R&D Metallurgist: Hydrometallurgy & DOE Optimization

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

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.