Company Description: Rock Zero is developing technology to unlock a clean and secure supply of critical minerals for battery production. Demand for battery-grade lithium chemicals is rapidly increasing, with a >250% increase in production needed in the next 10 years to avoid a global supply shortage. Lithium hardrock is an abundant mineral resource, but extracting lithium from hardrock is expensive, emits three times more CO2 than extraction from brines, and generates large volumes of chemical waste. Rock Zero’s technology addresses these challenges and will unlock abundant hardrock resources which will supply the critical minerals needed for widespread electrification.
At Rock Zero, we have invented a low-temperature refining process that lowers the cost and environmental impact of producing battery-grade lithium chemicals from lithium-bearing minerals. Our process utilizes proprietary chemistry developed at MIT to convert each elemental component of hardrock (Li, Al, and Si) into a valuable commodity. The process is operated in a closed loop such that the reagent and process water are recycled and reused. Rock Zero's technology reduces the cost and CO2 emissions associated with hardrock refining by >50% and completely eliminates the production of hazardous chemical waste. Our mission is to scale and deploy this technology to produce battery materials without the high costs and negative environmental impacts associated with conventional mining practices.
Rock Zero was spun out of renowned MIT professor and cleantech entrepreneur Yet-Ming Chiang’s Lab in 2024. It is backed by leading VCs and federal funding agencies, including ARPA-E and a Fortune 100 automotive company. Join us on our mission to reinvent mineral refining!
Position Overview: We are seeking a Junior R&D Engineer with a technical background and hands-on experience to join our team and support the development of Rock Zero’s technology. In this role, you will work with senior engineers to optimize hydrometallurgical unit operations at multiple scales and assist with operation and maintenance of benchtop pilot reactors. This role will involve working closely with both engineering and R&D teams and serve a critical function in operating the benchtop pilot to collect datasets that will inform the development and scaling of Rock Zero’s mineral refining technology. The results of your work will directly contribute to Rock Zero’s goal of unlocking sustainable critical minerals production. Top candidates for this role will be detail oriented, adaptable, and have hands-on pilot experience in a start-up environment.
Applications will be accepted until November 14, 2025.
Responsibilities
- Conduct lab-scale experiments to process mineral feedstocks under controlled conditions
- Apply knowledge from lab-scale experiments to operate a benchtop pilot reactor (i.e., scaled system) capable of processing 1-2 kilograms feedstock per day
- Collaborate with senior engineers and scientists to execute experimental campaigns and optimize individual unit operations at both lab- and benchtop-scale
- Assist with pilot operation, data collection, and analysis to ensure the success of pilot campaigns leading to the collection of high-quality datasets
- Collaborate with materials scientists, chemists, and engineers to advance Rock Zero’s technical objectives and ensure seamless integration of insights and learnings
- Analyze and interpret experimental data from pilot campaigns to generate insights that lead to process improvements
- Assist senior engineers with maintenance and construction of pilot equipment
- Perform instrumentation-based analyses including nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), powder X-ray diffraction (pXRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) to characterize material outputs
- Prepare and present technical presentations, reports, data summaries, and process documentation for both internal and external audiences
- Maintain laboratory safety and ensure compliance with established protocols
Qualifications
- B. Sc. or M. Sc. in chemistry, engineering, hydrometallurgy, or a related field
- 3+ years experience working in a chemical R&D or analytical laboratory setting, including laboratory-based classroom experience
- Pilot-plant or manufacturing experience is a big plus
- Excellent problem-solving skills, with a proven ability to analyze data and develop solutions
- Strong organizational and documentation skills, with attention to detail
- Effective communication and teamwork skills, with the ability to collaborate in a cross-functional environment
- Strong attention to safety, with a demonstrated track record of complying with personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements and standard operating procedures (SOPs)
- Familiarity with NMR, TGA, XRD, SEM, and ICP-OES instrumentation is a plus but not required
- Knowledge of hydrometallurgical processes or mineral processing is a plus
- Knowledge of with electrical engineering and/or CAD software is a plus
- Commitment to environmental sustainability and the responsible use of natural resources
What We Offer
- Professional Growth: Opportunities for skill development, hands-on learning, and career advancement at a dynamic, fast-paced organization located in the heart of innovation between Central and Kendall Squares (Cambridge, MA)
- Collaborative Culture: Join a close-knit, nimble, and motivated team passionate about sustainability, technological innovation, and making the world a better place
- Opportunity for Impact: Work at an early-stage company developing groundbreaking technology in a rapidly growing industry
Rock Zero is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and encourage candidates of all backgrounds to apply.
Join us on our mission to reinvent hardrock lithium refining!
