Mariana Minerals is a software-first, vertically integrated minerals company focused on supplying the minerals critical to modern energy, AI, and defense technologies. Backed by Khosla and a16z.
About the role
Mariana Minerals is looking for an experienced Pilot Plant Operations Manager to lead operations at our DSM Pilot Plant in Houston. The DSM pilot is a first-of-its-kind, fully integrated flowsheet that couples a high temperature pyrometallurgical section with a downstream hydrometallurgical refining section. You will own safe, reliable, round-the-clock operation of both sections and lead the technician team that runs them. Found on 1752vc Careers, the job board for startup and VC roles.
What they're looking for
- 5 or more years supervising a multi-shift team, and 10 or more years operating pilot or commercial scale process plants in minerals processing, metallurgy, or chemicals
- Hands-on operating experience in both pyrometallurgical and hydrometallurgical processes. Deep experience in one with demonstrated working exposure to the other will be considered
- High temperature equipment experience: kilns, roasters, calciners, or furnaces, including burner management systems, refractory, and hot solids handling
- Wet chemical unit operation experience: leaching, filtration or centrifugation, solvent extraction or ion exchange, precipitation, and crystallization
- Demonstrated safe handling of concentrated acids and bases, flammable solvents, and hazardous process gases
- Proven ownership of core safety work processes: lockout and tagout, hot work, confined space entry, and safe work permitting
More about this role
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.
Mariana Minerals is looking for an experienced Pilot Plant Operations Manager to lead operations at our DSM Pilot Plant in Houston. The DSM pilot is a first-of-its-kind, fully integrated flowsheet that couples a high temperature pyrometallurgical section with a downstream hydrometallurgical refining section. You will own safe, reliable, round-the-clock operation of both sections and lead the technician team that runs them.
This is a highly hands-on leadership role. You will build the operating team from the ground up, take the plant through commissioning and startup, and then run structured campaigns that generate the process data and product samples the company depends on. You will work shoulder to shoulder with process engineers, R&D scientists, maintenance, and the analytical laboratory, and you will be accountable for the safety, quality, and throughput of...
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