Chemical Engineer L2

CycloKinetics•Salt Lake, UT

6h•Onsite

About The Position

CycloKinetics is seeking a mid-level Chemical Engineer to support research and development and chemical processing across laboratory, pilot-plant, and manufacturing environments. The role applies principles of chemistry, physics, and engineering to chemical plant equipment and processes for separating and purifying intermediates and products, including performance-advantaged sustainable fuels. The engineer will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to advance R&D projects from concept through implementation and may instruct or lead junior-level chemical engineers. The position is based on-site in Salt Lake City, Utah. The role requires hands-on experience with catalytic systems, process integration, chemical-process scale-up, reaction and separation systems, hydrocarbons, olefins, and organic convergent systems. The engineer supports safe chemical handling and processing, experiments and process optimization, equipment operation, technical documentation, and guidance for junior staff. Use of a respirator is an essential job function and requires passing a fit test, including being clean-shaven where the respirator seals against the face. Personal protective equipment is provided and mandatory. Employment is contingent upon successful background verification and drug screening.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering and 3–7 years of direct industrial experience applying chemical engineering concepts, practices, and procedures; or a master’s degree in Chemical Engineering and 2–5 years of such experience; or a doctoral degree in Chemical Engineering and 0–3 years of postdoctoral training.
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 building, recognizing, maintaining, and promoting process-safety standards.
Ability to pass a respirator fit test; must be clean-shaven where the respirator seals against the face.
Prior experience using hand and power tools.
Strong communication, documentation, analytical, and problem-solving skills, including the ability to accurately record and report data.
Demonstrated ability to execute small projects independently.
Experience participating successfully in teams requiring personal accountability, attention to detail, collaboration, and results.
Highly detail-oriented and organized, with a proactive, self-driven approach and a demonstrated record of initiative toward scientific and operational goals.
Proficiency with common computer tools and web-based applications.
Ability to meet physical demands including 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 personal protective equipment.

Nice To Haves

Background in biorefinery, petroleum, or chemical industries.
Prior applied laboratory, industry, manufacturing, or production experience.
Hands-on experience with catalytic systems, process integration, chemical-process scale-up, reaction and separation systems, hydrocarbons, olefins, and organic convergent systems.

Responsibilities

Safely handle, measure, mix, prepare, manage, and transport chemical substances in accordance with established procedures and using appropriate personal protective equipment.
Operate and maintain equipment used in chemical processing and testing, and support team members in proper chemical handling and preparation.
Perform routine and detailed 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 laboratory and pilot-plant data.
Design and develop simple test fixtures and experimental setups; perform small-scale unit-operation experiments.
Conduct pilot-scale experiments to test materials, reactions, and process modifications.
Evaluate chemical equipment and processes to improve performance and ensure compliance with safety and environmental regulations.
Test and monitor production processes and variables—including temperature, flow rate, reactant concentration, catalyst loading, and pressure—with 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 that separate 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 operating efficiency or diagnose process and equipment 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, notebooks, test results, and data in accordance with company documentation, storage, and control guidelines.
Stay current with chemical engineering, materials science, and analytical characterization developments to improve process efficiency, innovation, and research outcomes.
Support development of standard operating procedures and progress reports.
Communicate and organize effectively; maintain documentation and computer records using Microsoft Suite and related programs.
Perform additional duties as assigned by the Manager/Supervisor or designated leadership.