Jr. Analytical Chemist

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. 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.

CycloKinetics is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Junior Analytical Chemist (L1) to join our Research & Development (R&D) team. This is an exciting opportunity for an early-career chemist to apply their technical knowledge, gain hands-on experience with advanced analytical instrumentation, and contribute to innovative research and product development. In this role, you will support analytical testing, quality assurance, method development, and laboratory research activities that contribute to the development, evaluation, and improvement of chemical products and processes. You will work closely with experienced scientists, chemists, and engineers to conduct experiments, analyze results, troubleshoot problems, develop new methods, and support ongoing R&D initiatives. The ideal candidate has a strong foundation in analytical chemistry, enjoys hands-on laboratory work, and is eager to expand their technical skills in a collaborative, fast-paced research environment.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrate a strong commitment to safety and consistently follow Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) requirements, laboratory procedures, and established work practices
• Perform job duties in a safety-regulated industrial environment where chemicals, process equipment, machinery, and other potential workplace hazards may be present
• Support daily operational processes involving the handling, preparation, and management of various chemical substances using appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
• Safely handle, measure, mix, and transport chemical substances in accordance with established procedures using appropriate PPE
• Conduct routine and non-routine chemical analyses to support research, product development, and quality investigations
• Analyze organic and inorganic compounds to determine chemical or physical properties, composition, structure and/or reaction products using chromatography, spectroscopy, and other methods as needed
• Prepare laboratory samples, standards, reagents, and chemical solutions in accordance with established procedures
• Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot analytical instrumentation, including gas chromatography (GC), high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), gel permeation chromatography (GPC), mass spectrometry (MS), and spectroscopy equipment
• Assist with the development, optimization, and validation of analytical methods and testing procedures
• Collect, analyze, interpret, and summarize experimental data to support research objectives and technical decision-making
• Support instrument calibration, preventive maintenance, and laboratory equipment qualification activities
• Collaborate with scientists, engineers, and other technical team members to troubleshoot analytical challenges and support project objectives
• Assist in developing and improving laboratory standard operating procedures (SOPs), analytical methods, and work instructions
• Participate in laboratory process improvements focused on efficiency, data quality, reliability, and safety
• Maintain laboratory cleanliness, chemical inventories, and safe handling practices in accordance with established environmental, health, and safety requirements
• Communicate experimental findings, observations, and potential improvements to senior technical team members
• Maintain accurate and complete laboratory records, including notebooks, test results, and data, in accordance with company guidelines on documentation, storage, and control
• Participate in meetings and planning sessions and provide work updates or summaries as requested
• Demonstrate effective communication, organization, documentation, and computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Suite and related programs
• Limited travel may be required to work from local satellite facilities

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry required with 0 to 5 years' work experience in an analytical chemistry setting (R&D or quality control capacity)
• Master's Degree in Chemistry with at least 0 to 3 years' experience in analytical chemistry setting (R&D or quality control capacity)
• Applied knowledge obtained through an undergraduate education with emphasis in chemistry may be considered
• Knowledgeable in all aspects of analytical chemistry (theory, hardware, instrument maintenance, instrument qualifications, system software, and method development)
• Experience with a wide spectrum of analytical instrumentation required (molecular spectroscopy, NMR, raman, GC, GC-MS, LC, LC-MS, GPC/SEC, some wet chemistry, Karl Fischer, etc.)
• New method development experience and experience running standardized methods (ISO, ASTM, EPA, ICH, USP, EP, etc.)
• Experience in related fields such as bio-process monitoring, fragrances/flavors, natural products, petroleum industry, polymer chemistry, and/or synthesis of hydrocarbon compounds encouraged
• Experience working in a regulated quality control or quality assurance environment (cGMP, cGLP) desired
• Demonstrated proficiency in common computer tools and web-based applications required
• Experience with Agilent and Metrohm instrumentation preferred
• Strong communication and documentation skills, with the ability to accurately record and report experimental data
• Highly detail-oriented, organized, self-driven showing initiative and ambition
• Prior experience successfully participating in teams where safety, personal accountability, attention to detail, collaboration, and results were required

Physical Demands

• Lifting and/or moving items weighing up to fifty (50) pounds
• Bending, standing, reaching, climbing, walking, and prolonged 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
• Position requires the use of a respirator in accordance with OSHA safety standards as part of the essential job functions
• Must be able to pass a respirator fit test, which includes being clean-shaven in areas where the respirator seals the face

Work Environment

This position is based in Salt Lake City, Utah with work performed on-site. Work is performed in a combination of an office, laboratory, pilot plant, manufacturing, and industrial environments. While in office and laboratory environments, may involve prolonged periods of standing or sitting, repetitive motion of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers. May work around process equipment, piping, pressure systems, chemicals, gases, heated surfaces, rotating equipment, and machinery. This position requires working in an industrial facility where temperatures may fluctuate due to seasonal conditions and manufacturing operations. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background verification and drug screens.

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