Principal Separations Specialist

About the role

We are looking for an exceptional Scientist or Engineer with deep expertise across a range of separations technologies to help us drive the next phase of innovation. In the context of MZT, separations technologies encompasses a suite of technologies to manage and separate dissolved ionic species (including dissolved carbon species) from other solution components or the solution itself, by employing membrane and osmosis techniques – all aimed at delivering purified streams at various parts of the process while maximising resource efficiency.

You have the opportunity to join MZT at a crucial juncture in our company's evolution—transitioning from an innovative R&D startup into a global player ready to implement and scale our DAC technology. As Principal Scientist/Engineer, you will be instrumental in guiding the ideation, design, development, and implementation of key separations technologies into our DAC solutions.

Reporting to the R&D Lead, this is a senior and influential role where you will work closely with scientists, engineers, operators and technicians in R&D, across Engineering-to- Operations (E2O), and the wider product team. This role requires deep expertise across a broad range of separations technologies backed with years of experience designing, developing, and deploying these systems across small and large scales.

This role will be based primarily in our London headquarters, with periodic assignments to our various emerging UK sites, local and global suppliers, and further international sites as we expand globally.

What you'll be doing

• Drive innovation in the Separations vertical by identifying, evaluating, and adapting existing and novel separation technologies to enhance our DAC product offering
• Develop and execute the strategy for separations technology, focusing on ion management, gas/liquid separations, solvent longevity, solution separation and filtration and water management across the process
• Collaborate closely with Air Contacting and Electrochemistry verticals to ensure rapid, integrated process development across the entire DAC system
• Leverage technologies such as reverse osmosis, forward osmosis, nano/micro/ultrafiltration, membrane degassing, ion exchange and other novel or scaled separation processes to enhance our DAC products
• Spearhead the implementation and scaling of these technologies from lab to pilot to commercial scale, optimising for efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and scalability
• Conduct targeted research and development in membrane separation, gas-liquid separation, and water treatment technologies as needed to address specific challenges
• Analyse test stand, pilot, and plant performance data, identify improvement opportunities, and develop innovative solutions to enhance system efficiency and effectiveness
• Bring deep expertise in membrane science to the team, leading efforts in membrane analysis, characterization, and quantification to drive performance improvements and inform technology selection
• Stay at the forefront of separation technology advancements, identifying novel implementation opportunities and contributing to patents and scientific publications related to innovative DAC applications

What you'll need to be successful in this role

• Masters or PhD in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field, with 7+ years of industry experience in developing and implementing separation technologies
• A background from industries that involve liquid processing technologies such as the water processing industry, waste management, product separations.
• Deep expertise in membrane science, including analysis, characterization, and quantification techniques, with a proven track record as a subject-matter expert
• Experience leading technical delivery of industrial projects from proof-of-concept to pilot, or all the way through to commercial scale, demonstrating ability to drive work informed by scientific, product, and company constraints
• Strong problem-solving skills with demonstrated ability to work on complex, multi-faceted projects with a high degree of uncertainty, translating findings into product/process related outcomes
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to present complex technical information to various stakeholders and engage effectively with external parties (suppliers, consultants, universities, contractors)
• Collaborative mindset with experience working cross-functionally to ensure outcomes are well-aligned to the needs of other parts of the organisation
• Adaptability and willingness to work in a dynamic environment, with potential to grow into a management role overseeing a team in the future

Ideally you'll also have

• Experience in the carbon capture or clean energy sector, demonstrating familiarity with industry challenges and opportunities
• Hands-on experience with a diverse range of separation technologies beyond membranes, such as chemical absorption and electrochemistry
• A track record of successful patent applications and publications in peer-reviewed journals related to separation technologies
• Proficiency in process modelling, simulation, and techno-economic analysis of separation technologies
• A network of industry contacts and experience in managing commercial research partnerships or securing research funding

What we can offer you

• 30 days of Annual Leave
• 3 months Paternity/Maternity Leave
• £500 annual Learning & Development Grant
• Unlimited mental health support
• Employee Share Options Scheme
• Christmas holidays office closure
• Cycle to work scheme
• Employer-matched contributions to global re-wilding programme
• Opportunities to directly impact where our company is headed
• A high-growth, high-trust environment that encourages bold creativity

At Mission Zero, we value diversity of cultural backgrounds, experience, and perspectives, and leverage these qualities to create exceptional outcomes. We are dedicated to equal employment opportunities regardless of race, sex, religion or belief, ethnic or national origin, age, disability, citizenship, marital, domestic or civil partnership status, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy or related condition, or any other basis as protected by applicable law. Please do not hesitate to let us know if you have a disability or additional need that requires accommodation.

Our Hiring Process

Kindly allow us up to 2 weeks to review your application. Providing both of our schedules align, the total hiring process should take 4-6 weeks total to wrap up.

• Application review
• Recruiter / HR screening interview (30 minutes)
• Interview with R&D Lead / Principal Scientist(s)
• Plum Assessment
• Short case assignment and competencies  (3 hours max. Ideally in person in London - travel paid for)
• Final interview - CTO / Team Lead (30 mins)