From prototypes to full-scale production, this role is for someone who enjoys taking ideas to fruition: finding pathways forward to bring concepts to life as physical products. If you're excited by lab work, process design, customer impact, and startup speed, you’ll thrive here.

Who We Are

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.

We're a close-knit team of scientists, engineers, and problem-solvers across the US and Australia. This role is based in Kalamazoo, MI, and is essential to our mission of scaling from lab to launch.

What You'll Own

As our Packaging and Production Engineer, you’ll be the go-to person for everything between R&D and real-world delivery. This is a hands-on, cross-functional role that blends lab work, manufacturing partnerships, quality assurance, and direct customer collaboration.

You’ll:

• Run lab tests on coated paper samples from water resistance to repulpability to make sure we meet (and beat) specs.
• Oversee contract manufacturing relationships. From scouting to piloting to production scale-up.
• Apply coatings in the lab directly onto customer substrates. Because we’re not afraid to get our hands dirty here.
• Collaborate with sales and marketing to develop prototypes and customer-ready samples that shine.
• Design and run fit-for-use tests on coated sheets and converted packages.
• Work closely with converting partners to guarantee quality.
• Help generate certified coated materials that meet industry benchmarks.
• Join select sales calls or site visits to bring your technical insight directly to the table.
• Champion a culture of lab safety, including audits, protocols, and training.
• Travel occasionally to visit partners and support trials as needed.
• 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.)

This is a role with a big scope and high visibility. You'll help shape how our products go from concept to customers: fast, smart, and at scale.

What We’re Looking For

• A degree in Paper or Packaging Engineering, Materials Science, or another STEM field.
• Ideally, 3–5 years of experience in packaging, paper, coatings, or materials production.
• Comfortable in a lab and around manufacturing equipment.
• Strong attention to detail with a process-driven mindset.
• A natural collaborator who thrives in a startup culture. Easily adaptable, hands-on, and eager to build.
• Great communicator with the ability to break down technical info for non-technical audiences.

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 For

• Experience developing or scaling functional coatings.
• Exposure to paper converting, packaging design, or barrier material testing.
• Passion for sustainability and circular economy solutions.

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 days vacation + 10 days sick leave. We want you rested and resilient.
• Relocation – We’ll support you to move to Michigan.
• Startup energy – Your work matters. You’ll be shaping a category and a company at the same time.

✨ 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.

Location: Kalamazoo, MI (on-site 5 day per week, with some flexibility) - (relocation assistance available)

Role reports too: Head of Product

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.