Mechanical Engineering Manager

Mariana Minerals • Houston, TX

14h

About The Position

Mariana Minerals is looking for a highly motivated Mechanical Engineering Manager / Lead to work on building the critical minerals supply chain to support the world’s energy transition.
In this role, you will lead the mechanical engineering function across pilot and commercial-scale refining projects. You will be responsible for technical direction, team leadership, and successful delivery of mechanical scopes from early concept through commissioning and handover to operations.
You will oversee development of first-of-its-kind chemical refining systems, guide mechanical design standards, mentor engineers, and ensure engineering rigor across solids-handling and process systems. This role combines deep technical expertise with organizational leadership and cross-functional coordination to deliver modular and site-built processing facilities safely, efficiently, and on schedule.

Requirements

• Deep understanding of mechanical engineering fundamentals and their application in industrial process environments
• Extensive experience with solids-handling and material-conveyance systems, including: Silos, bins, hoppers, chutes, and bulk storage systems Feeders (vibratory, belt, screw, rotary, apron) Conveyor systems (belt, screw, drag/chain, pneumatic, bucket elevators) Screens, crushers, and material-transfer equipment
• Strong experience preparing and reviewing mechanical specifications and vendor documentation for both greenfield and brownfield projects
• Familiarity with relevant codes and standards such as CEMA, ASME, API, and material-handling design practices
• Experience in mining & mineral processing, cement/aggregate, chemical manufacturing, power generation, or other heavy industrial sectors
• Demonstrated experience leading engineering teams or managing technical groups
• Proven ability to manage competing priorities across multiple concurrent projects
• Experience interfacing with EPC firms and managing vendor relationships
• Strong decision-making capability in ambiguous, fast-moving environments
• Ability to balance hands-on technical depth with strategic oversight
• Proficiency in mechanical design software such as AutoCAD (experience with 3D modeling platforms preferred)
• Experience with first-principles modeling and equipment sizing

Nice To Haves

• Experience with 3D modeling platforms
• Familiarity with fluids, thermal, and multiphysics CFD simulations is a plus

Responsibilities

• Own the mechanical engineering strategy across pilot and modular commercial refining plants
• Establish and maintain mechanical engineering standards, best practices, and design guidelines
• Provide senior technical oversight on solids-handling, process mechanical systems, and plant layout
• Drive technical decision-making on equipment selection, system architecture, and risk mitigation
• Lead design reviews, HAZOP participation, constructability reviews, and value engineering efforts
• Lead mechanical scopes across project phases—from concept and feasibility through detailed design, procurement, fabrication, installation, commissioning, and ramp-up
• Ensure alignment of mechanical deliverables with cost, schedule, operability, and safety requirements
• Oversee preparation and review of equipment specifications, data sheets, requisitions, and bid evaluations
• Serve as the primary mechanical interface with EPC partners and vendors
• Manage technical risk registers and resolve complex cross-disciplinary design challenges
• Build, mentor, and manage a high-performing mechanical engineering team
• Provide coaching and technical guidance to engineers across experience levels
• Establish workload planning, resource allocation, and performance expectations
• Foster a culture of engineering excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement
• Collaborate closely with process, structural, piping, electrical, controls, and construction teams
• Support development of 3D models and plant layouts, ensuring constructability and maintainability
• Provide executive-ready technical summaries and recommendations to leadership
• Partner with operations to ensure smooth commissioning, ramp-up, and long-term reliability
• Oversee field engineering support during construction and startup
• Guide resolution of RFIs, field changes, and vendor technical issues
• Ensure successful mechanical system commissioning and handover to operations

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: No Education Listed