Project Engineer

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. Join us as we build the future of mining and minerals refining.

Position Overview: We are seeking a Project Engineer to support the development and construction of our Critical Minerals Refinery in Joaquin, TX. This individual will play a hands-on role in project execution, including equipment procurement, contractor management, quality assurance, and commissioning activities. The ideal candidate will bring technical expertise, strong organizational skills, and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment in coordination with multidisciplinary teams.

Key Responsibilities:

• Document control: Maintain organized, audit-ready job files (RFIs, specs, addenda, IFC drawings, permits) in digital and hard-copy formats as needed.

• RFIs & submittals: Prepare, review, route, and track RFIs, submittals, test reports, and other contract documents; verify compliance with contract requirements and technical standards.

• Procurement & logistics: Source, purchase, and track delivery of materials and long-lead equipment (e.g., crushers, mills, pumps, thickeners), ensuring price, quality, and conformance; coordinate logistics to remote sites.

• Cost & change: Execute work within established budgets; support quantity takeoffs; validate and price change orders; maintain change and risk logs; assist with monthly cost reports and forecasts.

• Subcontracts & compliance: Ensure subcontracts are executed, scopes are clear, certificates/insurance are current, and pay apps are reviewed and approved accurately.

• Field coordination: Partner with superintendents to resolve design/constructability issues; align trades; participate in daily/weekly coordination meetings; support QA/QC and materials testing.

• Closeout & handover: Own the closeout matrix and rolling punch list; compile O&M manuals, as-builts, and training materials; support commissioning and turnover to Operations.

• Other duties: Take on additional tasks aligned with team objectives as needed.

• Commissioning & Start-up Support: Lead selected commissioning activities to ensure systems are brought online safely and efficiently. Collaborate with operations and engineering teams to troubleshoot and resolve startup issues.

Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, or related technical field (or similar experience).

• Experience: 1-5 years of experience in managing capital projects. Experience with equipment procurement, FAT/SAT activities, and commissioning. Exposure to battery materials, refining, chemical processing, or related industries is a plus.

• Skills: Strong technical knowledge of process equipment and engineering drawings. Ability to lead cross-functional teams and contractors effectively. Excellent problem-solving, organizational, and communication skills. Proficiency with project tools such as MS Project, MS Planner, AutoCAD, Autodesk suite, and/or similar software.