--- title: 'Analytical Applications Engineer at Mariana Minerals' canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/analytical-applications-engineer-mariana-minerals-moab-p7ykk8pv0v7y' type: 'job' last_seen: '2026-09-04' --- # Analytical Applications Engineer at Mariana Minerals - **Company:** Mariana Minerals - **Location:** Moab, UT - **Compensation:** $85k–$100k - **Employment:** full-time - **Work type:** onsite - **Posted:** 2026-08-12 - **Last confirmed live:** 2026-09-04 - **Apply:** https://jobs.ashbyhq.com/marianaminerals/34857c47-bde0-4dce-933b-f07291b5c999 ## 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. ## ROLE OVERVIEW This is an internal, cross-site role focused on supporting and advancing analytical capabilities across multiple company locations. The position centers on method development, troubleshooting analytical methodologies, and implementing new instrumentation and procedures. The ideal candidate will combine strong analytical expertise with hands-on mechanical aptitude and the ability to work across diverse lab environments. This position requires working full-time on-site at our Moab, UT facility. ## WHAT YOU’LL DO - Support and optimize analytical methodologies across multiple Mariana Minerals laboratory sites - Troubleshoot and resolve issues related to analytical techniques, data quality, and method performance - Lead and support implementation of new instrumentation (e.g., ICP-OES, ICP-MS, Atomic Absorption, or similar systems) - Develop, validate, and standardize analytical methods and workflows - Train laboratory personnel on instrumentation, analytical techniques, and best practices - Collaborate with cross-functional teams to improve analytical efficiency and data reliability - Assist in evaluating new technologies and recommending improvements to existing systems - Maintain documentation for methods, SOPs, and internal technical guidance - Provide internal technical support for complex analytical challenges ## WHAT YOU’LL BRING - Bachelor’s degree in Analytical Chemistry, Chemistry, or a related scientific discipline (recent graduates encouraged to apply) - Hands-on experience (academic, internship, or research) with ICP-OES, ICP-MS, Atomic Absorption, or similar analytical instrumentation preferred - Strong understanding of analytical techniques, sample preparation, and data interpretation - Mechanical aptitude and comfort working with tools, instrumentation components, and basic diagnostics equipment (e.g., multimeters/voltmeters) - Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills - Excellent communication skills with the ability to train and support internal teams - Ability to work both independently and collaboratively across multiple sites ## TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS - Up to 50% travel, primarily within the continental United States - Occasional international travel may be 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! ## About Mariana Minerals ## Company Overview - **One-liner**: Mariana Minerals is a software-first, vertically integrated minerals company focused on supplying the minerals critical to modern energy, AI, and defense technologies. - **Entity Type**: Private (Series A, $85M funding in July 2025) - **Headquarters**: San Francisco, California, United States - **Founded**: Not publicly available - **Founders**: Turner Caldwell (Co-Founder & CEO) ## Core Business - **Primary industry**: Metal Ore Mining / Critical Minerals - **Target customers**: B2B – energy, AI, and defense supply chains (including downstream manufacturers and government entities) - **Mission or purpose**: "Create a future of critical mineral abundance" by reimagining the global minerals supply chain with software, automation, and data-driven decision making. ## Products & Services - **Copper One (formerly Lisbon Valley Copper Mine)**: World’s first autonomous mine, located in Utah. Produces copper using integrated automation and software control. Restarted production in April 2026. - **Lithium One**: Lithium project (on the roadmap or early development). - **Other mineral projects**: Graphite, Uranium, Rare Earth Metals, Cobalt, Nickel, Aluminium – at various stages (stealth or roadmap). - **CapitalProjectOS**: Internal software platform for capital project management (mentioned in leadership bio). - **Technology Stack**: React, dbt, TypeScript, Python, TensorFlow, PyTorch, microservices, SCADA, Autodesk, and many others – indicating a strong software engineering backbone. ## Market Standing - **Valuation/Market Cap**: Not disclosed (private company) - **Key Metric**: Total funding – $85M Series A (July 2025, 1 investor) - **Notable Investors/Partners**: Lead investor not publicly disclosed (Andreessen Horowitz was pitched but not confirmed as an investor). Partners include Bot Auto, WeRide, Pronto, Atoms (based on LinkedIn mentions). Also works with UMA (Utah Mining Association). - **Growth Signals**: Headcount grew 3,575% YoY to 107 employees (as of mid-2026). 73 active job postings. Opened the world’s first autonomous mine (Copper One) in April/May 2026, generating significant industry news and social media engagement. ## Competitive Advantages - **Software-first approach**: The company builds automation and data systems from the ground up, rather than layering tech onto legacy mining operations. This enables fully autonomous mining. - **Vertical integration**: They develop, own, and operate mineral projects, controlling the entire value chain from extraction to processing. - **Deep tech stack**: Use of AI/ML (TensorFlow, PyTorch), simulation, and real-time control systems to optimize mining operations. - **First-mover in autonomous mining**: Copper One is claimed to be the world’s first autonomous mine, giving them a significant lead in operational efficiency and safety. ## Strategic Focus - Scale autonomous mining operations beyond copper (lithium, graphite, uranium, etc.) - Secure domestic supply of critical minerals for U.S. energy, AI, and defense needs. - Continue aggressive hiring across engineering, operations, and field roles. - Expand from Utah to additional sites (Houston engineering office, potential new projects). ## Why Work Here - **Culture principles**: "Extreme Ownership", "Engineer Out Requirements, Then Automate", "Share Your Legos" – emphasizing accountability, simplification, and collaboration. - **Work environment**: High-growth startup with a mission-driven focus on critical infrastructure. Offices in San Francisco (HQ), Houston (Engineering), and La Sal, Utah (mine site). Hybrid/remote policy not explicitly stated, but multiple office locations suggest flexibility for field vs. office roles. - **Notable perks**: Opportunity to work on cutting-edge autonomous systems and AI in a traditional industry. Strong engineering culture with modern tech stack (React, Python, ML). Rapid career growth due to company expansion. - **Talent sources**: Attracts talent from Tesla, Redwood Materials, Lilac, ExxonMobil, Amazon Web Services, and other tech/energy companies – indicating a high-caliber peer group. ## Sources 1. [marianaminerals.com](https://marianaminerals.com/) 2. [marianaminerals.com/careers](https://marianaminerals.com/careers) 3. [marianaminerals.com/about](https://marianaminerals.com/about) 4. [jobs.ashbyhq.com/marianaminerals](https://jobs.ashbyhq.com/marianaminerals) 5. [linkedin.com/company/mariana-minerals](https://www.linkedin.com/company/mariana-minerals) ## Other roles at Mariana Minerals - [Sr./Staff Technical Program Manager - Copper](https://feeny.ai/job/sr-staff-technical-program-manager-copper-mariana-minerals-moab-hybc9rnj2271) — Moab, UT - [Mechanical Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/mechanical-engineer-mariana-minerals-san-francisco-dv7an46y7ypw) — San Francisco, CA - [Pilot Plant Technician (Night Shift)](https://feeny.ai/job/pilot-plant-technician-night-shift-mariana-minerals-san-francisco-xt80rkhtfgne) — San Francisco, CA - [Full Stack Software Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/full-stack-software-engineer-mariana-minerals-san-francisco-tdera62xv3p5) — San Francisco, CA - [Administrative Assistant](https://feeny.ai/job/administrative-assistant-mariana-minerals-houston-bamf8ahyve5k) — Houston, TX - [Senior Systems Administrator](https://feeny.ai/job/senior-systems-administrator-mariana-minerals-san-francisco-t93c8xavrzp1) — San Francisco, CA - [Lead Operator](https://feeny.ai/job/lead-operator-mariana-minerals-east-6239emcdyrrk) — East, TX - [Lab Chemist](https://feeny.ai/job/lab-chemist-mariana-minerals-moab-3s3trq9bcdc4) — Moab, UT - [Controls Technician](https://feeny.ai/job/controls-technician-mariana-minerals-east-kt73j4cf89md) — East, TX - [Maintenance Technician](https://feeny.ai/job/maintenance-technician-mariana-minerals-east-am22rcspy7bp) — East, TX