Careers
We’re always eager to connect with passionate individuals interested in joining our team. Feel free to reach out and share your background—we’d love to stay in touch for future opportunities.
Open Positions
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Location: Saco, Maine (In person)
Job Type: Full-time
Salary: $70,000 - $80,000
Reports to: Chief Operating Officer
About the Company
Established in 2021, Tanbark Molded Fiber Products is dedicated to delivering sustainable alternatives to plastic packaging. We specialize in producing Type 3 Molded Fiber, an environmentally friendly replacement for rigid single-use plastic products. Our mission is to provide access to planet-friendly, purpose-driven products by pushing the limits of molded fiber design.At Tanbark, we don’t just create sustainable products—we create a culture of innovation and responsibility. Our A.C.T.S. values guide us in everything we do:
Adaptable & Accountable – We anticipate challenges, embrace new ideas, and take ownership of our work.
Curious & Collaborative – We thrive on learning, problem-solving, and working together to achieve shared success.
Trust & Transparency – We communicate openly, assume good intentions, and build strong relationships.
Safe & Sustainable – We prioritize well-being, ethical conduct, and environmental responsibility.
If you’re seeking a collaborative and supportive environment and are excited to join a dynamic startup poised for growth, this opportunity is perfect for you!
About the Opportunity
As Tanbark scales, we're seeking a Product Development & Process Engineer to drive product innovation, optimize manufacturing processes, and support customer-driven projects. This role is responsible for developing new products, optimizing production processes, and ensuring high-quality standards throughout the manufacturing cycle. This role is ideal for an engineer with a background in chemistry, materials science, or a related field, who is eager to contribute to a rapidly evolving industry. You’ll work closely with cross-functional teams to refine processes and develop tailored solutions for customer projects.
Key Responsibilities
Product Development & Innovation
Engineer new molded fiber products based on customer needs, optimizing fiber blends, additives, and material properties for performance and sustainability.
Experiment with new formulations and production techniques to enhance efficiency, durability, and scalability.
Process Optimization & Standardization
Analyze and refine manufacturing processes to improve efficiency, consistency, and cost-effectiveness.
Develop and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Work Instructions (WIs) for fiber preparation, forming, and drying to ensure repeatability and quality.
Material & Input Analysis
Identify key raw materials, additives, and process variables, documenting their impact on product performance and production efficiency.
Establish data-driven systems to monitor and control fiber consistency, slurry chemistry, and forming conditions.
Performance Measurement & Process Control
Define key performance indicators (KPIs) such as cycle time, yield, moisture content, and defect rates.
Implement tracking tools and data analysis methods to drive continuous improvement in production processes.
Industry Engagement & Collaboration
Build and maintain relationships with suppliers, research institutions, and industry leaders to stay at the forefront of molded fiber innovation.
Represent Tanbark at industry events, conferences, and technical forums to promote thought leadership and collaboration.
Cross-Functional Collaboration & Documentation
Work closely with customers, machine operators, and internal teams to bring product concepts from development to full-scale production.
Maintain detailed records of trials, product improvements, and process refinements to ensure transparency and knowledge retention.
What we’re looking for
Degree in chemistry, materials science, environmental science, engineering, or a related field.
2+ years of experience in product development, manufacturing, or materials engineering.
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and troubleshooting skills.
Experience with chemistry lab work, operating equipment, and maintaining detailed records of product development and manufacturing activities.
Familiarity with cellulosic materials, pulp and paper, or textiles is a plus.
Knowledge of materials characterization testing is an advantage.
Why Join Us?
Make an impact – Work on cutting-edge sustainable products that reduce environmental waste.
Fast-growing industry – Join a team at the forefront of innovation in molded fiber manufacturing.
Career growth – Opportunities to take on leadership roles as we scale.
Great team culture – Collaborative, mission-driven, and supportive work environment.
Physical Demands
The employee frequently is required to use hands or fingers and handle or feel objects, tools, or controls. The employee is required to stand; walk; sit; and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus. The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate.
Employment Disclaimer
Tanbark Molded Fiber Products, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer, drug free workplace, and complies with all applicable ADA regulations.
This job description outlines essential duties but is not exhaustive. Employees may be assigned additional job-related tasks as directed. Responsibilities and requirements may be adjusted to accommodate individuals with disabilities. Successful performance requires the necessary skills, aptitudes, and abilities. Some requirements may exclude individuals posing a direct threat to health or safety. This document sets minimum qualifications and does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, beyond an “at-will” relationship.
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Job Type: Full-time
Pay starting from: $25.00 per hour
Expected hours: 39 per week
Ability to Commute: Saco, ME 04072 (Required)
Work Location: In person
About the Company
Tanbark is a Maine-based manufacturer dedicated to eco-friendly, molded fiber packaging that replaces plastic. Our mission is to provide access to planet-friendly, purpose-driven products by pushing the limits of molded fiber design.
Why Join Us?
Make an impact – Work on cutting-edge sustainable products that reduce environmental waste.
Fast-growing industry – Join a team at the forefront of innovation in molded fiber manufacturing.
Career growth – Opportunities to develop and grow with the company.
Great team culture – Collaborative, mission-driven, and supportive work environment.
About the Role
The Machine Technician is a key member of our team, ensuring production procedures are carried out safely and efficiently, maximizing equipment uptime and product quality. They prepare raw materials, operate and maintain/clean production machinery, and diagnose equipment issues alongside teammates. They work closely with Maintenance Technicians to ensure that equipment issues outside their scope are quickly resolved.
The Machine Technician also trains fellow production teammates and supports company-wide improvement initiatives, recognizing and communicating ideas and challenges. This role requires adaptability, problem-solving skills, and a commitment to safe and efficient operations.
Work Schedule
3 days per week (Wed, Thu, Sat)
13-Hour Shift (6:30am-7:30pm)
During the initial training period (approx. 3-6 weeks), flexibility in work hours and schedule is required. New team members will train with experienced staff and management until they are able to work independently.
Core Duties & Responsibilities
Operate production machinery according to manufacturer guidelines and company procedures.
Set up machines per specifications and prepare them for production runs.
Adjust machinery controls to optimize product yield and quality.
Batch and process raw materials in the pulper and stock prep system.
Operate the die-cutting machine to trim and pack products for shipment.
Handle end-of-line procedures, including product quality checks, data logging, and packing dry products.
Diagnose and resolve mechanical issues to maintain productivity and quality standards, escalating complex issues to maintenance as needed.
Perform minor preventive maintenance as required and ensure optimal machine operation.
Maintain and clean the production system, stock prep, tanks, and other equipment.
Stay up to date with machine functions to assist in troubleshooting and collaborate with the Maintenance Technician.
Maintain a clean, orderly work area.
Uphold and support the company’s mission, vision, and values in all aspects of work.
Adhere to all safety protocols and procedures.
Identify and report concerns to operations management or Human Resources.
Maintain a collaborative, positive, and professional attitude, building strong relationships with colleagues.
Safely operate forklifts or pallet jacks to stack pallets, transport materials, and load/unload trucks.
Operate chemical pumps to dose the correct amounts of chemicals for production runs.
Assist with equipment changeovers and ensure effective communication of production information.
Assist with tooling changeovers, cleaning, and preparation for storage.
Train fellow employees on production procedures and safe equipment use as requested by management.
Support effective hand-off between shifts
Perform other work-related duties as assigned.
Core Values & Competencies
At Tanbark, we don’t just create sustainable products—we create a culture of innovation and responsibility. We support our mission through our A.C.T.S.—our core values that guide how we approach work, solve problems, and contribute to team and company goals.
Adaptability – Embraces change, solves problems proactively, and continuously improves.
Accountability – Takes ownership of responsibilities, follows through on commitments, and keeps stakeholders informed.
Curiosity – Seeks learning opportunities, challenges existing processes, and explores innovative solutions.
Collaboration – Works effectively with diverse teams, fosters inclusive decision-making, and contributes to shared goals.
Trustworthiness – Builds strong relationships through honesty, dependability, and open communication.
Transparency – Communicates decisions clearly, shares relevant information, and ensures alignment with company objectives.
Safety – Prioritizes workplace safety, follows protocols, and actively contributes to a culture of well-being.
Sustainability – Supports long-term growth through continuous learning and professional development.
Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities)
High school diploma or GED required.
Minimum 2-5 years of factory or mechanical experience.
Maintenance background is helpful, but not required.
Strong machine operation experience in a manufacturing setting, including HMIs.
Ability to read drawings, perform basic math, and use hand-held measuring tools.
Experience with mechanical systems, hydraulics, pneumatics, and instrumentation.
High quality standards
Attention to detail and proven ability to recognize defects.
Troubleshooting skills with the ability to operate and maintain mechanical systems.
Ability to obtain Forklift certification.
Effective English communication skills, verbal and written, including grammar and composition.
Physical Demands and Work Environment
The role requires frequent standing, walking, climbing ladders, and using hands to operate tools and machinery, with occasional lifting of up to 50 pounds. Vision abilities include close and distance focus. The work environment includes exposure to moving mechanical parts, dust, chemicals, and moderate noise levels. Proper PPE must be worn as required.
Tanbark Molded Fiber Products, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer, drug free workplace, and complies with all applicable ADA regulations.
*****Recruiters, please DO NOT reach out to our team regarding this posting.*****