Systems Engineer - Reliability (Hardware)

CycloKinetics•Salt Lake, UT

2h•Onsite

About The Position

About CycloKinetics CycloKinetics, is advancing the next generation of high-performance propellants for aerospace and defense. Our highly innovative technology allows us to harness existing energy from biomass and convert it to superior performance fuels and propellants across aviation, aerospace, and defense applications. We are a team of engineers, scientists, and operators driven by performance, innovation, and national security impact focused on building scalable, domestic energy solutions that power the future of propulsion. CycloKinetics is based in Salt Lake City, Utah. Job Summary: We are seeking to hire a Systems Engineer – Reliability to serve as the central technical resource for engineering safety, equipment reliability, and risk reduction across our first-of-its-kind biorefinery of tomorrow. This role sits within the engineering department and will work closely with engineering, operations, maintenance, Health, Safety, and Environmental (HS&E), external engineering partners, and vendors to identify risks, improve reliability, and support safe execution of complex technical projects. The successful candidate will lead and coordinate Hazard and Operability Studies (HAZOPs), develop and maintain Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEAs), support Failure Reporting Analysis, and Corrective Action System (FRACAS) processes, and drive practical reliability improvements across equipment, systems, and processes. This is a highly cross-functional role requiring strong technical judgment, structured problem-solving, and the ability to translate engineering risk into actionable improvements across the organization.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering or a closely related field.
15+ years of experience in engineering, reliability, process safety, systems engineering, or a related technical role.
Experience working in chemical, petroleum, aerospace/defense, or other complex engineered environments.
Working knowledge of HAZOP methodology and structured hazard review processes.
Experience developing or contributing to FMEA, FMECA, FRACAS, root cause analysis, or corrective action systems.
Strong understanding of equipment reliability, maintainability, operability, and failure analysis principles.
Ability to work across engineering disciplines, including mechanical, electrical, controls, process, and operations teams.
Strong documentation, communication, and organizational skills.
Ability to translate technical risk into practical, prioritized action plans.
Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Demonstrated ability to work independently on complex assignments while coordinating with cross-functional teams.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office and common engineering documentation tools.
Demonstrated proficiency in common computer tools and web-based applications is .
Prior experience successfully participating in work teams where personal accountability , attention to detail, collaboration, and results were is essential.

Responsibilities

Serve as a central engineering resource for system safety, equipment reliability, and technical risk management.
Lead, facilitate, and document HAZOP studies for new and modified processes, systems, and equipment.
Develop, maintain, and improve Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA) documentation for critical systems and equipment.
Support Failure Reporting, Analysis, and Corrective Action System (FRACAS) activities, including failure tracking, root cause analysis, corrective actions, and verification of effectiveness.
Coordinate with outside vendors, consultants, and engineering partners to evaluate technical risks and reliability concerns.
Work with engineering teams to identify critical equipment, failure modes, safeguards, and opportunities for reliability improvement.
Support root cause analysis, incident investigations, and corrective action planning for equipment, system, and process failures.
Develop and maintain reliability documentation, including risk registers, action trackers, equipment histories, failure reports, and lessons learned.
Support design reviews by identifying reliability, maintainability, operability, and safety considerations.
Help establish engineering standards and best practices for system reliability and risk reduction.
Partner with operations and maintenance teams to evaluate recurring issues and develop long-term corrective actions.
Support commissioning, startup, factory acceptance testing (FAT), site acceptance testing (SAT), and operational readiness reviews.
Assist in developing standard operating procedures (SOPs), maintenance strategies, inspection plans, and reliability-centered work processes.
Track and report reliability metrics, corrective action status, and risk reduction progress to engineering leadership.
Ensure compliance with internal standards, safety requirements, and applicable industry regulations.
Confer regularly with management and project stakeholders throughout all phases of a project's lifecycle.
Perform duties in a safety-regulated industrial environment where chemicals are present.
Work in an industrial facility where temperatures may fluctuate due to seasonal conditions and manufacturing operations.
Maintain accurate engineering records, including system documentation, technical data, test results, and design files, in accordance with company documentation, version control, storage, and record retention requirements.
Demonstrate strong communication, organization, documentation, and computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and related software.
Perform other duties as assigned by the Manager, Supervisor, or designated leadership.