Staff Mechanical Engineer

Staff Mechanical EngineerMariana 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 RoleMariana Minerals is seeking a highly motivated Staff Mechanical Engineer to support our next-generation minerals processing pilot plant in Houston. You will lead the design, integration, and deployment of pilot-scale mechanical systems and processing equipment used to demonstrate and scale innovative refining technologies for critical minerals. This role is highly hands-on and will play a key role in building and maintaining a first-of-its-kind pilot plant. You will work closely with process engineers, technicians, and cross-functional teams to design, install, commission, and improve pilot-scale equipment while ensuring systems are reliable, safe, and scalable to commercial production.What You'll DoDesign, specify, and deploy mechanical systems and equipment for pilot-scale mineral processing operationsWork closely with process engineers to translate process requirements into practical mechanical and plant designsSupport installation, troubleshooting, and maintenance of pilot plant equipment including pumps, piping systems, reactors, separators, filtration systems, and material handling equipmentDevelop and maintain mechanical design documentation including equipment specifications, layout drawings, piping schematics, and CAD modelsIdentify opportunities to improve equipment reliability, maintainability, and operational performanceCoordinate with vendors, fabricators, and contractors during equipment procurement and installationSupport safe plant operations by contributing to hazard reviews, equipment safety design, and mechanical integrity programsDesired QualificationsB.S., M.S., or PhD in Mechanical Engineering or a related field9+ years of experience in operations, process scale-up, or plant design in minerals processing, chemicals, specialty materials, oil & gas, or related industriesDemonstrated experience driving equipment design, commissioning, operations, and reliabilityExperience designing and maintaining furnaces, pumps and fluid handling systems, pressure vessels and reactors, piping systems and valves, filtration and separation equipment, and materials handling systemsAbility to work closely with cross-functional teams including process engineering, operations, and project executionStrong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills in hands-on plant environmentsStrong commitment to Health, Safety, and Environmental compliance and mechanical integrity standardsExcellent technical writing, communication, and teamwork skillsComfortable working in fast-paced environments, wearing multiple hats, and managing ambiguityJoin us as we build the future of responsible mineral sourcing and supply.