R&D Metallurgist

marianaminerals; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 165,000; Full time

Job summary

Mariana Minerals is seeking an R&D Metallurgist to lead DOE-driven experiments and hydrometallurgical testing at bench and pilot scale in a laboratory setting.

The role focuses on running DOE protocols, operating reactors and separation equipment, and analyzing data to optimize extraction of critical minerals while maintaining safety and data integrity.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Metallurgy, or related field.
• 5+ years in chemical processing, hydrometallurgy, or lab/pilot plant operations.
• Experience with DOE methodology and statistical analysis is highly desirable.
• Hands-on with chemical reactors, filtration, and separation equipment.
• Advanced Excel proficiency for data analysis and visualization.

Responsibilities

• Develop DOE protocols for chemical processing, extraction, and purification.
• Analyze process data to identify trends, root causes, and optimization opportunities.
• Operate tank reactors, filtration, and separation equipment at bench/pilot scale.
• Prepare chemical solutions and manage experimental reagents.
• Monitor parameters like temperature, pH, flow, residence time, and dosing.
• Collect samples and document process data and analytical results.
• Create data visualizations and reports to summarize findings.

Skills

DOE methodology

Statistical analysis

Advanced Excel

Data visualization

Analytical thinking

Documentation

Safety awareness

Education

Bachelor's in Chemistry

Bachelor's in Chemical Engineering

Bachelor's in Metallurgy

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!