Chemical Process Technician

CleanJoule, Inc.•Salt Lake City, UT

About The Position

CleanJoule, Inc., is an innovative biomanufacturer of superior performance propellants for aviation, aerospace, and defense applications. Our proprietary manufacturing process enables us to convert local biomass feedstocks to full performance propellants for both current and next-generation propulsion as well as carbon negative, bio-rubber that can be used in various consumer and commercial products. We are a passionate and driven group of engineers, scientists, and visionaries focused on advancing alternative domestic energy solutions, with the purpose of accelerating the global energy transition. CleanJoule, Inc. is a venture-funded, SAF development company based out of Salt Lake City, Utah. Job Summary: The R&D Process Technician – Fuels & Propellants supports pilot scale and laboratory operations in an industrial research and development environment focused on liquid and solid fuels, oxidizers, and propellants. This role is responsible for safe operation of high pressure reactors, handling of flammable and reactive materials, and execution of experimental test plans under the direction of engineers and scientists.

Requirements

Minimum 10 years working in a laboratory setting dealing with high pressure reactors and flammables

Responsibilities

Operate, monitor, and shut down bench scale and pilot scale high pressure reactors, autoclaves, and related process equipment (pumps, heaters, gas panels, condensers, scrubbers) according to written procedures and P&IDs.
Charge reactors with gases and liquids (including flammable, toxic, and oxidizing materials), control temperature, pressure, and flow, and document all process parameters in real time.
Prepare, handle, and transfer flammable liquids and combustible gases in accordance with OSHA, NFPA, and company process safety policies (bonding/grounding, ventilation, segregation of incompatibles, container labeling).
Assist in the preparation, blending, and processing of experimental fuels, propellants, and precursors under the direction of senior technical staff, including weighing, mixing, and conditioning of materials.
Perform routine equipment checks, basic maintenance, leak checks, and safety interlock testing on reactors, pressure relief devices, gas distribution systems, and associated instrumentation.
Collect liquid, gas, and solid samples from reactors and downstream systems; perform basic analytical tests (e.g., density, viscosity, pH, simple chromatographic or spectroscopic measurements) as trained, and submit samples for advanced analysis.
Maintain accurate experimental logs, batch records, and electronic data entry, ensuring traceability of materials, process conditions, and test results.
Implement and comply with Process Safety Management (PSM) and Management of Change (MOC) procedures for covered processes, including participation in pre startup safety reviews and hazard analyses as assigned.
Handle and stage hazardous materials and waste in compliance with internal procedures and regulatory requirements, including proper labeling, container management, and basic spill response support under supervision.
Support development, scale up, and troubleshooting activities for new fuel and propellant formulations and processes by methodically executing test matrices and communicating observations to engineers and scientists.