Chemical / Formulation Engineer — Sanitation & Litter Systems

PurePet Innovations · Indianapolis, IN (Remote Considered) · Part-Time / Contract → Full-Time

Hardware Startup

Early Stage

Contract to Hire

ABOUT PUREPET INNOVATIONS

PurePet Innovations is building the next generation of automated cat litter boxes a system that scoops, self-cleans, and fully sanitizes without requiring plumbing. We're a seed-stage hardware startup advised by gBETA and Mudlabs, currently in active prototype development. Our sanitization and litter chemistry are the core of our competitive advantage this is where we go further than anyone else in the market.

THE ROLE

We need a chemical or formulation engineer to design two interconnected systems: (1) the sanitization chemistry that keeps the litter box hygienically clean after every cycle, and (2) a custom litter formula engineered to work with our automated system. These are not off-the-shelf solutions you'll be developing proprietary formulations that become a key part of our product and recurring revenue model (sanitization pods and litter refills).

You'll work directly with the founder and mechanical engineer to make sure the chemistry integrates cleanly with the hardware no plumbing required, safe for cats, effective at bacterial and odor elimination.

WHAT YOU'LL OWN

Sanitization chemistry develop a safe, effective cleaning/disinfecting solution (spray, foam, or UV-assisted) that works in an enclosed, automated environment

Pod or cartridge formulation design the sanitizing agent for a single-dose delivery format compatible with our dispensing system

Litter formulation develop or specify a litter composition (clumping, low-dust, optimized for automated scooping and cleaning cycles)

Safety testing protocols ensure all chemistries are non-toxic for cats and humans, and compliant with EPA / FIFRA guidelines where applicable

Material compatibility verify that formulations don't degrade plastics, seals, or surfaces inside the unit

Documentation spec sheets, SDS, formulation records for regulatory and manufacturing handoff

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR

Degree in chemical engineering, chemistry, or related field (formulation science, materials, biochemistry)

Experience developing cleaning, disinfecting, or consumer care formulations

Familiarity with pet-safe or EPA Safer Choice standards or willingness to get up to speed quickly

Understanding of how chemistry intersects with hardware (delivery systems, material compatibility, shelf life)

Ability to run small-scale bench tests and document results in a startup environment

Bonus: experience with litter or substrate materials, odor control chemistry, or consumer product regulatory compliance

WHAT THIS IS

This starts as a part-time contract engagement (10–20 hrs/week) tied to specific formulation deliverables, with a path to an ongoing role as we scale into production and subscription. Compensation includes contract rate and equity. Your formulations become a proprietary asset of the company we're looking for someone who wants to build something meaningful, not just consult.

TO APPLY

Send a brief note describing relevant formulation or chemistry work you've done and your contact info to dylan.brees@purepetinnovations.com. No agencies please.

Pay: $20.00 - $22.00 per hour

Work Location: Remote