Who are we

PolyGone is a Princeton spinout environmental startup dedicated to combating one of the world’s most urgent and threatening pollutants: microplastics. 

Established in 2021, our team has developed the world's first affordable, portable, and environmentally friendly microplastic sequestration device, designed to operate effectively in diverse aquatic environments such as rivers, lakes, reservoirs, and effluent streams. We provide comprehensive solutions for microplastic sampling, monitoring, and remediation.

PolyGone is featured in major media channels such as Forbes, Shenzhen TV, and Nasdaq. Led by two Forbes 30 Under 30 fellows, our team is engaging in exciting projects within lakes, rivers, and wastewater facilities. We are active players in pursuing cutting-edge technologies aimed at removing trillions of microplastic pollutants from our waterways. 

We invite passionate professionals to join us on our journey towards a plastic-free future!

Current Openings

Internships

  • Responsibilities:

    • Assist R&D in developing an autonomous vehicle for water surface operation

    • Assist in building a pilot project and educational pavilion for microplastic collection

    Hard requirements:

    • Must have a background in scientific research, ideally, in mechanical engineering or electrical engineering background.

    • Must be able to access our lab located at Princeton Biolabs or Keller Center Makerspace

    • 40-hour work week

    • On-site only

    Basic Qualifications:

    • Prior knowledge of Autodesk Inventor or Creo

    • OR prior experience in designing robotic hardware systems

    • Good note-taking skills

    • Great writing skills

    Ideal Candidate:

    • Attention to detail, precision-driven

    • Juniors or seniors undergrad or Ph.D. candidates (if time commitment is not an issue)

    • Passionate about environmental challenges and our mission at PolyGone.

    • Interested in working with startups

    • Flexible and proactive in problem-solving

    • Responsible and committed to the assigned tasks

    • Efficient in working commitment to a follow-up part-time internship is preferred

    Benefits

    • Competitive stipend

    • Bonus based on performance

    • Internship Certificate

    • Opportunities to learn about and become involved in: marketing strategies, early-stage fundraising processes, transforming design and technology into commercialized products, website development

  • Responsibilities:

    • Assist in marketing and website materials

    • Organize the grand opening for the pilot in late summer

    • Outreach to potential clients/community partners and apply for new speaking events

    Hard requirements:

    • Hybrid work, but must be able to visit the pilot sites and our office during the summer

    • 40-hour work week

    Basic requirements:

    • Great organizational skills with event planning experience

    • Prior knowledge of graphic tools such as Adobe Photoshop/illustrator/Indesign

    • Good at photography and digital representation

    • Great writing skills

    Ideal Candidate:

    • Attention to detail, precision-driven

    • Juniors or seniors undergrad or Ph.D. candidates (if time commitment is not an issue)

    • Passionate about environmental challenges and our mission at PolyGone.

    • Interested in working with startups

    • Flexible and proactive in problem-solving

    • Responsible and committed to the assigned tasks

    • Efficient in working commitment to a follow-up part-time internship is preferred

  • Responsibilities:

    • Assist in the design and development of electronic circuits and systems for an autonomous Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV).

    • Participate in the creation and testing of prototype hardware, ensuring functionality aligns with design specifications and environmental goals.

    • Contribute to the development and optimization of software programs that control the USV, including navigation, data collection, and filtration system management.

    • Engage in coding, debugging, and deploying software updates to improve system performance and user interface.

    • Conduct rigorous testing of the USV's electrical systems and software under various conditions to ensure reliability and efficiency.

    • Identify, diagnose, and troubleshoot hardware and software issues, proposing innovative solutions to enhance system performance.

    Hard Requirements:

    • Must have a background in Electrical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering or has related experiences in these fields

    • Must be able to access our lab located at Princeton Biolabs or Keller Center Makerspace

    • 40-hour work week

    • On-site only

    Basic Qualifications:

    • Proficient in electrical circuit design and analysis.

    • Experience with microcontroller programming and software development in languages such as C, C++, or Python.

    • Familiarity with software development environments and tools.

    Additional Qualifications (not necessary but preferred):

    • Familiar with mechanical engineering and designing robotic hardware systems

    • Previous involvement in projects or labs related to hardware development, robotics, unmanned systems, or environmental technology is a plus.

    • Hands-on experience with debugging tools, oscilloscopes, and soldering equipment.

    • Familiar with Autodesk Inventor or Creo

    Ideal Candidate Traits:

    • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a keen attention to detail.

    • Ability to apply engineering principles and methodologies to real-world challenges.

    • Juniors or Seniors undergrad, Master's or Ph.D candidate (if time commitment is not an issue)

    • Passionate about environmental challenges and our mission at PolyGone

    • Interested in working in a fast paced startup environment

    • Willingness to learn new technologies and adapt to changing project needs.

    • Ability to manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously, meeting deadlines while maintaining quality.

    • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

    • Ability to work effectively in a team environment and present technical information to non-technical stakeholders.

    • Responsible and committed to a follow-up part-time internship is preferred

    Benefits:

    • Competitive Stipend

    • Bonus based on performance

    • Internship Certificate

    • Opportunities to become involved in marketing strategies, early-stage fundraising processes, and product commercialization

    In addition to submitting resumes and transcripts on Handshake, please also fill out the internship application form at: https://polygonesystems.com/join-us

  • Responsibilities:

    • Assist in microplastic sample collection and analysis

    • Attend meetings with collaborators and clients

    • Produce lab reports

    • Assist in the R&D of our proprietary material for the filter

    • Site visits

    Hard Requirements: 

    • Must commit at least 40 hours per week to this position

    • Must be able to access our lab located at Princeton Biolabs, NJ

    • Must attend the office in person 5 days a week

    • Must have at least 2 semesters of experience in a wet lab

    Ideal Candidate:

    • Have basic knowledge of lab protocols and safety practice

    • Knows how to operate lab equipment such as microscopes, centrifuges, fume hood

    • Knows how to use FTIR and/or Pyrolysis GC-MS is a HUGE plus

    • Have prior work experience 

    • Passionate about environmental challenges and our mission at PolyGone

    • Interested in working with startups

    • Flexible and proactive in problem-solving

    • Responsible and committed to the assigned tasks

    • Efficient, efficient, efficient

    Benefits:

    • Competitive stipend

    • Bonus based on performance

    • Internship Certificate

    • Opportunities to learn about and become involved in marketing strategies, early-stage fundraising processes, transforming design and technology into commercialized products, website development

    • We support international students with CPT (can provide offer letter and supporting documents)

    In addition to submitting resumes and transcripts on Handshake, please also fill out the internship application form at: https://polygonesystems.com/join-us

To apply, click the “Apply” link below and complete the form.

PolyGone Warrior Fellowship

PolyGone Warrior Fellowship is an internship program designed for young dreamers who are interested and dedicated to pursuing professional experiences in the cleantech industry. We’re always looking for new talents with different expertise and professional backgrounds to join our multi-disciplinary team.

What You Will Be A Part Of…

R&D

Current Fellows

Mariko Storey-Matsutani

CANADA

- Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

- Robotics and Intelligent Systems and Applications of Computing

- Princeton University

Julian Rosenfeld

USA

- Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

- Certificates in Material Science & Sustainability

- Princeton University

Zachary Friedman-Hill

USA

- Electrical and Computer Engineering

- Robotics & Sustainability

- University of Maryland

Shirin Sood

USA

- Media & Marketing

- Sensors & Sustainability

Margaret Miao

USA

- Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

- Princeton University

Brian Mmari

TANZANIA

- Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

- Princeton University

Past Fellows

Pedro Pimenta

PORTUGAL

- Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

- Astrobiology and Applied and Computational Mathematics

- Princeton University