Operations Assistant

JOIN THE SWAY TEAM!

Operations Assistant

DETAILS

• Location: Sway HQ in Emeryville, CA (in-person required)
• Employment Type: Part time (8-24 hours/week, dependent on company needs)
• Pay: $21-25/hour, depending on experience
• Contract Term: 6-month contract approximately November 2026 to May 2027, with possibility of extension (to be finalized upon hiring)
• Reports to: Lab Manager
• Apply before: October 19, 2026

OVERVIEW

Sway is a material innovation startup scaling compostable, seaweed-based replacements for plastic. We're starting with flexible packaging for shipping and shopping. Our patented products match the vital performance attributes of conventional plastics and plug into existing infrastructure, enabling scale and impact. Unlike plastic, Sway materials leverage abundant, regenerative resources and compost into healthy soil after use. Our market presence is rapidly expanding through partnerships with leading global packaging distributors and exemplary brands. 

Sway is a TIME Best Invention of 2025, Fast Company World-Changing Idea, and 1st place winner in the TOM FORD Plastic Innovation Prize. Our solutions have garnered recognition from Forbes, The Guardian, and WIRED. As a member of the Sustainable Packaging Coalition, the Sustainable Ocean Alliance, and 1% for the Planet, Sway is working holistically to ensure our solutions catalyze a thriving future.

Sway is headquartered in the California Bay Area. Discover how we’re creating materials that replenish the planet at swaythefuture.com.

THE ROLE

As Sway expands our operations — in particular, with the launch of our direct e-commerce Sway Store — we are seeking an Operations Assistant to support with shipping & receiving, inventory management, sustainability & circularity, and lab & office maintenance.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The week-to-week tasks of this role will vary based on company needs, and will include, but not be limited to, the following:

Shipping & Receiving

• Efficiently pack and ship Sway materials of various form factors to customers, distributors, events, manufacturers, investors, and other partners
• Follow company SOPs on securely packing shipments, creating and printing shipping labels & packing slips, and coordinating pick-up/drop-offs with couriers
• Prepare documents and troubleshooting customs clearance for international shipment
• Receive and unbox inbound shipments, notify team, log in corresponding inventory system, and file documents (e.g. MSDS)

Inventory Management

• With Lab Manager, maintain organized storage and up-to-date inventory of Sway Store merchandise, R&D samples, lab chemicals and supplies, archival Sway materials, equipment, and shipping supplies
  • Notify Lab Manager of running-low supplies to restock
  • In collaboration with Lab Manager, ideate and implement improved systems for inventory tracking and order fulfilment

Sustainability & Circularity

• In collaboration with Lab Manager, develop effective and eco-friendly avenues for offloading surplus supplies and materials, prioritizing re-use and recycling whenever possible
  • Includes: managing postings on re-sale sites, reaching out to local non-profits/schools/co-working spaces for interest, dropping off at donation sites
• Support Sway’s Archival Material Upcycling program, including:
  • Prepare and ship sample & archival materials to participants
  • Update roster and files of participating Artist & Designers with materials received, contact information, project status, behind-the-scenes photos, press coverage, etc.
• Support logistics of office mail-back recycling programs via Ridwell and Polycarbin (monitor state of mail-back containers, seal and ship once full)

Lab & Office Maintenance

• Conduct routine safety checks (e.g. weekly eye wash testing)
• As needed, support with facilities organization, cleaning, repair, and design (e.g. loading and unloading dishwasher, watering plants, vacuuming work areas, organizing storage areas, hanging posters, patching paint)
  • Please note: Sway is a small team, and taking care of the space is a shared responsibility among all. You would not be solely responsible for all cleaning and maintenance tasks, but serve as an extra hand when ad-noc needs arise.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• Based in the SF Bay Area and able to commute to Emeryville
• Attention to detail and ability to reliably follow Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for recurring tasks
• Creative and systems minded – you have eye for ways to work smarter, not harder, and are willing to share and try out new ideas and methods
• Familiarity with Google Drive/Gmail and demonstrated ability to learn new digital collaboration tools
• Interest in biomaterials, compost, circular economy, seaweed and/or general environmental sustainability

Preferred (Not Required)

• Familiarity with fulfilling shipments through FedEx, UPS, DHL, USPS
• Familiarity with project management/communication tools including Shopify, Asana, Slack
• Access to a personal vehicle (for package drop-off)
• Experience with general maintenance and hand/power tools

ADDITIONAL BENEFITS

• Commute expense reimbursement
• Letters of recommendation, upon successful completion of contract
• Insight into the inner workings of an early-stage climate tech startup with a growing customer base and product portfolio
• 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 October 19th!