Laboratory Technician
Join Mariana Minerals as a Laboratory Technician to operate high-temperature processing equipment in a hands-on role.
Posted by employer 3 days ago
First seen on Joblaze 2 days ago
Last verified on the company career page 15 hours ago
What you'll build
- Crush, screen, dry, split and weigh nodule and calcine samples
- Operate the rotary kiln and its off-gas train
- Prepare charges and monitor electric arc furnace heats
- Run induction converter heats and monitor temperatures
- Record run data in batch sheets and spreadsheets
Must have
- Associate degree or technical diploma in chemistry, materials, metallurgy or a related field
- 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
- Able to lift up to 50 lb (23 kg) and stand for long periods
- Medically cleared and fit-tested for respirator use
Nice to have
- Experience with molten metal handling, tapping or crucible melting
- Familiarity with induction, arc or tube furnaces
- Sample preparation for XRF or ICP analysis
Practical constraints
- On-site role with standard weekday hours and occasional extended shifts
Requirements
- Experience
- 2+ years
- Education
- Associate's degree
Not disclosed in this posting: compensation, visa sponsorship.
Joblaze summary
The Laboratory Technician at Mariana Minerals operates high-temperature processing equipment to convert polymetallic nodules into battery-grade metals. Key responsibilities include managing rotary kilns and electric arc furnaces, conducting sample preparations, and ensuring safety protocols are followed. This role is suited for individuals with a technical background and at least two years of experience in high-temperature environments, particularly those familiar with molten metal handling. The position emphasizes safety and collaboration within a culture focused on accountability and continuous improvement.
Joblaze insights
- Listed 2 days ago — first seen on Joblaze October 9, 2026. Last confirmed on Mariana Minerals's careers page October 11, 2026.
Quick facts
- Is the Laboratory Technician role remote?
- No — this is an on-site role in San Francisco HQ.
- How much experience is required?
- At least 2 years of relevant experience for this Laboratory Technician role.
- Where is the role based?
- Mariana Minerals is hiring for this position in San Francisco HQ.
- What seniority level is this role?
- Mariana Minerals targets junior candidates for this position.
- Is this full-time or contract?
- Full-time for this Laboratory Technician role at Mariana Minerals.
From the original posting
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
Our culture is built on four principles:
Standard company text repeated across Mariana Minerals's postings is omitted here.