About this role
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.
Role Overview
Mariana Minerals is looking for a highly motivated technician to join our San Francisco Pilot Plant team. You will support the design, deployment, and operation of first-of-its-kind refining processes for critical minerals, while also supporting development of software for automated plant optimization. This position is highly hands-on and will play a critical role in bridging R&D and Operations, ensuring processes are robust, safe, cost-effective, and suitable for commercial production.
# What You’ll Do
- Assist engineers and other technicians to operate and monitor copper extraction chemical processes
- Safely handle chemicals, raw materials, and waste streams in compliance with SOPs and regulations
- Support sampling, quality checks, and basic laboratory measurements
- Assist with design, install, startup, and commissioning of new equipment and processes
- Take ownership of plant cleanliness and organization, ensuring work areas, tools, and equipment are well-maintained and ready for operations
- Perform routine maintenance, inspections, and basic mechanical repairs; document findings & actions in a Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS)
- Create and maintain procedures, experimental records, shift reports, and other critical operations documents
# What You’ll Bring
- Associate degree, technical certificate, or equivalent experience in chemical technology, process technology, industrial operations, or a related field
- 3+ years of experience operating pilot plant or commercial scale industrial equipment in the minerals processing, chemicals, specialty materials, oil & gas, biotech, or similar industry
- Prior exposure to core plant safety work processes such as Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), hot work permitting, confined space entry, and safe work permitting systems
- Experience using human–machine interfaces (HMIs) and plant software systems to monitor, control, and adjust process operation
- Experience with hands-on equipment installation, modification, and troubleshooting
- Basic knowledge of inorganic chemistry, pH, and reaction stoichiometry a plus
- Experience using engineering documents such as PFDs, control narratives, or P&IDs is a plus
- Climb stairs, stand for extended periods of time, and safely lift up to 50 lbs
Our culture is built on three principles:
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.