Materials Engineering Summer Internship
SwayOVERVIEW
Sway is a California-based biomaterials startup harnessing the power of seaweed to create home-compostable replacements for plastics. We are focused on developing and scaling high-performance flexible packaging that replaces LDPE across polybags, retail bags, and beyond. Sway's technology drops into traditional plastic infrastructure, while simultaneously working to replenish ocean health, promote regenerative materials, and ultimately create a more inclusive environmental movement.
THE ROLE
We are excited to welcome a proactive, goal-focused Materials Engineering Intern to the Sway team for Summer 2026. This internship will focus on accelerating the advancement of biobased compositions, prototypes, and concepts to commercial products, blending problem-solving and creativity to effectively support our R&D and supply chain teams across a variety of projects. This role will contribute to shaping the future of our growing company through their technical expertise and collaborative approach.
Sway fosters a proactive, solutions-oriented work environment where our tight-knit, interdisciplinary team collaborates intensively. Exceptional organization and communication skills are vital, as is attention to detail within a fast-moving startup environment. Ideal candidates are self-starters who excel in dynamic, interdisciplinary environments and bring both independent initiative and a collaborative, team-oriented mindset to their work. Passion for sustainability and a commitment to Sway's mission to create regenerative, eco-friendly, first-of-their-kind materials are essential.
RESPONSIBILITIES
• Develop, formulate, and characterize novel seaweed biopolymer formulations for thin film packaging systems.
• Design and implement rigorous testing methodologies to evaluate various seaweed biopolymer formulations and leverage findings to drive improvements.
• Analyze material properties to develop evidence-based hypotheses for improving seaweed biopolymer performance, followed by experimental validation of concepts.
• Perform hands-on processing lab, pilot, and production trials across Twin-screw compounding, Blown film extrusion, Cast film extrusion, and other related melt processing techniques.
• Collaborate effectively across multidisciplinary teams spanning technology, manufacturing, business, and marketing to innovate and develop commercial opportunities.
• Effectively communicate data and results through technical written documentation and oral presentations to both internal and external audiences.
• Support scientific team(s) and allocate resources effectively to ensure time project completion.
• Write materials specifications, testing procedures, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Contribute positively to company culture by fostering an innovative work mindset and demonstrating exceptional teamwork capabilities.
• Demonstrate exemplary safety leadership and promote best practices throughout all laboratory and production activities.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
• Based in Bay Area, CA with the ability to commute to our Emeryville-based lab.
• Working toward a degree in Polymer Chemistry, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Engineering, or related.
• Demonstrated experience working with renewable resources and/or biopolymers in materials applications.
• Demonstrated experience personally operating twin screw compounding, blown film extrusion, cast film extrusion, and/or related melt processes
• Demonstrated experience running basic materials characterization techniques (DSC, TGA, Tensile, FTIR, MFI, etc)
• Ability to apply technical, laboratory and analytical skills to solving research problems.
• Demonstrated documentation, presentation, and research skills.
• Passion and knowledge of sustainability/circular economy principles and end-of-life compostability testing are a major plus!
BENEFITS OF INTERNING WITH SWAY
• Opportunity to participate in a seed stage Bay Area-based startup with massive growth potential
• State of the art R&D facilities to conduct cutting edge research
• Excellent internship salary
• Reimbursable commute expenses
• Ability to support projects that will contribute to a healthier planet
• Opportunities to participate in team outings and industry events in Bay Area
• An incredible team to support you in your learning journey!
HOW TO APPLY
After preparing your resume/CV and cover letter, please apply directly through the link below. We will reach out to select candidates for interviews on a rolling basis. Applications close May 15th!