Chemical Engineer L2

CycloKinetics•Salt Lake City, UT

1d•Onsite

About The Position

CycloKinetics is seeking a mid-level Chemical Engineer to apply chemical engineering principles in laboratory, pilot plant, and manufacturing environments. The role supports multidisciplinary research and development projects from concept through implementation, with a focus on chemical plant equipment and processes for separating and purifying intermediates and products, including performance-advantaged sustainable fuels. Candidates should have hands-on experience with catalytic systems, process integration, chemical process scale-up, reaction and separation systems, and hydrocarbon, olefin, and organic convergent systems. At this level, the engineer may instruct or lead junior chemical engineers and provide technical guidance. The position is based on-site in Salt Lake City, Utah. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of background verification and drug screens. The position is exempt and requires respirator use, including passing a respirator fit test and being clean-shaven where the respirator seals to the face.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering and 3–7 years of direct industrial work experience applying chemical engineering concepts, practices, and procedures; applied undergraduate knowledge with an emphasis in chemical engineering may be considered.
Alternatively, a Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering and 2–5 years of direct industrial work experience applying chemical engineering concepts, practices, and procedures; applied undergraduate knowledge with an emphasis in chemical engineering may be considered.
Alternatively, a doctoral degree in Chemical Engineering and 0–3 years of post-doctoral training, preferably in an industrial setting.
Practical knowledge of chemical engineering principles, including mass and energy balances, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and reaction engineering.
Advanced knowledge of pressure systems and heated systems.
Practical understanding of Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs).
Proficiency in chemical handling and laboratory safety practices, with a commitment to establishing and maintaining process safety standards.
Ability to use a respirator in accordance with OSHA safety standards and pass a respirator fit test; candidates must be clean-shaven where the respirator seals to the face.
Prior experience using hand and power tools.
Strong communication, organization, documentation, and computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Suite, common computer tools, and web-based applications.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Proven ability to execute small projects independently.
Successful experience participating in teams requiring personal accountability, attention to detail, collaboration, and results.
Detail-oriented and organized, with a proactive, self-driven approach and a demonstrated record of taking initiative to advance scientific and operational goals.
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.
Ability to follow company safety policies and use mandatory personal protective equipment.

Nice To Haves

Background in biorefinery, petroleum, or chemical industries.
Prior applied laboratory, industry, manufacturing, or production experience.

Responsibilities

Support daily operational processes involving the handling, preparation, and management of chemical substances using appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
Safely handle, measure, mix, and transport chemical substances according to established procedures and PPE requirements.
Operate and maintain equipment used in chemical processing and testing.
Support team members in the proper handling, preparation, and management of chemical substances.
Perform detailed and routine engineering assignments involving established calculations, tests, and analysis.
Contribute to the design, optimization, and implementation of measurement and control systems for the chemical processing facility, using data from laboratory experiments and pilot plant operations.
Design and develop simple test fixtures and experimental setups.
Perform small-scale unit operation experiments and conduct pilot-scale experiments to test materials, reactions, or process modifications.
Evaluate chemical equipment and processes to identify performance improvements and support compliance with safety and environmental regulations.
Test and monitor production processes to assess control over variables such as temperature, flow rate, reactant concentration, catalyst loading, and pressure, under guidance from senior engineers.
Determine effective arrangements of basic unit operations, including distillation, continuous-flow reactors, and adsorption/desorption columns, under general guidance.
Contribute to processes for separating liquid or gas components using controlled chemical processes.
Conduct research to develop new and improved chemical manufacturing processes.
Compile and analyze test information to assess process or equipment operating efficiency and diagnose malfunctions.
Prepare production cost estimates and production progress reports for management.
Mentor and provide technical guidance to junior-level staff.
Maintain accurate and complete laboratory records, including notebooks, test results, and data, in accordance with company documentation, storage, and control guidelines.
Stay current with industry trends and emerging technologies in chemical engineering, materials science, and analytical characterization techniques.
Support development of standard operating procedures and progress reports.
Perform additional duties assigned by the Manager/Supervisor or designated leadership.