Process Operator

CycloKinetics•Salt Lake, UT

2d•Onsite

About The Position

CycloKinetics is seeking motivated, safety-focused Plant Process Operators for its Operations team at the Pilot Plant in Salt Lake City, Utah. Operators work hands-on with automated chemical processing equipment to support safe, reliable, and efficient plant performance and the development and scale-up of biorefinery processes. The position works closely with technical and operations teams in a collaborative, safety-driven industrial environment. The plant operates continuously, 24 hours a day. After an initial training schedule, operators transition to either five 8-hour shifts or four 10-hour shifts, according to operational needs. Average working hours are 40 hours per week. Work is performed on-site across office, pilot plant, manufacturing, and industrial environments, where temperatures may vary with seasons and plant operations. The role may involve exposure to chemicals, gases, process equipment, pressure systems, heated surfaces, rotating equipment, and machinery. Personal protective equipment is provided and must be used. The minimum education requirement is a high school diploma or GED. A Process Technology degree or certificate, or a vocational degree or certification focused on technical, mechanical, or electrical subjects, is preferred. Candidates must have 0–3 years of experience in a process environment or process maintenance position in petrochemical/refinery, biorefinery, chemical, food manufacturing, or pharmaceutical industries. Production, manufacturing, or laboratory experience is preferred; in lieu of direct work experience, higher education in a science such as biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, or chemistry is a minimum. The position is non-exempt. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background verification and drug screen.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
0–3 years of work experience in a process environment or process maintenance position in petrochemical/refinery, biorefinery, chemical, food manufacturing, or pharmaceutical industries.
Technical understanding and manual dexterity.
Mechanical aptitude and a basic understanding of mechanical systems and equipment.
Effective written and verbal communication skills and willingness to collaborate with cross-functional teams.
Proficiency with common computer tools and web-based applications.
Strong attention to detail.
Experience participating in teams requiring personal accountability, collaboration, attention to detail, and results.
Ability to meet physical demands that may include lifting or moving items up to 50 pounds, bending, standing, reaching, climbing, walking, and prolonged sitting.
Safe work habits and ability to perform duties in accordance with company safety policies; use of provided personal protective equipment is mandatory.

Nice To Haves

Process Technology degree or certificate, or vocational degree or certification focused on technical, mechanical, or electrical subjects.
Production, manufacturing, and/or laboratory work experience.
Higher education in biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, or chemistry in lieu of direct work experience.
Fermentation or food processing skills.
Experience with chemicals and chemical processes.
Prior experience handling flammable chemicals.

Responsibilities

Follow Health, Safety, and Environmental requirements, laboratory procedures, work practices, and company safety policies.
Handle, measure, mix, prepare, and transport chemicals safely using established procedures and required personal protective equipment.
Operate, monitor, and maintain chemical processing and biorefinery equipment, including start-up, shutdown, batching, cleaning, troubleshooting, and routine operations.
Monitor and control automated plant systems using DCS, PLCs, HMIs, and other computerized process controls.
Monitor and record operating parameters such as temperature, pressure, flow, and humidity; adjust controls and process conditions as needed.
Operate and adjust valves, pumps, compressors, and other processing equipment.
Collect and test process samples, interpret quality control results, document findings, and make process adjustments to maintain quality and optimize operations.
Troubleshoot equipment and process issues, identify abnormalities, and assist with corrective actions.
Perform preventive maintenance, inspections, basic troubleshooting and repairs, and equipment cleaning; assist technical and maintenance teams with installation, removal, rebuilding, repairs, and preventive and predictive maintenance.
Perform basic electrical troubleshooting when trained and authorized, and assist maintenance personnel with equipment-related issues.
Participate in shift handovers and communicate process conditions, equipment status, and operational issues.
Maintain operating logs, process data, quality control results, maintenance records, and other documentation supporting plant operations and R&D.
Follow SOPs, safety and environmental requirements, and applicable GDP, GLP, and GMP practices.
Support production targets while maintaining quality, safety, and operational standards.
Promptly report process upsets, equipment malfunctions, quality deviations, and safety or environmental concerns to appropriate plant leadership.
Work independently and collaboratively with operators, engineers, scientists, and maintenance personnel to support plant operations and continuous improvement.
Keep the plant clean by following the sanitation schedule and completing assigned tasks.
Perform additional duties as assigned.