Cleantech Research & Engineering Intern

Zincovery Process Technologies Ltd – Christchurch, South Island At Zethos, formerly Zincovery, we’re accelerating the transition to a sustainable economy by reimagining how the world refines critical minerals. Zinc, nickel, cobalt, and copper are the backbone of the energy transition, but today’s refining methods make these materials costly, carbon‑intensive, and geographically limited. We’ve developed a breakthrough technology that recovers high‑purity critical minerals with up to 95% fewer emissions and half the cost of traditional refining. Proven at pilot scale, our technology is now being scaled toward commercial operations. Our journey since 2021 has been rapid and exciting. We’ve grown into a dynamic team of engineers, scientists, and innovators who thrive on pushing boundaries, tackling tough challenges, and delivering real‑world impact. The opportunity This summer we’re inviting motivated students to join our team at our Bromley, Christchurch site. You’ll gain hands‑on experience in the cleantech sector, contribute directly to projects decarbonising heavy industry, and learn from a supportive, experienced team. We have three internship projects available, each with the full support of our team and led by a dedicated mentor. You’ll start under guidance and, as your confidence grows, take the lead on your own experimental campaigns. Tell us in your cover letter which project (or projects) most interests you. 1. Research Intern Best suited to a chemistry or chemical engineering student. Help establish and improve analytical methods for our complex EAFD‑derived samples, hands‑on with equipment such as XRD, XRF, and titrations, and run experiments investigating the chemistry of our feedstock, directly supporting our core hydrometallurgical process. 2. Research Engineer The engineering counterpart to our lab work, centred on our core kiln technology. Conduct pilot‑scale trials to establish how the process behaves at scale and the operating parameters needed to reach our 1,000 t/year demonstration plant output. Expect experimental development, from trial design through to applied engineering outcomes. 3. Research / Engineering Intern Well suited to a chemistry or chemical engineering student. Run lab‑scale experiments to turn co‑products from our process into cost‑neutral, saleable materials and divert waste from landfill. In parallel, feed results into our techno‑economic models that determine which research directions deliver the most value, so your work feeds straight into company strategy: an end‑to‑end view from bench experiment to commercial decision. About you You’re a motivated student passionate about sustainability and eager to gain hands‑on experience. Studying chemistry, chemical engineering, or a related field, you’re excited to learn new techniques, work with lab‑and pilot‑scale equipment, and contribute to real‑world R&D. If you’re a team player with a problem‑solving mindset and a keen eye on health and safety, we’d love to hear from you. To be eligible for this internship, you must: Be studying, or have recently completed, an undergraduate or postgraduate qualification at NZQA level 6–10. If completed, your final semester must have finished within the last 12 months. Be studying, or have studied, science, technology, engineering, design, or business at a New Zealand tertiary institution. Be legally permitted to work in New Zealand. Not have previously been employed by Zethos in a full‑time position. What we offer The chance to work on both the experimental and applied engineering sides of process development at a fast‑growing industrial start‑up. Hands‑on exposure to innovative low‑carbon technologies, from lab analysis through to pilot‑and demonstration-scale operations. The opportunity to contribute to a company making a real impact on global sustainability. Details This internship offers an exciting opportunity to join a supportive, dynamic team, working full‑time (40 hours per week) over summer. The role is based on‑site at our Bromley, Christchurch premises. The ideal start date is November or early December 2026. #J-18808-Ljbffr