Pittsburgh Coastal Energy is seeking a Chemical Laboratory Assistant to assist our engineering team in the development and manufacturing of our company’s core nanogenerator technology. The position is full-time, onsite in our lab in Pittsburgh, PA and reports to the Principal Chemical Engineer.
Key Responsibilities
- Synthesize materials, fabricate devices, and prepare samples for testing
- Assist with conducting experiments, including experimental design, data collection, analysis, and reporting results
- Manage and maintain proper sample storage and chemical inventory
- Abide by laboratory safety protocols
- Maintain laboratory cleanliness, organization, and operational readiness
- Participate in team-wide meetings and act as a collaborative member of a fast-moving start-up
- Perform additional responsibilities as required by the Principal Chemical Engineer
Minimum Requirements
- A Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, or 3-5 years working in a chemical lab, or a combination of relevant degree and working lab experience
- Exceptional attention to detail and organization
- Able to take directions and work independently
- Able to balance competing priorities to meet project deadlines
- Willingness to sign and comply with non-disclosure, invention assignment, and non-compete agreements
- Applicants must be authorized to work in the US
- A background check will be conducted on all employees who accept an offer to work at Pittsburgh Coastal Energy
- National Security Requirement: This position may require access to classified and/or export-controlled information. Eligibility to obtain a security clearance is required.
Minimum Physical Requirements
- Ability to lift, carry, move, and transport materials weighing up to 50lbs
- Ability to conduct tasks using fine motor skill movements
- Ability to stand and work on feet for extended periods of time
- Applicants must be able and available to work on-site in our laboratory in Pittsburgh, PA
Preferred Qualifications
- 1-3 years experience working in a laboratory environment with wet lab chemistry experience.
- Polymer synthesis and analysis experience
- Working knowledge of electrical principles
Benefits
Pittsburgh Coastal Energy offers the following benefits to full-time employees:
- Paid Time Off
- Paid Sick Leave
- Bereavement Leave
- Company-wide Holidays
- Promotional Opportunities
Our Hiring Process
Qualified applicants will be invited to the following interview process:
- First Interview, virtual (approx. 30min)
- Second Interview, in-person (approx. 1hr)
- References & Background Check
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Chemistry or 3-5 years working in a chemical lab, or combination of relevant degree and lab experience
- Exceptional attention to detail and organization
- Able to take directions and work independently
- Able to balance competing priorities to meet project deadlines
- Willingness to sign and comply with non-disclosure, invention assignment, and non-compete agreements
- Authorized to work in the US
- Background check will be conducted on all employees who accept an offer
- Eligibility to obtain a security clearance (may require access to classified/export-controlled information)
- Ability to lift, carry, move, and transport materials weighing up to 50lbs
- Ability to conduct tasks using fine motor skill movements
- Ability to stand and work on feet for extended periods of time
- Must be able and available to work on-site in Pittsburgh, PA
- 1-3 years experience working in a laboratory environment with wet lab chemistry experience
- Polymer synthesis and analysis experience
- Working knowledge of electrical principles
What We Do
Pittsburgh Coastal Energy is a deep-tech hardware startup developing a new class of energy generation technology to power the future of maritime autonomy. Our onboard wave energy harvesting system enables autonomous marine vehicles to replenish their own energy at sea, thus extending mission duration, reducing reliance on crewed vessel deployments, and unlocking operations previously constrained by battery life. Founded by U.S. Navy veterans and engineers, we are driven by a dual mission to advance scientific innovation while strengthening the capabilities and resilience of the United States and its allies. Our team thrives on solving difficult interdisciplinary problems, moving quickly, and taking ownership in a fast-paced startup environment where every contribution has a visible impact. We are looking for people who are excited to build advanced energy technology vital to national defense, including for use in unmanned systems and other mission-critical platforms.
