Lead Operator

East TexasSenior2-4 years

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.

Position Summary

We are looking for an Operator Lead to oversee shift-level plant operations at our Joaquin, TX facility, directing a small crew of operators through daily production activities while monitoring and controlling process equipment to meet quality, safety, and production targets. Our Operator Lead will serve as the primary point of contact between the shift crew and the Director of Operations / Process Engineering team, ensuring operations run efficiently, safely, and in compliance with standard operating procedures. This professional must be able to work in all areas of the plant, direct others under variable conditions, and exercise sound judgment with minimum supervision.

Duties and Responsibilities

Lead and coordinate the shift crew, assigning tasks and priorities across production areas at the start of and throughout each shift.
Conduct shift-start safety stand-downs and communicate priorities, hazards, and operational status to the crew.
Monitor and control process equipment (tanks, pumps, filter presses, reactors, dryers, and packaging equipment) via HMI and manual checks to maintain plant parameters within target ranges.
Direct loading/unloading of trucks, cleaning of filter presses, and packaging of products.
Respond to process upsets and abnormal conditions, escalating to the Maintenance team or Process Engineer as needed and authorizing lockout/tagout for repairs.
Review shift logs, production data, and quality results; ensure accurate and timely documentation of plant activity in log sheets and the CMMS/plant systems.
Coordinate with Maintenance to prioritize and schedule repairs and preventive maintenance without disrupting production.
Perform and verify routine safety and housekeeping inspections across assigned plant areas.
Train and mentor operators on procedures, safety protocols, and equipment operation.
Support plant start-up, shutdown, and commissioning activities as needed.

Required Qualifications

Minimum 2-4 years of plant or industrial operations experience, with prior experience directing or leading a small team preferred.
Manufacturing, chemical processing, or industrial plant experience is preferred but not required; strong candidates from other operational backgrounds will be considered.
Ability to read and interpret P&IDs, standard operating procedures, and equipment manuals.
Comfortable working with industrial chemicals and process equipment, and following established safety protocols.
Sound troubleshooting skills, with the ability to identify process or equipment issues and determine appropriate corrective action or escalation.
Strong attention to detail with solid record-keeping and basic mathematical skills.
Ability to work in an environment involving exposure to chemicals, fumes, dust, and varying weather conditions, using required PPE.
Ability to lift a minimum of 50 pounds and work in and around industrial equipment.
The use of the following software could be required: Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Power Point, Outlook), Skype, Visio, Adobe (PDF), Share Point, SAP, Microsoft Project.
Willingness to work rotating shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays as required by plant operations.
Hydrometallurgy experience Mining experience Battery material experience (desired)