Extractive Metallurgist

Mariana Minerals; Moab (UT); On-site; USD 90,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

Mariana Minerals in Moab, Utah seeks an Extractive Metallurgist to develop, optimize, and scale mineral processing for global operations. You will design flowsheets, lead lab and pilot-scale trials, and partner with data scientists to apply analytics for better recovery and throughput.

The role requires a degree in Metallurgy or Chemical/Process Engineering, hands-on mineral processing experience (zinc or copper preferred), and a proven ability to work independently in a startup-like environment

Qualifications

• Degree in Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering, or Process Engineering.
• Hands-on mineral processing experience (zinc or copper preferred).
• Proven ability to work independently in dynamic environments, with strong problem-solving skills.
• Experience in startup or entrepreneurial settings.
• Background in industrial technology or product development.
• Experience collaborating with machine learning engineers or data scientists.
• Exposure to digitized process monitoring and automation systems.

Responsibilities

• Design, test, and optimize mineral processing flowsheets for new and existing projects.
• Lead laboratory, pilot-scale, and plant trials for process validation and improvement.
• Analyze metallurgical data to improve recovery, efficiency, and cost performance.
• Collaborate with engineering teams on process design and scale-up.
• Partner with data scientists and ML engineers to integrate advanced analytics and predictive models into process optimization.
• Support commissioning and ramp-up of new facilities, with significant travel to sites.
• Contribute to Mariana’s culture of continuous improvement, innovation, and safety.

Skills

Mineral processing

Independent worker

Startup experience

Process optimization

Education

Metallurgy degree

Chemical/Process engineering

Job description

About Mariana Minerals

Mariana Minerals is a software-first, vertically integrated minerals company on a mission to supply the critical minerals powering modern energy, AI, and defense technologies. We’re reimagining the minerals supply chain by combining deep industry expertise with advanced software, automation, and data-driven decision-making.

The Role

We are seeking an Extractive Metallurgist to join our growing technical team in Moab, UT. This role will play a critical part in the development, optimization, and scale-up of mineral processing systems for Mariana’s global operations. The ideal candidate brings strong process engineering and metallurgical expertise, ideally in zinc or copper, and thrives in fast-paced, startup environments where independence, creativity, and problem solving are essential.

You’ll work closely with operations, engineers, machine learning experts, and data scientists to develop innovative solutions that improve efficiency, recovery, and throughput across our projects.

What You’ll Do

• Design, test, and optimize mineral processing flowsheets for new and existing projects.
• Lead laboratory, pilot-scale, and plant trials for process validation and improvement.
• Analyze metallurgical data to improve recovery, efficiency, and cost performance.
• Collaborate with engineering teams on process design and scale-up.
• Partner with data scientists and ML engineers to integrate advanced analytics and predictive models into process optimization.
• Support commissioning and ramp-up of new facilities, with significant travel to sites.
• Contribute to Mariana’s culture of continuous improvement, innovation, and safety.

What You’ll Bring

• Degree in Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering, or Process Engineering.
• Hands-on mineral processing experience (zinc or copper preferred, broader base considered).
• Proven ability to work independently in dynamic environments, with strong problem-solving skills.
• Experience working in startup or entrepreneurial settings.
• Desired Qualifications
• Background in industrial technology or product development.
• Experience collaborating with machine learning engineers or data scientists.
• Exposure to digitized process monitoring and automation systems.

Our Culture

Our culture is built on three principles: Extreme Ownership – We take full responsibility for outcomes, relentlessly driving toward solutions. Engineer Out Requirements, then Automate – We simplify, optimize, and then automate for scale. Share Your Legos – We collaborate openly, share knowledge, and empower each other to build bigger, better solutions.

Join us as we build the future of responsible mineral sourcing and supply.