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Microplastics Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Our ultra-efficient supercritical water oxidation (ultra-SCWOTM) process destroys over 99.9% of organic contaminants within a few seconds, including PFAS, microplastics, and pharmaceuticals, and uses ...

Microplastics information

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$8

$25

$60

How much do microplastics jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for microplastics in California is $25.79, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.83 and $30.13 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a microplastics researcher?

A Microplastics job typically involves researching, analyzing, and mitigating the impact of tiny plastic particles on the environment and human health. Professionals in this field work in laboratories, government agencies, or environmental organizations to study sources, distribution, and effects of microplastics. They may develop policies, conduct sampling, or create solutions for plastic pollution. Roles can vary from scientific research to policy advocacy and environmental consulting.

What does a microplastics researcher do?

A typical day for a Microplastics Researcher often involves collecting and preparing environmental samples, conducting microscope or spectroscopic analyses to identify and quantify microplastics, and recording detailed results. Researchers may spend part of their day collaborating with colleagues, troubleshooting experimental procedures, or reviewing the latest scientific literature to inform their work. Data analysis and the preparation of reports or presentations are also common tasks. The role often requires meticulous attention to detail and adaptability, as research methods and project priorities can shift based on findings or evolving environmental concerns.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a microplastics researcher?

To thrive as a Microplastics Researcher, you need a robust background in environmental science, chemistry, or biology, often with at least a bachelor’s or master’s degree in a related field. Technical expertise in laboratory analysis, including spectroscopy, microscopy, and possibly experience with Mass Spectrometry or FTIR, as well as familiarity with data analysis software, is essential. Strong attention to detail, analytical thinking, and effective communication skills are important for interpreting data and collaborating with interdisciplinary teams. These skills enable researchers to accurately detect, quantify, and report microplastic contaminants and contribute meaningful insights toward environmental protection.

What are the most commonly searched types of Microplastics jobs in California?

The most popular types of Microplastics jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Microplastics jobs in California?

For Microplastics jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Microplastics job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 72% Physical, 12% Hybrid, and 16% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,653 per year, or $25.8 per hour.

Principal Controls Engineer

Petaluma, CA • On-site

Beyond the Dome
11 - 50 employees

$110 - $140/hr

Other

Posted 26 days ago


Job description

Beyond The Dome is seeking a highly talented Principal Controls Engineer to join our rapidly growing team. The Principal Controls Engineer will be one of the primary technical contributors to our first product—you will be a critical part of taking the current system all the way to a disruptive product.

Company:

Beyond The Dome is building a containerized system that destroys contaminants in water in seconds. We help industries dealing with wastewater meet their climate commitments, generate power, and clean water. Our ultra-efficient supercritical water oxidation (ultra-SCWOTM) process destroys over 99.9% of organic contaminants within a few seconds, including PFAS, microplastics, and pharmaceuticals, and uses the energy contained within the waste to power the process. Our long‑term goal is to give people access to the best possible wastewater treatment by developing a global network of our ultra‑SCWOTM systems.

Team:

We strive to be an incredibly talented, collaborative, and innovative group of people. We are solving a problem with at least a billion‑dollar market opportunity, for a customer who is urgently demanding solutions. The solution demands a difficult‑but‑not‑impossible amount of technical innovation to achieve success. We are a well‑funded startup pioneering a new product within a space that is ripe for innovation.

What you’ll do:
  • Design, build, program, and troubleshoot SCWO system controls and controls hardware
  • Provide pilot and field support to the team
  • Support the electric and controls needs of the lab
  • Contribute to long‑term manufacturing efforts
  • Develop strategies to continuously reduce the iteration cycle time, and develop resources to accelerate improvements in performance, cost, and reliability
You:

Does this sound like you? “I am an experienced, hands‑on controls engineer with in‑depth knowledge of macrofluidic systems, and have demonstrated analysis and programming skills. I have several years’ experience supporting critical research, testing, and/or design projects. I am value‑oriented, detail‑oriented and uses up‑to‑date controls tools and concepts.” Ideally, you come from a fast‑paced environment, having completed difficult projects with multidisciplinary groups. You are a persistent blank‑page problem solver, troubleshooter, and craftsman.

Your background should include:
  • Process control, power generation, combustion, multiphase fluid systems, manufacturing, or closely related fields
  • Hands‑on operation and troubleshooting of process equipment such as pumps, heaters, motors, and instrumentation
  • Safety design and implementation
  • Controls and SCADA software packages from Siemens, AB/Rockwell, AVEVA, and more
  • PLC programming languages like ladder logic, structured text, or function blocks
  • Communication protocols like MODBUS or Profinet
  • Controls hardware such as PLC’s, HMI’s, drives, I/O modules, and more
  • Field pilot operations
  • Industrial R&D, ideally at hardware startups
Even better, your background includes:
  • Experience with process and controls simulation
  • A track record of leading and managing growing teams
  • Experience with pressurized and/or hot systems, e.g., SCWO, rockets, oil and gas, nuclear
  • Experience with additional software packages, e.g., Autodesk, SolidWorks, Ansys, Python

Beyond The Dome offers competitive salary, equity, generous benefits, and a great work environment. We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

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