R&D Technician
San Francisco, CAFull-time$40–47/hrPosted 5 days agoStill listed 4 days ago
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At a glance
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Requirements
Credentials this posting asks for.
Job overview
The R&D Technician executes designed experiments and operates chemical processing equipment to advance hydrometallurgical and purification technologies. The role runs DOE protocols, operates tank reactors and purification systems, and analyzes data to optimize extraction and separation processes for critical minerals. The posting prefers a bachelor's degree in a related technical field and describes experience with chemical processing, DOE methods, equipment, and analytical tools as desired qualifications.
Skills & qualifications
Skills
Qualifications
Full job description
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 the minerals supply chain by combining deep industry expertise with advanced software, automation, and data-driven decision-making. The Role The R&D Technician executes designed experiments and operates chemical processing equipment to advance Mariana Minerals' hydrometallurgical and purification technologies. This hands-on role focuses on running DOE protocols, operating tank reactors and purification systems, and analyzing data to optimize extraction and separation processes for critical minerals. What You'll Do
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Execute Design of Experiments (DOE) protocols for chemical processing, extraction, and purification
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Operate tank reactors, filtration systems, separation equipment, and purification units at bench and pilot scale
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Prepare chemical solutions and reagents according to experimental specifications
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Monitor and control process parameters: temperature, pH, flow rates, residence time, and reagent dosing
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Perform systematic sampling and material handling throughout process streams
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Collect experimental data including process parameters, weights, volumes, and analytical results
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Analyze data using Excel and statistical tools to evaluate performance and identify optimization opportunities
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Generate clear data visualizations, charts, and summary reports
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Maintain detailed laboratory notebooks and digital documentation
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Support DOE planning and multi-variable optimization studies
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Perform routine maintenance, calibration, and troubleshooting of processing equipment
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Follow all chemical handling, PPE, and MSHA/OSHA safety protocols
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Maintain clean, organized, and safe laboratory environments
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Conduct hazard assessments for chemical processes and experimental setups
Desired Qualifications
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Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Metallurgy, or related technical field preferred
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2-5 years' experience in chemical processing, hydrometallurgy, or laboratory/pilot plant operations
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Experience with Design of Experiments (DOE) methodology and statistical analysis highly desirable
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Hands-on experience with chemical reactors, filtration, and separation equipment
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Advanced Excel proficiency (pivot tables, statistical functions, data visualization)
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Understanding of chemical process fundamentals (mass balance, stoichiometry, reaction kinetics)
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Knowledge of purification techniques (precipitation, solvent extraction, ion exchange, crystallization)
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Ability to read P&IDs and process flow diagrams
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Experience with DOE software (JMP, Minitab, Design-Expert) is a plus
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Exceptional attention to detail and data integrity
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Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
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Excellent communication and documentation abilities
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Self-motivated with ability to manage multiple experiments
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Unwavering commitment to safety and quality
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Valid driver's license required
Our culture is built on four principles:
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!
How this job compares
Set against the 1,371 open Research and Development jobs on Olive Jobs, counted November 3, 2026.
- Pay
- This posting$40–47/hr
- California median$27–40/hr22 hourly ranges
- US median$25–34/hr162 hourly ranges
This range's midpoint, $43.50/hr, is 34% above the California median midpoint ($33/hr) — in the middle half of Research and Development hourly ranges in California.
- Openings
- Olive Jobs lists 201 open Research and Development jobs in California and 1,371 across the US. 3% of them nationwide are listed as remote or flexible.
- Hiring the most in California
- Applied Materials13 open
- Terumo Neuro11 open
- Stryker7 open
- Experience
- This posting asks for at least 2 years of experience — less than three in four Research and Development postings that state a minimum ask for (median 5 years, across 903 postings).
- Education
- 726 of the 1,371 open Research and Development jobs (53%) ask for a bachelor's degree or higher.
Counted across the open, public US postings on Olive Jobs on November 3, 2026. Pay medians are the middle values of the low ends and of the high ends of postings that list both ends of a range in the same cadence (a yearly salary or an hourly rate); a range's midpoint is halfway between its ends. Pay and experience figures resting on fewer than 20 postings are left out.
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