Process Technology Lead
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 how minerals are sourced, refined, and optimized by combining deep industrial expertise with software, automation, and data-driven decision-making. Join us as we build the future of responsible mineral sourcing and supply.
Role Overview
Mariana Minerals is seeking a Process Technology Lead to drive the evaluation, development, and scale-up of critical mineral processing technologies from concept through early-phase project definition. This role is focused on conceptual and basic engineering—translating laboratory and pilot-scale results into technically sound, commercially viable process concepts that can be advanced into capital projects.
In this role, you will lead technology evaluation, guide pilot test programs and design-of-experiments (DOEs), and own the technical bridge between pilot results and commercial-scale process design. You will support early-stage project development by defining process options, development pathways, and scale-up risks that inform investment, engineering, and execution decisions.
This is a senior technical role that sits at the intersection of R&D, process engineering, and project development, with a mandate to ensure technology choices are rigorous, defensible, and ready to advance.
What You’ll Do
Technology Evaluation & Concept Development
Lead evaluation and selection of processing technologies for mineral extraction, purification, and refining
Develop conceptual process flowsheets and block flow diagrams based on lab, pilot, and third-party technology inputs
Assess technology readiness, scale-up risks, and integration challenges across alternative process options
Pilot Programs & Experimental Strategy
Define pilot objectives, test scopes, and experimental plans, including design-of-experiments (DOEs)
Guide pilot execution in collaboration with lab staff, pilot engineers, and external technology providers
Interpret pilot data and translate results into actionable process design inputs and scale-up recommendations
Pilot-to-Commercial Technology Transfer
Own the technical handoff from pilot results to basic engineering process definitions
Define design bases, operating envelopes, mass and energy balances, and key scale-up assumptions
Identify data gaps and additional test work required to support commercial design confidence
Early-Phase Project Development
Support early-stage project studies (conceptual, pre-feasibility, and early feasibility) with robust process definitions
Develop techno-economic inputs to inform project screening, prioritization, and development strategy
Prepare clear, defensible technical documentation to support internal investment and external due-diligence reviews
Cross-Functional & External Collaboration
Work closely with R&D, lab, pilot, mine, and infrastructure teams to ensure process concepts are integrated and realistic
Engage with technology licensors, equipment vendors, and engineering firms during concept and basic engineering phases
Support downstream detailed engineering teams by providing clear process intent and technical foundations
Technical Leadership & Knowledge Building
Establish best practices for technology evaluation, pilot testing, and scale-up within the organization
Mentor process engineers and technical staff on early-phase process development and experimental rigor
Stay current on emerging technologies and processing innovations relevant to critical minerals
What You’ll Bring
Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, or a closely related field (advanced degree preferred)
10+ years of experience in process development, mineral processing, or chemical process engineering
Demonstrated experience leading technology evaluation, pilot programs, and scale-up efforts
Strong foundation in process fundamentals with the ability to translate experimental results into scalable designs
Experience developing conceptual and basic engineering deliverables (flowsheets, mass balances, design bases)
Background in one or more of the following environments:
Hydrometallurgical mineral processing or metal refining
Critical-minerals processing (e.g., lithium, nickel, copper)
Industrial chemical manufacturing with complex aqueous or reactive systems
EPC / EPCM or technology development organizations supporting early-phase projects
Familiarity with techno-economic modeling and early-phase project evaluation
Experience working with external technology licensors and research institutions
Why This Role
Mining is one of the most operationally complex industries on earth—and one of the least digitized. Most mines run on disconnected systems, tribal knowledge, and decisions made by feel rather than data.
At Mariana, you'll build the software that changes this. You'll work on autonomous haul trucks, integrated mine planning, and optimization systems that treat the entire mine as a single coordinated operation. If you want to work on hard problems with real-world stakes, this is it.
What It's Like to Work Here
Extreme Ownership – We take full responsibility for outcomes and drive relentlessly toward solutions.
Engineer Out, Then Automate – We simplify and optimize before we scale.
Share Your Legos – We collaborate openly, share knowledge freely, and help each other build better solutions.
Mariana is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status.