Chemical Engineer L1

About the role

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.

Responsibilities

• Support daily operations handling, preparing, and managing chemical substances using appropriate PPE
• Safely measure, mix, transport, and handle chemicals per procedures and PPE requirements
• Operate and maintain chemical processing and testing equipment
• Perform detailed and routine engineering assignments (calculations, tests, analysis)
• Contribute to design, optimization, and implementation of measurement and control systems using lab and pilot data
• Design and develop simple test fixtures and experimental setups
• Conduct small-scale unit operation experiments
• Conduct pilot-scale experiments to test materials, reactions, or process modifications
• Evaluate equipment and processes to optimize performance and ensure safety/environmental compliance
• Test and monitor process performance across production stages (temperature, flow, concentration, catalyst loading, pressure) under senior guidance
• Recommend arrangements of basic unit operations (distillation, continuous reactors, adsorption/desorption) with general guidance
• Contribute to separation processes for liquids or gases using controlled chemical methods
• Conduct research to develop improved chemical manufacturing processes
• Compile and analyze test data to assess operating efficiency or diagnose malfunctions
• Prepare production cost estimates and progress reports for management
• Maintain accurate laboratory records (notebooks, test results, data) per documentation/control guidelines
• Stay current with industry trends, emerging technologies, materials science, and analytical techniques
• Support development of standard operating procedures and progress reports
• Demonstrate effective communication, organization, documentation, and computer skills (including Microsoft Suite)
• Perform additional duties as assigned by Manager/Supervisor or leadership

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Chemical Engineering with 1–5 years industrial experience applying chemical engineering concepts; relevant undergraduate applied knowledge may be considered
• Master’s Degree in Chemical Engineering with 0–3 years industrial experience applying chemical engineering concepts; relevant undergraduate applied knowledge may be considered
• Background in biorefinery, petroleum, or chemical industries preferred
• Theoretical knowledge of catalytic systems, process integration, scale up of chemical processes, reaction and separation systems, hydrocarbon, olefins, and organic convergent systems

Qualifications

• Basic knowledge of chemical engineering principles: mass and energy balances, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, reaction engineering
• Basic knowledge of pressure and heated systems
• Basic knowledge of Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs)
• Familiarity with chemical handling and laboratory safety practices
• Commitment to process safety; ability to build, recognize, maintain, and promote safety standards
• Prior experience with hand and power tools required
• Strong communication and documentation skills; ability to accurately record and report data
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Proven experience participating in work teams with personal accountability, attention to detail, collaboration, and results-driven focus
• Highly detail-oriented, organized, proactive, and self-driven with demonstrated initiative to drive scientific and operational goals
• Demonstrated proficiency in common computer tools and web-based applications

Physical Demands

• Frequent lifting and moving of items up to fifty (50) pounds, bending, reaching above shoulder level, climbing stairs, pulling, prolonged standing or sitting may be required
• Must have safe work habits and perform all duties in accordance with company safety policies
• Personal protective equipment is provided by the company, and its use is mandatory

Benefits

• 15 Days of PTO
• 12 Paid Holidays
• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• 401(k) Savings Plan (including Roth options)
• Basic Life Insurance
• Dependent Life Insurance
• Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance
• Short-Term Disability (STD)
• Long-Term Disability (LTD)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Paid Parental Leave
• ESOP
• Bonus Potential

Equal Opportunity Employer

CycloKinetics is an Equal Opportunity Employer and embraces diversity in our employee population. We are excited to work with talented individuals from a wide range of backgrounds. All employment decisions at CycloKinetics are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status or special disabled veteran, marital status, parental status, pregnancy, genetic information, or any other legally protected status.