Laboratory Technician
Mariana Minerals, San Francisco, CA, United States
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
Mariana Minerals is looking for a highly motivated analytical technician to join our San Francisco lab team. You will support the development and operation of first‑of‑its‑kind refining processes for critical minerals by providing high‑quality analytical data to guide process optimization and control.
This role is highly hands‑on and will work closely with Operations Technicians, Engineers, and Data teams to ensure timely, accurate, and actionable chemical analysis of process streams, intermediates, and final products. You will play a critical role in bridging laboratory analytics with plant operations, helping ensure processes are robust, efficient, and ready for commercial scale‑up.
What You’ll Do
Prepare samples for analysis using techniques such as digestion, dilution, and/or filtration
Perform elemental and compositional analysis of solid and liquid samples using ICP, NMR, XRF, Titrator, or similar analytical techniques
Maintain and calibrate analytical instruments, ensuring proper performance, accuracy, and repeatability
Develop and refine standard operating procedures (SOPs) for sample preparation and analytical workflows
Support method development and validation for new instruments, materials, and process streams
Document analytical results in laboratory information systems and maintain clear experimental records
Ensure safe handling and disposal of chemicals, acids, standards, and waste streams in compliance with safety protocols
Maintain laboratory organization, cleanliness, and inventory of consumables and standards
Desired Qualifications
Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Biology, Materials Science, or a related technical field
Hands‑on experience operating ICP, XRF, or similar analytical instrumentation
Strong understanding of inorganic chemistry, trace element analysis, and matrix effects
Experience working in minerals processing, metallurgy, chemicals, specialty materials, or similar industrial environments
Familiarity with QA/QC protocols, calibration curves, standards preparation, and data validation
Ability to troubleshoot instrumentation and perform routine maintenance
Comfortable working in a fast‑paced, startup environment with evolving priorities
Strong attention to detail and commitment to data integrity
Ability to stand for extended periods
Experience supporting pilot plant or production operations is a plus
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.
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The Role
Mariana Minerals is looking for a highly motivated analytical technician to join our San Francisco lab team. You will support the development and operation of first‑of‑its‑kind refining processes for critical minerals by providing high‑quality analytical data to guide process optimization and control.
This role is highly hands‑on and will work closely with Operations Technicians, Engineers, and Data teams to ensure timely, accurate, and actionable chemical analysis of process streams, intermediates, and final products. You will play a critical role in bridging laboratory analytics with plant operations, helping ensure processes are robust, efficient, and ready for commercial scale‑up.
What You’ll Do
Prepare samples for analysis using techniques such as digestion, dilution, and/or filtration
Perform elemental and compositional analysis of solid and liquid samples using ICP, NMR, XRF, Titrator, or similar analytical techniques
Maintain and calibrate analytical instruments, ensuring proper performance, accuracy, and repeatability
Develop and refine standard operating procedures (SOPs) for sample preparation and analytical workflows
Support method development and validation for new instruments, materials, and process streams
Document analytical results in laboratory information systems and maintain clear experimental records
Ensure safe handling and disposal of chemicals, acids, standards, and waste streams in compliance with safety protocols
Maintain laboratory organization, cleanliness, and inventory of consumables and standards
Desired Qualifications
Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Biology, Materials Science, or a related technical field
Hands‑on experience operating ICP, XRF, or similar analytical instrumentation
Strong understanding of inorganic chemistry, trace element analysis, and matrix effects
Experience working in minerals processing, metallurgy, chemicals, specialty materials, or similar industrial environments
Familiarity with QA/QC protocols, calibration curves, standards preparation, and data validation
Ability to troubleshoot instrumentation and perform routine maintenance
Comfortable working in a fast‑paced, startup environment with evolving priorities
Strong attention to detail and commitment to data integrity
Ability to stand for extended periods
Experience supporting pilot plant or production operations is a plus
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.
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