R&D Technician
About The Position
Mariana Minerals is a software-first, vertically integrated minerals company working to supply critical minerals for modern energy, AI, and defense technologies. The R&D Technician executes designed experiments and operates chemical processing equipment to advance the company’s hydrometallurgical and purification technologies. This hands-on role involves running Design of Experiments (DOE) protocols, operating tank reactors and purification systems, and analyzing data to optimize extraction and separation processes for critical minerals. The role also supports DOE planning and multi-variable optimization studies, maintains thorough laboratory and digital records, and helps ensure safe, organized laboratory operations. Mariana Minerals emphasizes safety, ownership, simplifying and automating processes, and open collaboration.
Requirements
- Two to five years of experience in chemical processing, hydrometallurgy, or laboratory/pilot plant operations.
- Hands-on experience with chemical reactors, filtration, and separation equipment.
- Advanced Excel proficiency, including pivot tables, statistical functions, and data visualization.
- Understanding of chemical process fundamentals, including mass balance, stoichiometry, and reaction kinetics.
- Ability to read P&IDs and process flow diagrams.
- Exceptional attention to detail and data integrity.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent communication and documentation abilities.
- Self-motivated, with the ability to manage multiple experiments.
- Commitment to safety and quality.
- Valid driver's license.
Nice To Haves
- Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Metallurgy, or a related technical field.
- Experience with Design of Experiments (DOE) methodology and statistical analysis.
- Knowledge of purification techniques such as precipitation, solvent extraction, ion exchange, and crystallization.
- Experience with DOE software such as JMP, Minitab, or Design-Expert.
Responsibilities
- Execute Design of Experiments (DOE) protocols for chemical processing, extraction, and purification.
- 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 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 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 chemical handling, PPE, and MSHA/OSHA safety protocols.
- Maintain clean, organized, and safe laboratory environments.
- Conduct hazard assessments for chemical processes and experimental setups.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Education Level
No Education Listed
