Senior Process Modeling Engineer – Mineral Refining

marianaminerals; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Mariana Minerals seeks a Staff Process Modeling Engineer to advance refining process models for critical minerals and translate lab data into scalable simulations for next-generation facilities.

You will develop steady-state and dynamic models using ASPEN Plus/HYSYS, SysCAD, OLI Studio, or METSIM, automate sizing, and support techno-economic assessments while mentoring junior engineers across projects.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Process Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, or related field.
• 8+ years of experience developing and applying process simulation models for chemical processing, hydrometallurgy, mining, refining, or related systems.
• Proficiency with process simulation tools: Aspen Plus/HYSYS, SysCAD, OLI Studio/OLI Flowsheet, METSIM.

Responsibilities

• Develop steady-state and dynamic process models to establish heat and material balances for integrated mineral refinery systems.
• Automate equipment and process sizing (reactors, heat exchangers, filters, crystallizers, evaporators, separators) based on model outputs.
• Develop and maintain process simulation databases ensuring traceability between modeling assumptions and data.
• Calibrate and reconcile models using pilot or plant data to ensure fidelity.
• Conduct process optimization studies evaluating energy recovery, recycle strategies, and material efficiency.
• Develop dynamic models to validate PLC/DCS programming and evaluate buffer sizing.
• Link models to CAPEX/OPEX estimation tools and automate technoeconomic analyses.
• Document methodologies and results for design reviews and regulatory submissions.

Skills

Mass transfer

Heat transfer

Thermodynamics

Fluid flow

Reaction engineering

Python/MATLAB

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher in Chemical/Mechanical/Process Engineering

Tools

ASPEN Plus / HYSYS

SysCAD

OLI Studio / OLI Flowsheet

METSIM

Job description

Mariana Minerals seeks a Staff Process Modeling Engineer to advance refining process models for critical minerals and translate lab data into scalable simulations for next-generation facilities.

You will develop steady-state and dynamic models using ASPEN Plus/HYSYS, SysCAD, OLI Studio, or METSIM, automate sizing, and support techno-economic assessments while mentoring junior engineers across projects.