Senior Chemical​/Process Engineer

Overview

About Cyclo Kinetics Cyclo Kinetics 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.

Cyclo Kinetics is based in Salt Lake City, Utah.

We are seeking an experienced Senior Chemical / Process Engineer to serve as a key technical leader for continuous process development and implementation. This role will focus heavily on distillation systems, hydrogenation processes, continuous flow operations, and translating process intent into real-world industrial systems. In this highly cross functional role, the individual will work closely with the R&D team, and internal engineering team along with vendors, and external partners to define process requirements and ensure successful execution of process systems from concept through commissioning and operation.

This individual will serve as a technical authority for process behavior, operating strategy, process safety considerations, and continuous process optimization.

• Lead process engineering activities for distillation columns and continuous‑flow processes, including hydrogenation
• Develop heat and material balances and operational narratives for new equipment
• Document designs in company standard PFDs and P&IDs
• Review and provide feedback on R&D experiments assessing risk and maturity for process scale‑up
• Collaborate with controls team on control narratives, operating philosophy, and startup/shutdown procedures
• Support mechanical engineering with key inputs to design new equipment and processes
• Assist with vendor evaluations as needed, working with consultants and EPC firms
• Participate in HAZOPs, process safety reviews, and risk assessments
• Support pilot plant activities, commissioning, startup, troubleshooting, and operational optimization
• Assist in scaling technologies from pilot to commercial deployment
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to development of engineering standards and best practices
• Support daily operational processes involving handling, preparation, and management of chemical substances using appropriate PPE
• Operate and maintain equipment used in chemical processing and testing
• Collaborate with other teams to achieve department and company goals
• Interact with project team members to develop and execute project objectives
• Develop and maintain standard operating procedures and detailed progress reports
• Stay current with engineering advancements and apply new methods to enhance process efficiency
• Maintain accurate and complete records (notebooks, test results, data) per company documentation and control guidelines
• Participate in meetings and planning sessions, providing work updates or summaries as requested
• Maintain satisfactory performance and behavior in accordance with company expectations
• Exhibit strong organizational, documentation, communication, and computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office
• Function effectively within a team environment
• Perform additional duties as assigned by the Manager/Supervisor or designated leadership

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering or closely related field (required)
• 8+ years’ experience in continuous chemical processing environments
• Experience in refinery, petrochemical, renewable fuels, SAF, specialty chemicals, or related industries
• Strong experience with distillation systems and continuous‑flow process equipment
• Proven ability to develop process design documentation (PFDs, P&IDs, heat & material balances)
• Aspen HYSYS / Aspen Plus proficiency a plus
• Working knowledge of process controls and industrial automation concepts
• Experience supporting plant commissioning, startup, troubleshooting, and operational optimization
• Excellent project management, organization, and problem‑solving…