Strong communication, cross-functional collaboration, and documentation skills; able to present data for strategic decisions
• Demonstrated proficiency with common computer tools and web-based applications
• Ability to work effectively in fast-paced development environments
• Track record of teamwork with personal accountability, attention to detail, collaboration, and delivering results
• Highly detail-oriented, proactive, self-driven, and able to take initiative to achieve scientific and operational goals
• Candidates with biorefinery, petroleum, or chemical industry backgrounds strongly encouraged to apply
• Must be able to use a respirator per OSHA standards and pass a respirator fit test (requires being clean-shaven where respirator seals)

Physical Demands

Physical requirements may include lifting and/or moving items weighing up to fifty (50) pounds, bending, standing, reaching, climbing, walking, and prolonged 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 status, 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 

No outside recruiters, please. This position is being filled directly by our internal hiring team. We do not accept inquiries or candidate submissions from third-party recruiters or staffing agencies.