Chemical Engineer L1

CycloKinetics•Salt Lake, UT

1d•Onsite

About The Position

CycloKinetics is seeking an on-site, entry-level Chemical Engineer to support development and operation of chemical processes for separating and purifying intermediates and products, including sustainable fuels and propellants. The role applies chemistry, physics, and engineering principles to chemical plant equipment and processes. The successful candidate will have theoretical knowledge of catalytic systems, process integration, chemical-process scale-up, reaction and separation systems, hydrocarbons, olefins, and organic convergent systems. The position is based on-site in Salt Lake City, Utah. It involves chemical handling, laboratory and pilot-scale experimentation, process monitoring and optimization, engineering calculations and analysis, documentation, and support for safe, efficient operations. Employment is contingent upon successful background verification and drug screens. CycloKinetics is an at-will, VEVRAA, Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, E-Verify participant, and Drug Free Workplace.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering with 1–5 years of industrial experience applying chemical engineering concepts; relevant undergraduate applied knowledge may be considered.
Alternatively, a Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering with 0–3 years of industrial experience applying chemical engineering concepts; relevant undergraduate applied knowledge may be considered.
Basic knowledge of chemical engineering principles, including mass and energy balances, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and 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 and ability to build, recognize, maintain, and promote safety standards.
Ability to use a respirator according to OSHA standards; must pass a respirator fit test and be clean-shaven where the respirator seals the face.
Prior experience with hand and power tools.
Strong communication and documentation skills, including accurately recording and reporting data.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Experience participating in work teams with personal accountability, attention to detail, collaboration, and a results-driven focus.
Detail-oriented, organized, proactive, and self-driven, with demonstrated initiative toward scientific and operational goals.
Proficiency with common computer tools and web-based applications.
Ability to meet the physical demands of frequent lifting and moving of items up to 50 pounds, bending, reaching above shoulder level, climbing stairs, pulling, and prolonged standing or sitting.
Must follow company safety policies and use required PPE.

Nice To Haves

Background in the biorefinery, petroleum, or chemical industries is preferred.
Theoretical knowledge of catalytic systems, process integration, chemical-process scale-up, reaction and separation systems, hydrocarbons, olefins, and organic convergent systems.

Responsibilities

Support daily operations by handling, preparing, and managing chemical substances using appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
Measure, mix, transport, and handle chemicals safely according to procedures and PPE requirements.
Operate and maintain chemical processing and testing equipment.
Perform routine engineering assignments, including calculations, tests, and analysis.
Contribute to the design, optimization, and implementation of measurement and control systems using laboratory and pilot data.
Design and develop simple test fixtures and experimental setups.
Conduct small-scale unit-operation experiments and pilot-scale experiments to test materials, reactions, or process modifications.
Evaluate equipment and processes to optimize performance and ensure safety and environmental compliance.
Test and monitor process performance across production stages, including temperature, flow, concentration, catalyst loading, and pressure, under senior guidance.
Recommend basic unit-operation arrangements, such as distillation, continuous reactors, and adsorption/desorption, with general guidance.
Contribute to separation processes for liquids or gases using controlled chemical methods.
Research 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, including notebooks, test results, and data, according to documentation and control guidelines.
Stay current with industry trends, emerging technologies, materials science, and analytical techniques.
Support development of standard operating procedures and progress reports.
Communicate and document work effectively, stay organized, and use computer tools including Microsoft Suite.
Perform additional duties as assigned by the Manager/Supervisor or leadership.