Assistant Project Manager

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:

The Assistant Project Manager supports the SVP of Capital Projects in executing large capital projects through detailed engineering, procurement, construction, and handover. The role is the day-to-day link among the CycloKinetics internal teams (e.g., engineering, safety, operations), contractors, vendors, and suppliers, helping keep scope, schedule, cost, quality, and safety on track. The Assistant Project Manager is also responsible for compiling progress reports for project stakeholders.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities:

Support execution planning, including the project execution plan, interface management, and stage-gate readiness reviews.

Monitor EPC/EPCM/General contractor performance against scope, schedule, budget, and quality requirements.

Manage the document and deliverable flow: RFIs, submittals, transmittals, design reviews, and action items.

Support project controls with cost reports, forecasts, change management, and monthly progress reporting.

Review and process change orders, commitments, and invoices in coordination with project controls and procurement.

In conjunction with CycloKinetics’ internal engineering team, facilitate procurement activity for long-lead and critical equipment, including vendor follow-up, expediting, and inspection schedules.

Lead or support regular project meetings, including preparing agendas, minutes, and tracked actions.

Maintain the project risk and issue registers, and drive mitigation actions.

Promote safety and quality culture at the site and office, including support for audits and incident follow-up.

Support commissioning, startup, and turnover planning, including punch list and closeout documentation.

Prepare updates for leadership, lenders, and funding agencies as required.

Support compliance with government contract and funding requirements, including milestone reporting, invoicing and payment documentation, and agency reviews or audits.

Required Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in engineering, construction management, or a related field.

3-6 years of experience in capital project execution, engineering, or construction management in industrial, energy, or chemical settings.

Working knowledge of EPC/EPCM contracting, project controls fundamentals, and change management.

Strong written and verbal communication and the ability to work across owner, contractor, and vendor teams.

Proficiency in MS Office (including Microsoft Project) and in project management and document control tools (e.g., SharePoint, Procore, or equivalent).

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience on government-funded projects (e.g., DOE, DoD, or other federal or state-funded programs), including familiarity with agency reporting, flow-down requirements, and compliance documentation (e.g., Davis-Bacon, Buy America, or FAR/DFARS provisions, as applicable).
• PMP, CCM, or equivalent certification; EIT/PE a plus.
• Experience with projects in synthetic and renewable fuels, power generation, oil & gas, process facilities, or defense-adjacent infrastructure.
• Experience in an owner's team role overseeing contractors.
• Exposure to government-funded or financed projects with reporting and compliance requirements.
• Willingness to travel to project sites or to support government reporting requirements [10%].
• 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.

Genera l:

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.