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 co