R&D Metallurgist

Marianaminerals
San Francisco HQ, US
On-site

Who this role is best for

Best suited to hands-on, detail-oriented professionals with hydrometallurgy experience working in a minerals and energy technology domain.

Best fit for

  • Candidates with 5+ years in hydrometallurgy and DOE methodology who thrive in collaborative, safety-first environments
    — “5+ years' experience in chemical processing, hydrometallurgy, or laboratory/pilot plant operations”
  • Individuals skilled in bench and pilot-scale experimentation with a strong grasp of chemical process fundamentals
    — “operating tank reactors and mining systems, and analyzing data to optimize extraction for critical minerals”
  • Professionals who value systematic documentation and data integrity in fast-moving technical projects
    — “Maintain detailed laboratory notebooks and digital documentation”

Things to consider

  • Strong commitment to safety protocols is non-negotiable, as emphasized by the company’s core principles
    — “Everyone Gets Home Safe. We never put speed or cost ahead of people.”
  • The role requires a valid driver's license, which may be a barrier for some candidates
    — “Valid driver's license required”

How to stand out

  • Highlight experience with multi-variable optimization and data visualization in your resume and interview responses
    — “Support DOE planning and multi-variable optimization studies”
  • Emphasize your ability to maintain clean, organized lab environments and follow safety protocols rigorously
    — “Maintain clean, organized, and safe laboratory environments”
  • Showcase hands-on experience with chemical reactors and separation equipment in your application materials
    — “Hands-on experience with chemical reactors, filtration, and separation equipment”
  • Demonstrate advanced Excel skills with specific examples of pivot tables and statistical analysis
    — “Advanced Excel proficiency (pivot tables, statistical functions, data visualization)”
  • Include examples of systematic sampling and material handling in your metallurgical work history
    — “Perform systematic sampling and material handling throughout process streams”
Pace · SteadyCollaboration · MediumAutonomy · MediumDecision Impact · Individual

Derived from job-description analysis by Serendipath's career intelligence engine.

What success looks like

  • Develop and execute experiments
  • Analyze data for optimization
  • Maintain safety standards
Typical background
ChemistryChemical EngineeringMetallurgy

Skills & requirements

Required

MetallurgyChemical ProcessingDOE MethodologyData AnalysisProcess Optimization

Preferred

DOE SoftwareCloud-based Technology Solutions

Stack & domain

Design Of Experiments (doe)ExcelChemical ProcessingHydrometallurgyLaboratory/pilot Plant OperationsJMPMinitabDesign-expertAnalyticalProblem-solvingCommunicationDocumentationMineralsChemical EngineeringMetallurgy

About the role

Original posting from Marianaminerals via Ashby

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 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.

What You'll Do

  • 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 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
  • 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!

Source: Marianaminerals careers (Ashby)

Similar roles

More roles at Marianaminerals