Talent Acquisition Specialist

About CycloKinetics

CycloKinetics is pioneering next-generation high-performance propellants for aerospace and defense by converting biomass energy into superior fuels and propellants for aviation, aerospace, and defense sectors. Based in Salt Lake City, Utah, our team of engineers, scientists, and operators is committed to innovation, performance, and national security through scalable domestic energy solutions powering future propulsion.

Job Summary

The Talent Acquisition Specialist will oversee end-to-end recruitment and talent acquisition, primarily focusing on sourcing, evaluating, and hiring qualified technical, professional, and operational personnel. Partnering closely with hiring managers and leadership, this role develops recruitment strategies, manages candidate pipelines, coordinates selection processes, and ensures an excellent experience for candidates. The role also supports broader HR functions such as workforce planning, onboarding, job architecture, compensation administration, and employee development during periods of lower recruitment priority.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead full-cycle recruitment of R&D, engineering, scientific, technical, and corporate roles.
• Maintain accurate requisition and vacancy tracking, manage job postings, and ensure recruitment activities are timely.
• Source talent via job boards, professional networks, community programs, educational institutions, recruitment software, career fairs, employee referrals, and diversity channels.
• Screen resumes and applications to shortlist eligible candidates.
• Conduct initial interviews assessing candidates' background, education, skills, experience, and salary expectations.
• Refer qualified individuals for further interviews with hiring managers and assist in scheduling.
• Build and sustain talent pipelines to meet current and future workforce needs.
• Prepare offer documentation and onboarding paperwork, and manage personnel records.
• Conduct pre-employment checks including references, background verifications, and criminal screenings.
• Support new hire orientation and participate in training rotations to aid employee assimilation.
• Assist with internal mobility, promotions, workforce planning, and succession initiatives.
• Collaborate on job description development, career frameworks, and compensation bands.
• Maintain integrity and compliance of applicant data in ATS systems.
• Analyze recruitment metrics such as time-to-fill, source effectiveness, and satisfaction levels.
• Ensure adherence to employment laws, EEO guidelines, and company policies.
• Cultivate strong partnerships with hiring managers to align talent acquisition with organizational goals.
• Serve as a trusted advisor on recruitment tactics, labor market insights, and best practices.
• Promote positive experiences for both candidates and managers throughout hiring.
• Perform duties safely in chemical-regulated environments, utilizing provided protective equipment.
• Undertake other assigned responsibilities as needed.

Education and Experience Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Psychology, Communications, Organizational Development, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• At least three years of full-cycle recruiting or talent acquisition experience.
• Preferably experienced recruiting for technical, engineering, scientific, manufacturing, aerospace, defense, or R&D roles.
• Proven ability to manage several requisitions simultaneously in a fast-paced growth environment.
• Strong collaboration skills with hiring managers and business leaders to implement recruitment strategies.
• Familiar with ATS platforms and sourcing tools.

Required Skills and Competencies

• Advanced sourcing and candidate engagement techniques.
• Proficiency with recruiting platforms such as Greenhouse and LinkedIn Recruiter.
• Strong interviewing and communication abilities.
• Understanding of technical job requirements and candidate evaluation.
• Detail-oriented with excellent organizational and follow-through skills.
• Ability to analyze recruitment data to inform decision-making.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements

Ability to frequently lift or move objects up to 25 pounds, perform bending, reaching above shoulder level, stair climbing, pulling, and endure prolonged standing or sitting must be maintained. All activities must comply with established safety protocols and require the use of company-provided protective equipment.

Additional Information

This position is based onsite in Salt Lake City, Utah. CycloKinetics is an at-will employer adhering to VEVRAA, EEO, E-Verify, and a drug-free workplace policy. Employment is contingent on successful background and drug screenings. The role is classified as exempt under FLSA.

Benefits

• 15 vacation days annually
• 12 paid holidays
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• 401(k) retirement plan with Roth options
• Basic and dependent life insurance
• Accidental death and dismemberment insurance
• Short-term and long-term disability coverage
• Employee assistance program
• Paid parental leave
• Employee stock ownership plan (ESOP)
• Potential eligibility for bonuses

Equal Employment Opportunity

CycloKinetics values diversity and inclusion, ensuring employment decisions are based on qualifications without bias concerning race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital or parental status, or any other protected category.

Recruitment Notice

This opportunity is managed internally; third-party recruiter inquiries or submissions will not be entertained.