Process Operator

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

CycloKinetics is seeking motivated, safety-focused Plant Process Operators to join our growing Operations team at our Pilot Plant in Salt Lake City, Utah.

This is an exciting opportunity for individuals with experience in chemical processing, manufacturing, refinery operations, or industrial plant environments who enjoy hands-on technical work and want to contribute to the development of innovative biorefinery technologies.

As a Plant Process Operator, you will play an essential role in operating, monitoring, troubleshooting, and maintaining automated chemical processing equipment. You will work closely with our technical and operations teams to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient plant performance while supporting the development and scale-up of our processes.

We are looking for individuals who take pride in their work, have strong mechanical aptitude, enjoy solving problems, and thrive in a collaborative, safety-driven environment.

This position is part of a 24-hour continuous operation. Plant Process Operators will transition from an initial training schedule to a five-day schedule consisting of 8-hour shifts or a four-day schedule consisting of 10-hour shifts, based on operational needs to support continuous plant operations.  Overall, the average working hours will be 40 hours a week.   

Essential Functions & Responsibilities

• Demonstrate a strong commitment to safety and consistently follow Health, Safety, & Environmental (HSE) 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.
• Safely handle, measure, mix, prepare, and transport chemical substances in accordance with established procedures using appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
• Operate, monitor, and maintain chemical processing and biorefinery equipment, including plant start-up, shutdown, batching, cleaning, troubleshooting, and routine operations.
• Monitor and control automated plant systems using Distributed Control Systems (DCS), Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs), and other computerized process controls.
• Monitor and record critical operating parameters, including temperature, pressure, flow, humidity, and other process measurements. Adjust equipment controls, valves, and operating conditions to maintain safe and efficient operations.
• Operate and adjust valves, pumps, compressors, and other processing equipment to regulate process conditions and support production activities.
• Collect and test process samples, interpret quality control results, document findings, and make necessary process adjustments to maintain product quality and optimize plant operations.
• Troubleshoot equipment and process issues, identify abnormalities, and assist with corrective actions to minimize operational disruptions.
• Perform daily and weekly preventive maintenance, equipment inspections, basic troubleshooting, repairs, and cleaning to ensure equipment reliability and minimize operational disruptions.
• Assist maintenance and technical teams with equipment installation, removal, rebuilding, repairs, and preventive and predictive maintenance activities.
• Perform basic electrical troubleshooting as trained and authorized, and assist maintenance personnel with equipment-related issues.
• Participate in shift handover meetings and communicate process conditions, equipment status, and operational issues to ensure smooth transitions between shifts.
• Maintain accurate operating logs, process data, quality control results, maintenance records, and other required documentation to support plant operations and Research & Development (R&D) activities.
• Follow established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), safety protocols, environmental requirements, and applicable Good Documentation Practices (GDP), Good Laboratory Practices (GLP), and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).
• Support the achievement of production targets while maintaining established quality, safety, and operational standards.
• Promptly report process upsets, equipment malfunctions, quality deviations, and safety or environmental concerns to the Shift Lead, Supervisor, or appropriate plant leadership.
• Work independently and collaboratively with operators, engineers, scientists, and maintenance personnel to support continuous improvement and successful plant operations.
• Assist with keeping the plant clean by following the sanitation schedule and completing all tasks as assigned.
• This position requires working in an industrial facility where temperatures may fluctuate due to seasonal conditions and manufacturing operations.
• Work is performed in a combination of office, pilot plant, manufacturing, and industrial environments.
• May climb stairs, ladders, platforms, or elevated structures when necessary and appropriately trained.
• May work around process equipment, piping, pressure systems, chemicals, gases, heated surfaces, rotating equipment, and machinery.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Education & Experience

• Process Technology Degree/Certificate preferred, or a Vocational Degree/Certification focused in technical, mechanical, or electrical preferred. Minimum requirement is a High School Diploma or GED. 
• 0-3 years of prior work experience working in a process environment or in a process maintenance position in the following industries: petrochemical/refineries, biorefineries, chemical, food manufacturing, or pharmaceutical required.  Production, manufacturing, and/or laboratory work experience is preferred.  
• In lieu of direct work experience, higher educational studies in science such as Biology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, or Chemistry are a minimum.
• Technical understanding and manual dexterity are required. 
• Mechanical aptitude and a basic understanding of mechanical systems and equipment. 
• Fermentation or food processing skills are a plus. 
• Effective written and verbal communication skills and a willingness to collaborate with cross-functional teams.  
• Proficiency in common computer tools and web-based applications is required. 
• Demonstrate strong attention to detail in all work activities.  
• Prior experience successfully participating in work teams where personal accountability, attention to detail, collaboration, and results were required. 
• Experience with chemicals and chemical processes is desired.
• Prior experience handling flammable chemicals is preferred.

Physical Demands

Physical requirements may include 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.

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 background verification and drug screen.

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.

FLSA Classification: Non-Exempt

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!