Pilot Plant Technician

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:

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!

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