R&D Technician

marianaminerals.com; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Mariana Minerals is seeking an R&D Technician to advance hydrometallurgical and purification technologies through DOE-driven experiments and hands-on operation of chemical processing equipment. You will run bench and pilot-scale systems, design and analyze experiments, and contribute to data-informed optimization of extraction processes.

You will maintain meticulous lab records, adhere to safety protocols, and collaborate across teams to ensure quality and progress in DOE planning and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in a relevant technical field.
• Experience with DOE methodologies and statistical analysis is highly desirable.
• Hands-on experience with chemical reactors, filtration, and separation equipment.
• Advanced Excel proficiency including pivot tables and data visualization.
• Knowledge of purification techniques (precipitation, solvent extraction, ion exchange, crystallization).
• Ability to read P&IDs and process flow diagrams.
• Strong attention to detail and data integrity.

Responsibilities

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

Data analysis

Excel

Statistical analysis

Laboratory operation

Experiment management

Safety compliance

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry

Chemical Engineering

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 Technician executes designed experiments and operates chemical processing equipment to advance Mariana Minerals' hydrometallurgical and purification technologies. This hands-on role focuses on running DOE protocols, operating tank reactors and purification systems, and analyzing data to optimize extraction and separation processes for critical minerals.

What You'll Do

• Execute Design of Experiments (DOE) protocols for chemical processing, extraction, and purification
• 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
• 2-5 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!