Pilot Plant Technician

Mariana Minerals • San Francisco, CA

3d • Onsite

About The Position

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.

Requirements

• 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
• Climb stairs, stand for extended periods of time, and safely lift up to 50 lbs

Nice To Haves

• 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

Responsibilities

• Assist engineers and other technicians to operate and monitor chemical processes such as precipitation, filtration, ion exchange, and membrane concentration.
• 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 This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree