Job Application for Mechanical Engineer L3 at CycloKinetics

New

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 an experienced Senior Mechanical Engineer to play a key role in the design, construction, commissioning, and scale-up of our biorefinery operations, applying deep technical expertise to develop reliable mechanical systems and bring innovative process technologies to commercial operations.

In this highly hands-on role, you will work alongside our engineering team, fabricators, contractors, and installation partners to solve complex mechanical engineering challenges and bring innovative process technologies from concept to reliable, commercially viable operation. You will provide senior-level technical expertise throughout the design, fabrication, installation, commissioning, and continuous improvement of mechanical systems and equipment across the facility.

Your work will directly influence the design and construction of critical plant infrastructure, including piping systems, tanks, pressure vessels, structural steel, custom process equipment, and overall plant layout. You will be expected to apply sound engineering judgment, identify practical solutions in the field, and help translate evolving process requirements into safe, robust, maintainable, and scalable mechanical designs.

We are especially interested in engineers with experience in petrochemical, refining, chemical processing, bioprocessing, or other industrial manufacturing environments, particularly those with expertise in piping and plant layout, pressure vessels, equipment design, steel fabrication, construction, commissioning, or facility scale-up. 

The ideal candidate is a seasoned, hands-on engineer who enjoys being close to the work—someone equally comfortable developing an engineering solution, collaborating with fabricators, troubleshooting an installation in the field, and making sound technical decisions when faced with a new challenge.

This is an opportunity for an experienced engineer who thrives in an entrepreneurial environment and wants to have a meaningful technical impact on the development of groundbreaking biorefinery and manufacturing technology from the ground up.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities:

May lead engineering projects or major design tasks from concept through prototype, testing, and production.
Support the design and construction of the demonstration facility, including tanks, vessels, piping-related mechanical components, and custom equipment.
Perform job duties in a safety-regulated industrial environment where chemicals, process equipment, machinery, and other potential workplace hazards may be present.
Evaluate and design mechanical systems and products by applying principles of mechanics, thermodynamics, heat transfer, and materials.
Perform engineering analyses including stress, thermal, vibration, and tolerance analysis.
Create and modify 3D models, assemblies, and detailed fabrication drawings using CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks or similar).
Support engineering projects throughout various phases, including concept development, design review, fabrication, assembly, installation, commissioning, startup, and testing.
Develop drawings, specifications, and documents for fabrication or review.
Develop and execute test plans to validate product performance, reliability, and safety.
Perform advanced engineering calculations and analyses to support sound design decisions and technical solutions.
Collect, analyze, and interpret operational and process data to identify trends and inform the design, selection, and continuous improvement of future equipment and mechanical systems.
Conduct design reviews and ensure compliance with applicable codes, standards, and internal design practices.
Coordinate with maintenance and repair services to diagnose equipment and problems.
Develop and implement action plans and solutions to address equipment or safety deficiencies.
Review drawings, documents, and equipment datasheets to meet future and current plant needs and ensure compliance to corporate standards and specifications.
Coordinate work with in-house and outside engineering contractors.
Comply with all internal, OSHA, and government policies and regulations.
Participate in area HAZOP reviews and incident investigations.
Provide discipline input and equipment selection oversight to engineering projects.
Participate in factory acceptance tests and site acceptance tests.
Participate in commissioning and startup activities, including loop checking and calibration of instruments and analyzers.
Mentor and provide technical guidance to junior engineers and staff.
Participate in training and development programs to enhance technical skills and knowledge.
Maintain accurate and complete documentation in accordance with company guidelines on documentation, storage, and control.
Support in the development of standard operating procedures and systems.
Exhibit strong communication, organization, documentation, and computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Suite and related programs.
Performs additional duties as assigned by the Manager/Supervisor or designated leadership.

Requirements:

Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering.
5 to 10 years of direct work experience in the mechanical engineering field with petrochemical, steel fabrication, or structural experience preferred.
An advanced degree may be considered in lieu of a portion of the required professional work experience.
Prior experience providing technical mentorship, coaching, or guidance to junior engineers is beneficial.
Proficiency with 3D CAD platforms (Solidworks, Inventor, etc.).
Proficiency in computer simulation/analysis tools (FEA & CFD).
Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Project management / project engineer experience a plus.
Experience working with third party EPC and Engineering partners.
Highly detail-oriented and organized, with a proactive, self-driven approach and demonstrated record of taking initiative.
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:

Physical requirements may include lifting and/or moving items weighing up to fifty (50) pounds, bending, standing, reaching, climbing stairs, walking, and sitting. 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. 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 status, marital status, parental status, pregnancy, genetic information, or any other legally protected status.

We’re looking for detail-oriented team members who pride themselves on solving problems while bringing positive energy and strong communication skills to the table. If this describes you, come join our team today and contribute to the success of our organization!

FLSA Classification: Exempt

Create a Job Alert

Interested in building your career at CycloKinetics? Get future opportunities sent straight to your email.

First Name

Last Name

Preferred First Name

Country

Phone

Location (City)

Resume/CV*

Accepted file types: pdf, doc, docx, txt, rtf

Cover Letter

Accepted file types: pdf, doc, docx, txt, rtf

School

Select...

Degree

Select...

Discipline

Select...

Start date month

Select...

Start date year

End date month

Select...

End date year

Have you ever worked for CycloKinetics, Inc. before?

Select...

Are you authorized to work lawfully in the United States for CycloKinetics?

Select...

Will you now, or in the future, require visa sponsorship (i.e. H1B visa, etc) to legally work in the US?

Select...

Can you perform the job functions with or without accommodation?

Select...

Are you comfortable with working on site in Salt Lake City, Utah?

Select...

What is your desired salary?

This is an on-site position located in Salt Lake City, Utah, and relocation assistance is not provided. If hired, would you be able to work from this location without employer-paid relocation assistance?

Select...

I certify that all information provided in this employment application is true and correct to the best of my knowledge and ability. I understand that CycloKinetics, Inc. may request an investigative consumer report from a consumer reporting agency. The report may include information as to my character, reputation and personal characteristics obtained from interviews with neighbors, friends, former employers, schools and others that may be useful in making a hiring decision. I release such persons and organizations from any legal liability in making such statements. I understand I have a right to make a request within a reasonable time for the disclosure of the name and address for the consumer reporting agency so that I may obtain a complete disclosure of the nature and scope of the investigation. I understand that I am required to successfully pass a drug and alcohol screening and/or job-related examination. I hereby consent to a pre-and/or post-employment drug screen as a condition of employment, as required. I understand that this application, verbal statements by management, or subsequent employment does not create an express or implied contract of employment nor guarantee employment for any definite period. Only the Chief Executive Officer of CycloKinetics, Inc. or a designee appointed in writing by the CEO has the authority to enter into an agreement of employment for any specific period and such agreement must be in writing, signed by the CEO (or designee) and the employee. If employed, I understand that I have been hired at the will of the employer and my employment may be terminated at any time, with or without reason and with or without cause. I have read and understand that by entering my name below, I consent to these statements above.

Voluntary Self-Identification

For government reporting purposes, we ask candidates to respond to the below self-identification survey. Completion of the form is entirely voluntary. Whatever your decision, it will not be considered in the hiring process or thereafter. Any information that you do provide will be recorded and maintained in a confidential file.

As set forth in CycloKinetics’s Equal Employment Opportunity policy, we do not discriminate on the basis of any protected group status under any applicable law.

Gender

Select...

Are you Hispanic/Latino?

Select...

Race & Ethnicity Definitions

If you believe you belong to any of the categories of protected veterans listed below, please indicate by making the appropriate selection. As a government contractor subject to the Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA), we request this information in order to measure the effectiveness of the outreach and positive recruitment efforts we undertake pursuant to VEVRAA. Classification of protected categories is as follows:

A "disabled veteran" is one of the following: a veteran of the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service who is entitled to compensation (or who but for the receipt of military retired pay would be entitled to compensation) under laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs; or a person who was discharged or released from active duty because of a service-connected disability.

A "recently separated veteran" means any veteran during the three-year period beginning on the date of such veteran's discharge or release from active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval, or air service.

An "active duty wartime or campaign badge veteran" means a veteran who served on active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service during a war, or in a campaign or expedition for which a campaign badge has been authorized under the laws administered by the Department of Defense.

An "Armed forces service medal veteran" means a veteran who, while serving on active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service, participated in a United States military operation for which an Armed Forces service medal was awarded pursuant to Executive Order 12985.

Veteran Status

Select...

Mechanical Engineer L3

Apply for this job

Voluntary Self-Identification