Systems Engineer - Reliability

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.

Essential Functions

• 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.
• Coverage 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.
• 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.
• Aid 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.

Education & Experience

• 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 required.
• Prior experience successfully participating in work teams where personal accountability, attention to detail, collaboration, and results were required is essential.

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.

General

• This position is based in Salt Lake City, Utah with work performed on-site.
• CycloKinetics is an At-Will, VEVRAA, Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, E-Verify, and Drug Free Workplace.
• Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background verification and drug screens.
• Benefits: CycloKinetics offers a competitive compensation and benefits package including:
• 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 EEO Statement: 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.
• EEO Statement: 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.
• General: This position is based in Salt Lake City, Utah with work performed on-site.
• Benefits: CycloKinetics offers a competitive compensation and benefits package including:
• 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 EEO Statement: 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.
• EEO Statement: 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.
• General: This position is based in Salt Lake City, Utah with work performed on-site.
• Benefits: CycloKinetics offers a competitive compensation and benefits package including:
• 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 EEO Statement: 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.
• EEO Statement: 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.
• General: This position is based in Salt Lake City, Utah with work performed on-site.
• Benefits: CycloKinetics offers a competitive compensation and benefits package including:
• 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 EEO Statement: 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.
• EEO Statement: 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.
• General: This position is based in Salt Lake City, Utah with work performed on-site.
• Benefits: CycloKinetics offers a competitive compensation and benefits package including:
• 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 EEO Statement: 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.
• EEO Statement: 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.
• General: This position is based in Salt Lake City, Utah with work performed on-site.
• Benefits: CycloKinetics offers a competitive compensation and benefits package including:
• 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 EEO Statement: 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.
• EEO Statement: 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.
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