Night Pilot Plant Technician — Automation & R&D Bridge

Mariana Minerals; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

Mariana Minerals is seeking a highly motivated technician to join our San Francisco Pilot Plant team on the night shift. You will support the design, deployment, and operation of first-of-its-kind refining processes for critical minerals, while also supporting development of software for automated plant optimization.

This role bridges R&D and Operations, ensuring processes are robust, safe, and suitable for commercial production, with hands-on responsibilities across maintenance, testing, and

Qualifications

• Associate degree or technical certificate in chemical technology, process technology, industrial operations, or related field.
• Experience operating pilot plant or commercial scale industrial equipment in minerals processing or related industries.
• Exposure to core plant safety processes such as LOTO, hot work permitting, confined space entry, and safe work permitting systems.
• Experience using HMIs and plant software to monitor and control processes.
• Experience with hands-on equipment installation, modification, and troubleshooting.
• Basic knowledge of inorganic chemistry, pH, and reaction stoichiometry is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor copper extraction chemical processes under supervision.
• Safely handle chemicals, raw materials, and waste streams in accordance with SOPs and regulations.
• Support sampling, quality checks, and basic laboratory measurements.
• Assist with design, installation, startup, and commissioning of new equipment and processes.
• Maintain plant cleanliness and organization; keep tools and equipment in good condition.
• Perform routine maintenance, inspections, and basic mechanical repairs; document findings in CMMS.
• Create and maintain procedures, experimental records, shift reports, and other critical operations documents.

Job description

Mariana Minerals is seeking a highly motivated technician to join our San Francisco Pilot Plant team on the night shift. You will support the design, deployment, and operation of first-of-its-kind refining processes for critical minerals, while also supporting development of software for automated plant optimization.

This role bridges R&D and Operations, ensuring processes are robust, safe, and suitable for commercial production, with hands-on responsibilities across maintenance, testing, and