Mechanical Engineer

Mechanical Engineer

Application Deadline: 05/31/2025

Who are we: 

PolyGone is transforming the $200B water treatment industry with the first scalable solution for microplastic pollution. There is an urgent need to remove microplastics that contaminate over 90% of drinking and wastewater sources, exposing billions of people to their toxic chemical additives. PolyGone has developed a patented filtration media that passively captures <1 mm microplastics from treatment effluents, reservoirs, and rivers, achieving a 98% lab removal efficiency. Within 2 years, we have launched the world’s first industrial microplastic treatment pilot, set to capture 580M+ microplastics annually. As a seed-stage venture-backed startup, we are scaling our proprietary system and deploying pilots across North America. We are now hiring a Mechanical Engineer to join our founding team and help us build a world-class company from the ground up.

What is the role?

We are seeking a Mechanical Engineer to enhance our filtration hardware and integration with various water channels. You are expected to start the role no later than July 1st, 2025.
 

Your Responsibilities:

• Assist in procurement and coordinate the construction of filtration systems
• Produce engineering drawings and technical schematics for fabrication
• Optimize the mechanical design of filtration hardware, with attention to flow dynamics and capture efficiency
• Design system integration strategies for a range of water channels (e.g., open-channel, pipe, and basin installations)
• Conduct hardware performance testing under varying flow rates and contaminant loads to assess real-world efficacy
• Communicate with fabricators and suppliers to align on procurement needs, tolerances, and design specifications
• Design and build water circulation systems for filter testing

Hard Requirements: 

• A bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering is required, a Master’s or Ph.D degree is a plus
• Prior work experience with design/engineering firms or research-track position, 1 recommendation letter required
• Background or experience in fluid dynamics, with completed projects involving active water flow.
• Working proficiency in 3D modelling software, especially Inventor.
• Excellent communication skills, with English language speaking, writing, and presentation skills being a must.
• Strong hands-on experience for assembly and troubleshooting
• Work on-site in our lab in Princeton, NJ (car ownership highly recommended )

Who are we looking for?

(specialist  vs. generalist vs. Mr T. Mr T is ideal and asserts dominance with an iconic pose)

• We value “T-shaped” people. 
  • That is, people who are both generalists (highly skilled at a broad set of valuable things—the top of the T) and also experts (among the best in their field within a narrow discipline—the vertical leg of the T). This recipe is important for success at PolyGone. We often have to pass on people who are very strong generalists without expertise, or vice versa. An expert who is too narrow has difficulty collaborating. A generalist who doesn’t go deep enough in a single area ends up on the margins, not contributing as an individual.
• Leadership Qualities
  • We encourage young professionals to be leaders in their early careers. We look for individuals who have the ambition, passion, and ability to guide the R&D of PolyGone. We want to work with someone who not only focuses on their own work but also can offer insights into general business development; is diligent (and sometimes obsessive) and can also train and oversee younger professionals to similar standards; persistent with their direction despite being doubted by others; curious about new realms and willing to take all initiatives to get there.
• Personalities
  • Skills and experience are not the only qualities that we look for in PolyGone. We want to be able to develop a trusting working relationship. Here are some qualities that we highly value:
    • High-energy and optimistic
    • Funny (sometimes goofy)
    • Responsible
    • Diligent
    • Efficient
    • Proactive
    • Quick and clear in communications
    • Passionate about the mission
  • Here are some red flags that we try to avoid:
    • Unclear or slow in communication
    • Only care about their work and do not want to learn about other parts of the business
    • Expect work assignments from senior team members all the time
    • Not proactive in new research directions or is afraid of learning new skills independently
    • Inflexible, such as not willing to accommodate other’s availabilities or rejecting an idea too quickly before thinking about alternatives
    • Negative about the company’s development
    • Cannot multitask

What do we offer:

• Competitive salary subject to experience and qualifications
• Leadership of highly motivated junior team members
• Work authorization support
• Fringe benefits include health insurance, vision & dental insurance, and 401(k)
• Opportunities to learn about and become involved in marketing strategies, early-stage fundraising processes, and transforming design and technology into commercialized products
• Access to the gym on the premises
• Unlimited snacks, team meals, annual team excursions, and more!

Why Join Polygone Now?

• This is a rare chance to help define the DNA of a hardware-enabled climate startup tackling one of the planet’s most urgent environmental challenges. You will work closely with the founding team, influence core decisions, and help shape a company where impact and execution go hand in hand.

How to apply:

• Email your CV  with 1 letter of recommendation to info@projectplastic.site
• Email title: Job Application_Mechanical Engineer
• Complete our application form by 5/31: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc8cgdoynciitaDZ_tEZjeb35GIdndCSdQPc5sdjEFMWQ5mGQ/viewform?usp=sharing
• Deadline: 05/31/2025

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity. All employment is decided based on qualifications, merit, and business need.