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R&D Metallurgist

Mariana Minerals · San Francisco HQ · On-site

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About Mariana Minerals

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

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. Develop Design of Experiments (DOE) protocols for chemical processing, extraction, and purification

What they're looking for

  • 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)
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.

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.

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...

Read the full posting on Mariana Minerals's site ↗

Process Development

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