Mechanical Engineer L3

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