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.
The Role
The Laboratory Technician runs high-temperature processing equipment in Mariana Minerals' Deep Sea Nodule Lab, where we turn polymetallic nodules from the Clarion-Clipperton Zone (CCZ) into battery-grade nickel, copper and cobalt. This hands-on role prepares feed, operates a rotary kiln, electric arc furnace and induction converter, samples products, and keeps the lab safe and orderly. The role reports to the Process/Metallurgical Engineering lead and works under engineer supervision at first, with a path to independent operation.
What You'll Do
Crush, screen, dry, split and weigh nodule and calcine samples; run nodule wash trials
Operate the rotary kiln and its off-gas train: condenser, gas analyzers and NaOH impingers
Prepare charges, monitor and tap electric arc furnace heats; run box furnace screening melts
Run induction converter heats, including crucible pre-heat, pyrite charging, oxygen blows and timed sampling
Monitor temperatures, arc power, gas flows and cooling water; respond to alarms and interlocks
Verify exhaust fans and scrubbers before hot work; change gas cylinders and maintain scrubber liquor
Record run data in batch sheets and spreadsheets: charge weights, temperatures, gas flows, product masses and sample IDs
Track samples through shipment to external labs with chain-of-custody records
Keep inventory of crucibles, refractories, reagents and gases
Perform routine maintenance and minor repairs; support commissioning of new equipment
Follow SOPs, lockout/tagout, hot-work and gas-handling procedures, and wear PPE for molten-metal work
Inspect safety equipment on schedule and report near-misses and equipment issues promptly
Desired Qualifications
Associate degree or technical diploma in chemistry, materials, metallurgy or a related field, or equivalent hands-on experience
2+ years' experience in a lab, foundry, smelter, refinery or similar high-temperature setting
Comfort operating furnaces, gas cylinders and pressurized or water-cooled equipment
Experience with molten metal handling, tapping or crucible melting is a plus
Familiarity with induction, arc or tube furnaces, off-gas sampling or wet scrubbers is a plus
Sample preparation for XRF or ICP analysis is a plus
Careful record-keeping and working knowledge of Excel
Strong safety habits and willingness to stop work when conditions are unsafe
Able to lift up to 50 lb (23 kg), stand for long periods, and work near radiant heat, molten material and process gases
Medically cleared and fit-tested for respirator use
On-site role with standard weekday hours and occasional extended shifts to finish a furnace heat or cool-down
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!