R&D Metallurgist

Mariana Minerals; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Mariana Minerals is seeking an experienced R&D Metallurgist to design, execute, and analyze DOE experiments that optimize hydrometallurgical testing programs. You will operate bench and pilot-scale reactors, analyze data, and generate clear reports while maintaining rigorous lab documentation.

The role emphasizes safe, high-integrity data handling, multi-variable optimization, and collaboration across processing teams in a fast-paced research environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Metallurgy, or related field.
• 5+ years in chemical processing, hydrometallurgy, or lab/pilot plant ops.
• Experience with DOE methodology and statistical analysis.
• Hands-on with reactors, filtration, and separation equipment.
• Advanced Excel proficiency (pivot tables, stats, data viz).
• Mass balance, stoichiometry, and reaction kinetics understanding.
• Purification techniques: precipitation, solvent extraction, ion exchange, crystallization.
• Ability to read P&IDs and process flow diagrams.
• DOE software: JMP, Minitab, Design-Expert is a plus.
• Attention to detail and data integrity.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and documentation.
• Self-motivated with multiple experiments.
• Safety and quality commitment.
• Valid driver's license.

Responsibilities

• Develop DOE protocols for chemical processing, extraction, and purification.
• Analyze metallurgical and process data to identify trends, root causes, and optimization opportunities.
• Operate tank reactors, filtration systems, separation equipment, and purification units at bench and pilot scale.
• Prepare chemical solutions and reagents according to experimental specifications.
• Monitor and control process parameters: temperature, pH, flow rates, residence time, and reagent dosing.
• Perform systematic sampling and material handling throughout process streams.
• Collect experimental data including process parameters, weights, volumes, and analytical results.
• Analyze data using Excel and statistical tools to evaluate performance and identify optimization opportunities.
• Generate clear data visualizations, charts, and summary reports.
• Maintain detailed laboratory notebooks and digital documentation.
• Support DOE planning and multi-variable optimization studies.
• Perform routine maintenance, calibration, and troubleshooting of processing equipment.
• Follow all chemical handling, PPE, and MSHA/OSHA safety protocols.
• Maintain clean, organized, and safe laboratory environments.
• Conduct hazard assessments for chemical processes and experimental setups.

Skills

DOE protocol design

Data analysis

Advanced Excel

Experiment design

Statistical thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Metallurgy, or related field

Tools

JMP

Minitab

Design-Expert

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

• The R&D Metallurgist designs, executes, and analyzes experiments to advance Mariana Minerals' hydrometallurgical testing programs. This hands-on laboratory and pilot-scale role focuses on running DOE protocols, operating tank reactors and mining systems, and analyzing data to optimize extraction for critical minerals.

What You'll Do

• Develop Design of Experiments (DOE) protocols for chemical processing, extraction, and purification

• Analyze metallurgical and process data to identify trends, root causes, and optimization opportunities

• Operate tank reactors, filtration systems, separation equipment, and purification units at bench and pilot scale

• Prepare chemical solutions and reagents according to experimental specifications

• Monitor and control process parameters: temperature, pH, flow rates, residence time, and reagent dosing

• Perform systematic sampling and material handling throughout process streams

• Collect experimental data including process parameters, weights, volumes, and analytical results

• Analyze data using Excel and statistical tools to evaluate performance and identify optimization opportunities

• Generate clear data visualizations, charts, and summary reports

• Maintain detailed laboratory notebooks and digital documentation

• Support DOE planning and multi-variable optimization studies

• Perform routine maintenance, calibration, and troubleshooting of processing equipment

• Follow all chemical handling, PPE, and MSHA/OSHA safety protocols

• Maintain clean, organized, and safe laboratory environments

• Conduct hazard assessments for chemical processes and experimental setups

Desired Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Metallurgy, or related technical field preferred

• 5+ years' experience in chemical processing, hydrometallurgy, or laboratory/pilot plant operations

• Experience with Design of Experiments (DOE) methodology and statistical analysis highly desirable

• Hands-on experience with chemical reactors, filtration, and separation equipment

• Advanced Excel proficiency (pivot tables, statistical functions, data visualization)

• Understanding of chemical process fundamentals (mass balance, stoichiometry, reaction kinetics)

• Knowledge of purification techniques (precipitation, solvent extraction, ion exchange, crystallization)

• Ability to read P&IDs and process flow diagrams

• Experience with DOE software (JMP, Minitab, Design-Expert) is a plus

• Exceptional attention to detail and data integrity

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

• Excellent communication and documentation abilities

• Self-motivated with ability to manage multiple experiments

• Unwavering commitment to safety and quality

• Valid driver's license required

Our culture is built on four principles:

Everyone Gets Home Safe. We never put speed or cost ahead of people.

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!