Lead Engineer - Smelting Decarbonization R&D Process

A leader in global aluminium production; Dubai; On-site; AED 120,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leader in global aluminium production seeks a Process Engineer to manage technology development aimed at eliminating greenhouse gas emissions. This role involves conducting research, leading projects for GHG elimination, and providing technical expertise. The ideal candidate will have at least 5 years of experience in process engineering, with a Bachelor's degree in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering. Key skills include proactive problem-solving, project management, and strong analytical abilities. This position offers an opportunity to drive sustainability in the aluminium sector.

Qualifications

• 5 years of relevant experience as a process engineer.
• 2 years in primary aluminium functions such as fume treatment.
• Proven experience in continuous improvement projects.

Responsibilities

• Support in devising strategies to eliminate Greenhouse Gas emissions.
• Conduct R&D for GHG elimination technologies.
• Lead analysis of pilot plant operations.

Skills

Proactive problem-solving

Project management

Communication

Analytical skills

Self-confidence

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering

Tools

MS Office

ASPEN

Matlab

Minitab

JMP

Job description

About Emirates Global Aluminium

Emirates Global Aluminium is the world’s biggest ‘premium aluminium’ producer and the largest industrial company in the United Arab Emirates outside the oil and gas industry. EGA is an integrated aluminium producer, with operations on four continents from bauxite mining to the production of cast primary aluminium and recycling. EGA employs over 7,000 of these people including more than 1,200 UAE Nationals. EGA operates aluminium smelters in Jebel Ali and Al Taweelah in the United Arab Emirates, an alumina refinery in Al Taweelah, a bauxite mine and associated export facilities in the Republic of Guinea, a speciality foundry in high strength recycled aluminium in Germany, and a recycling plant in the United States.

JOB PURPOSE

• Support in devising, implementing, and managing technology development strategies to eliminate Greenhouse Gas emissions (CO2 & PFCs) from EGA’s smelting assets and activities, aligned with Board mandates.

• Lead and conduct chemical engineering process R&D to evaluate, propose, manage, demonstrate, and guide technologies/processes for GHG elimination using cost-effective and sustainable applications (e.g., eliminating, capturing, or treating emissions).

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

Strategic Contribution

• Provide process technical expertise to develop a business model for continuous smelting GHG emissions abatement and reduction of CO2eqv. emissions intensity per metric ton of Aluminium.

• Conduct research on science-based technologies to abate or offset GHG emissions and propose R&D focus areas by collaborating with industries, universities, and institutes.

• Lead analysis and evaluation of activities to manage the start-up and operation of pilot plant(s) effectively and safely.

• Support the Director – Smelting Decarbonization R&D in R&D efforts aimed at achieving zero net carbon certification for EGA smelting assets.

Leadership

• Supervise subordinates, providing feedback to ensure efficient work execution and individual target achievement.

• Lead department objective achievement through performance management, motivation, and development of self and team.

• Develop talent and in-house know-how by collaborating with experts.

• Act as a role model upholding organizational values and ethics.

Budgeting and Financial Performance

• Assist in preparing the R&D budget through data analysis.

• Monitor financial performance and recommend improvements.

Policies, Processes & Procedures

• Adhere to and support development/maintenance of policies, systems, and procedures ensuring cost-effective, quality service delivery.

Planning and Design Management

• Lead process planning for Smelting Decarbonization R&D, including resource estimation and project scheduling.

• Develop and manage a central knowledge repository for R&D.

Operational Management

• Supervise daily operations to ensure compliance with designed processes and procedures.

• Provide technical leadership to identify opportunities for beneficial Smelting Decarbonization management.

• Liaise with Smelting Operations to manage captured GHG emissions according to internal and regulatory standards.

Stakeholder Management

• Coordinate and communicate effectively with internal/external entities to uphold business ethics and ensure effective service delivery.

• Represent EGA in technological forums, associations, and government bodies as directed.

Safety, Quality & Environment

• Ensure compliance with safety, legal, ethical, quality, and environmental policies.

• Propose and develop monitoring systems aligned with EHS policies.

• Guide environmental model development and offer technical support for emission reduction and recycling.

Change Management

• Drive optimization and manage change through improved R&D systems, practices, and standards.

• Propose guidelines and information for the transformation to net-zero smelting assets.

Reporting

• Ensure timely and accurate preparation of functional reports as per EGA standards.

People, Learning and Growth

• Promote innovation, business excellence, and a positive work environment.

• Conduct appraisals and recommend promotions.

• Ensure training and development of national trainees and subordinates.

• Provide coaching and mentoring support.

AUTHORITY / DECISION MAKING

Guidelines

• Participate in recruitment to select high-calibre candidates.

• Recommend process parameter changes to improve efficiency and quality.

• Advise on new equipment/process design.

• Approve transactions in SAP per delegated authority.

• Prescribe corrective/preventive actions for research or quality deviations.

• Lead/support cross-functional projects and initiatives.

• Promote EGA brand.

• Provide guidance for effective solution implementation and budget utilization.

• Manage teams (engineers, technicians, operators), promoting teamwork and job fluidity.

• Support peers during their leave and operate flexibly.

Decision Making

• Work direction governed by practices/procedures; output is managed.

QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering from a recognized university.

Minimum Experience

• 5 years of relevant experience as a process engineer.

• 2 years of relevant experience in a primary aluminium function (e.g., fume treatment, environment, midstream operations).

• Proven experience in managing continuous improvement projects.

• In-depth knowledge of:

  • Materials science (CO2, PFC, inert electrodes, chemistry).
  • Chemical process engineering and control.
  • Aluminium sector processes (e.g., reduction cells, fume treatment, energy recovery).
  • Environmental emissions and risk management.

Skills

• Proactive, independent problem-solving in complex manufacturing environments.

• Strong project and contract management with teamwork capabilities.

• High self-confidence, work ethic, communication, and interpersonal skills.

• Continuous learning mindset.

• Comprehensive knowledge of aluminium production.

• Strong technical, analytical, and documentation skills.

• Proficiency in relevant software: MS Office, ASPEN, Matlab, Minitab, JMP, etc.