About the role
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 Mariana Minerals is looking for a highly motivated Pyrometallurgical Process Engineer to help build the critical minerals supply chain supporting the world’s energy transition. As a Pyrometallurgical Process Engineer at Mariana Minerals, you will lead the development and deployment of first-of-its-kind high-temperature refining and thermal processing systems. You will play a central role in designing, modeling, scaling, and commissioning pyrometallurgical unit operations, while supporting development of software tools for capital project execution and automated plant optimization.
Responsibilities include leading equipment and process scopes from concept and modeling validation through detailed engineering, installation, commissioning, ramp-up, and handover to operations. What You’ll Do Lead pyrometallurgical process scopes from early concept development and thermodynamic modeling through procurement, detailed engineering, fabrication, installation, commissioning, and ramp-up Develop detailed heat and material balances for high-temperature process trains, including drying, calcination, roasting, reduction, smelting, converting, slag cleaning, refining, and off-gas treatment Design and validate thermal process flowsheets and PFDs/P&IDs for pyrometallurgical circuits, ensuring safety, reliability, and scalability Build first-principles thermodynamic and kinetic models for high-temperature reactors and furnaces (e.g., rotary kilns, calciners, electric arc furnaces, submerged arc furnaces, reverberatory furnaces, flash smelters) to support scale-up and commercial deployment Model and optimize phase equilibria, slag chemistry, metal recovery, refractory performance, and energy efficiency Define specifications and operating envelopes for high-temperature process equipment, burners, power systems, refractory linings, and gas-handling systems Identify, evaluate, and implement process improvements to maximize metal recovery, minimize energy consumption, control emissions, and ensure stable furnace operation under varying feedstock chemistries Collaborate closely with R&D, lab teams, and pilot-plant engineers to translate bench- and pilot-scale findings into robust commercial pyrometallurgical designs Work with environmental and controls teams to design and optimize off-gas handling systems (e.g., cyclones, baghouses, scrubbers, thermal oxidizers, heat-recovery systems) Partner with software and machine-learning teams to automate process-engineering workflows and develop advanced control, optimization, and digital-twin models for high-temperature reactors and furnaces Desired