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Build the Circular Economy Together

Chief Technology Officer - Be the Technical Trailblazer at Earthodic

Earthodic

Earthodic

Product · Full-time
Kalamazoo, MI, USA · Remote
USD 150k-200k / year
Posted on Jun 4, 2025

At Earthodic, we're helping to accelerate the transition to a circular economy. Our proprietary, bio-based coatings deliver functional barrier properties without compromising repulpability or recyclability…think water-resistant, grease-resistant and circular. We’re a close-knit, ambitious team spread across the US and Australia, and we’re here to make a dent in the (waste-filled) universe.

You will be part of Earthodic’s US team, based in Kalamazoo, Michigan, but we are open to candidates based across the US (relocation assistance available).

The Opportunity

We’re looking for a Chief Technology Officer who wants more than a title, they want impact.

You’ll be the driving force behind our innovation engine, leading everything from new formulation development to scale-up and beyond. If you don’t mind occasionally getting your hands dirty in the lab with the team and shaping strategic direction from the whiteboard, you’re in the right place.

As CTO, you’ll:

  • Lead Earthodic’s technical team to achieve (or create) cutting-edge product development.
  • Partner with the Head of Product to define our roadmap, and make sure it’s not just visionary, but technically executable.
  • Roll up your sleeves in the lab, working with bio-based materials and real-world data.
  • Turn breakthrough ideas into protected IP that builds long-term advantage.
  • Scale lab formulations to full-blown commercial production with cost, performance, and sustainability in mind.
  • Mentor and grow technical talent. Building a team that’s as bold as the mission.
  • Thrive in a highly collaborative, international environment, working closely with teams across the US and Australia to push boundaries in sustainable materials and be open to flexible hours.
  • Travel domestically and internationally to support collaboration with our global team and visit key development, partner, and customer sites. ✈️🌏 (Yes, regular (approximately quarterly) trips Down Under are part of the gig—consider it your professional adventure pass.)
  • Embrace flexible work hours to support real-time collaboration across time zones, particularly with our Australian-based team. (We don’t expect late nights every night, but a bit of time-zone tango comes with the global territory.)

What We’re Looking For

Must-Haves:

  • Master's or Ph.D. in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or similar.
  • 10+ years in coatings or chemical product development, preferably with bio-based formulations.
  • Strong track record of taking innovations from the lab to the market.
  • Fluency in IP strategy, patent portfolios, and technical documentation.
  • Sharp analytical skills with a bias toward practical execution.
  • Experience leading technical teams and managing cross-functional projects.
  • Clear, confident communicator. Whether in the boardroom or on the laboratory floor.

Work Authorisation Requirement

  • Please note: Due to the current organisational setup, we are only able to consider applicants who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents (Green Card holders) and are authorised to work in the United States without current or future visa sponsorship.

Earthodic is not currently in a position to sponsor employment visas for this role.

Bonus Points:

  • Deep experience with pulp, paper, or fibre-based coatings.
  • A passion and/or experience for more sustainable chemistries and circular materials (including lignin).

A knack for making good ideas even better through formulation finesse.

Perks & Benefits

  • Pre IPO equity.
  • Healthcare – we offer an Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Account (ICHRA) up to the value of $1,000 per employee per month for individual or family coverage.
  • 401(k) – We match: 100% of the first 3%, and 50% of the next 2%.
  • Time Off – 20 vacation days + 10 sick days. We want you rested and resilient.
  • Relocation – We’ll support you if you’re ready to move to Michigan.
  • Startup energy – Your work matters. You’ll be shaping a category and a company at the same time.
  • Travel to Australia, primarily to Brisbane.

Location: Kalamazoo, MI (on-site) or fully remote based within the USA

Who does this role report to? CEO

Why Earthodic?

This is your chance to be at the forefront of a materials revolution. We’re a startup, yes, meaning your ideas will matter, your work will be visible, and your fingerprints will be all over our success. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, or background. If you’re excited to help build something sustainable, scalable, and truly new, we’d love to meet you.

Earthodic Accommodation

Eartthodic is committed to providing reasonable accommodations in our recruitment processes for candidates with disabilities, pregnancy, sincerely held religious beliefs or other reasons protected by applicable laws. If you need assistance or a reasonable accommodation, please reach out to us at ](https://bytedance.us.larkoffice.com/share/base/form/shrusW6pfDVzkZRjoYkIUjlOhth)[people@earthodic.com

If you are interested in applying for this role, please use easy apply on LinkedIn or submit a cover letter and resume to Laura Chuck, Fractional Chief People Officer, Earthodic, via email at people@earthodic.com.

Earthodic is an equal opportunity employer.

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