Description
Dirigo Sea Farm is a woman-founded material manufacturing company using Maine kelp to produce bioplastic films to replace single-use and non-biodegradable plastic. We are passionate about eliminating microplastic waste from the environment while enabling human health and local working waterfront communities to thrive.
Based in Portland, Maine, we are tied closely to and invest heavily in our commercial fishing community. We are building a company we can be proud of, one that prioritizes what keeps Maine special and creates jobs for generations of Mainers to come. Our team members take active participation in this building - we are eager to find members of our team who can jump in, learn as they go, and bring new ideas and solutions to life.
When you think of our team these words come to mind:
- Innately curious
- Smart
- Creative
- Action-oriented
- Resourceful
- Honest
- Supportive
- Scrappy
Position Overview
The R&D Technician will help install and operate pilot scale biorefining equipment to isolate bioplastic extractions from raw kelp feedstocks, while also supporting material development research alongside Dirigo Sea Farm’s Lead Scientist. Working with the full process line from raw kelp input to bioplastic film output, this role combines hands-on technical work with analytical skills and experimental research.
This is a 40 hrs / wk contract position with possibility of conversion to full time.
What You’ll Do
Facilitate and optimize bioprocessing operations by…
- Perform acid-base titrations and prepare precise solution concentrations for process control
- Operate and maintain 50-100 L chemical reactors, including cleaning procedures
- Handle large quantities of chemical reagents using forklift operation
- Document processes, prepare progress updates with visual documentation
- Collaborate with lead scientist to troubleshoot and optimize procedures
- Support installation of pilot scale biorefining equipment
- Follow safety protocols and maintain clean work environment
Develop bioplastic material by…
- Design and execute experiments to optimize bioplastic properties
- Conduct material characterization tests on bioplastic samples
- Analyze experimental data and prepare technical reports
- Support the development of new material formulations
- Maintain detailed laboratory notebooks and experimental records
- Assist in scaling up successful laboratory experiments to pilot scale
Build Dirigo Sea Farm by…
- Leading program development and execution
- Working cross functionally to support the end to end development process
- Thinking creatively and deeply about new approaches to problems
- Speaking up
- Taking ownership
What You Need
- Masters degree or higher in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related field
- Experience with basic chemistry techniques and laboratory equipment
- Ability to operate a forklift
- Strong attention to detail and documentation skills
- Ability to lift 50 lbs and stand for extended periods
It’d Be Nice if You Had…
- Experience with large-scale chemical processing equipment
- Background in bioplastics or marine biomass processing
- Knowledge of GMP and chemical safety protocols
- Proficiency with data analysis and presentation software
- Experience in materials testing and characterization