Operations Associate

Company Description

Rock Zero is developing technology to unlock a clean and secure supply of lithium chemicals for the growing battery industry. Demand for battery-grade lithium chemicals is projected to increase >250% in the next 10 years. 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 by lowering the cost and environmental impact of lithium extraction from hardrock and will enable an abundant and affordable supply of the critical minerals needed for widespread electrification.

At Rock Zero, we have invented a low-temperature refining process for extracting lithium from hardrock. 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 pollution associated with refining 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 refining 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 critical mineral refining!

Rock Zero is seeking a dynamic and detail-oriented Operations Associate to build and manage the internal systems that underpin company operations. The Operations Associate will also contribute to key company tasks such as grant writing and preparation of corporate communications. This cross-functional role will work with the R&D, engineering, and business development teams to facilitate company growth and support increased efficiency across all teams.

The ideal candidate will have experience in operations or human resources, enjoy creating and implementing ordered systems, and be motivated by Rock Zero's mission to reinvent mineral refining and provide clean, low-cost materials to the growing battery industry. Experience working at fast-paced, high-growth organizations is desirable.

Applications will be accepted until February 1st, 2026.

• Support leadership with cross-functional tasks including development and management of budgeting processes, scheduling, and general company-wide initiatives
• Build and manage hiring, onboarding, and people workflows to ensure Rock Zero recruits, retains and seamlessly integrates top talent
• Lead Rock Zero's external communications strategy, including website updates, social media content, event planning, and conference planning/attendance
• Establish and manage internal systems (e.g., company file organization, financial record keeping)
• Assist with the preparation and submission of grant applications, including writing key documents, preparation of graphics and images, and management of contracts
• Design, implement, and maintain administrative systems related to payroll, healthcare, invoicing, corporate taxes, rent and other general day-to-day company operations

• Bachelor’s degree in business, engineering, or related discipline, advanced degree preferred
• >5 years experience in business operations, human resources, management consulting, legal services, or an equivalent field
• Demonstrated ability to design and improve operational systems in early-stage or growth-stage organizations
• Excellent organizational skills and exceptional attention to detail
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to translate technical information for non-technical audiences is a plus
• Proficient with organizational software (Google Suite, project management systems, CRM tools, etc.)
• Proactive "doer" mindset and resourceful approach to tackling big and small tasks
• Budgeting, accounting, or finance…