Founders Associate

Pascal • Watertown, MA

7d • Onsite

About The Position

Pascal develops solid refrigerant technologies intended to make heating, cooling, and refrigeration more efficient, sustainable, and affordable. Originally spun out of Harvard, the company has produced a commercial-scale refrigeration prototype and is working toward commercial deployment with a multinational beverage company. As Pascal advances toward commercialization, the Founders Associate will provide flexible, hands-on support to the leadership team, working directly with the CEO in particular. The role focuses on customer and supplier engagement, commercial opportunity validation, market assessment, daily CEO support, and external representation. It offers significant responsibility and room for growth and suits an analytical, motivated generalist comfortable owning projects and moving between strategic thinking and day-to-day execution.

The team is based at Pascal’s facility in Watertown, Massachusetts, where engineers and materials scientists are developing cooling technology. The Founders Associate will join a small, interdisciplinary team as it transitions from technology development toward commercial deployment, contribute to commercial strategy, and help establish the foundation for future growth.

Requirements

• At least 2 years of professional experience in business development, strategy, management consulting, commercial operations, or a related field.
• Ability to take ownership of projects, manage multiple priorities, and work independently in a fast-moving startup environment.
• Strong interpersonal skills and interest in developing relationships with customers, partners, and industry stakeholders.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to engage effectively with technical and nontechnical audiences.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including experience with financial modeling, market analysis, and Excel.
• Curiosity about complex technologies and ability to quickly develop an understanding of new industries and markets.
• Enthusiasm for climate technology and Pascal’s mission to transform the heating and cooling industry.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in climate technology, advanced hardware, manufacturing, or energy-related industries.
• Familiarity with HVAC, refrigeration, or related markets.
• Experience supporting commercial partnerships, customer pilots, or business-to-business hardware sales.
• Experience working in an early-stage startup or other entrepreneurial environment.
• Fluency in multiple languages; Korean, Japanese, Spanish, German, French, and Mandarin are listed as pluses.

Responsibilities

• Support the CEO in working with existing and prospective customers and suppliers to advance pilot programs, assess commercial opportunities, and identify pathways to broader market adoption.
• Manage the CEO’s calendar and engage directly with key company stakeholders on the CEO’s behalf.
• Identify and engage prospective customers, commercial partners, and other stakeholders across the heating, cooling, and refrigeration industries to assess partnership potential.
• Conduct market research and competitive analysis to assess potential applications and prioritize commercial opportunities.
• Prepare presentations, proposals, market analyses, and other materials for prospective customers and partners and internal stakeholders.
• Participate in customer meetings, industry conferences, and other events to build relationships and expand awareness of Pascal.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation and equity package.
• Employee stock options.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance; Pascal pays 60% of medical insurance premiums and 100% of dental and vision premiums.
• Unlimited paid time off.
• Employee-contribution 401(k).
• 12 weeks of paid parental bonding leave after an employee’s one-year anniversary, regardless of gender identity or expression.
• Opportunities for professional development and growth.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed