Company Description: Rock Zero is a sustainable mineral processing start-up on a mission to revolutionize the mining industry. Our innovative hydrometallurgical process eliminates the need for high-temperature ore roasting and recycles all process reagents and water. Rock Zero’s technology enables zero-waste critical mineral production from abundant natural resources, and consumes less energy and generates fewer CO2 emissions than conventional processing methods. 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.Position Overview: As a Senior Chemical Engineer at Rock Zero, you will play a key role in developing and optimizing hydrometallurgical processes for the extraction and recovery of valuable metals from ores and waste streams. You will be responsible for designing, constructing, and operating lab-scale reactors and benchtop pilots to operate and validate these processes, ensuring scalability and sustainability. Your expertise will contribute to our mission of creating more sustainable critical mineral supply chains.Responsibilities Design, develop, and optimize hydrometallurgical processes for metal extraction and recovery Design, construct, and operate benchtop pilots, ensuring successful scale-up of laboratory processes Analyze and interpret data from lab-scale systems to identify opportunities for process improvements Conduct detailed process simulations and modeling to inform process optimization and scale-up Design and model process designs for scale-up and cost estimation based on lab-scale systems and datasets Conduct feasibility studies, and technoeconomic assessments for new and existing processes Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including geologists, chemists, engineers, and safety officers to integrate sustainable practices into mineral processing operations Develop and implement process control strategies to optimize reactor performance Ensure compliance with environmental regulations and industry standards Mentor and train a team of junior engineers, fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement Prepare technical reports, presentations, and documentation for internal and external stakeholders Stay up-to-date with industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices in sustainable mining and hydrometallurgyQualifications Advanced degree in Chemical Engineering or related field 5+ years of experience in hydrometallurgy, chemical process engineering, or a related field Experience in designing, building, and operating lab and/or pilot-scale reactors Experience scaling chemical processes out of R&D In-depth knowledge of chemical process development, scale-up, and hydrometallurgical techniques including leaching, solvent extraction, and ion exchange Experience with process modeling and simulation software (e.g., Aspen HYSYS) Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to make data-driven decisions Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively in cross-functional teams Commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship Ability to travel to project sites as requiredWhat We Offer Competitive salary and benefits package, including equity incentives Opportunity to work in a cutting-edge field with a focus on sustainability and innovation Collaborative and inclusive work environment Professional development and growth opportunitiesRock 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 in transforming the mineral processing industry and creating a sustainable future for all!