Process Engineer

Iluka Resources; Balranald; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

8:6 roster

Camp facilities

Inclusive culture

Training & development

Parental leave (up to 18 weeks)

Remuneration package with bonus

Job summary

Iluka Resources is seeking a Process Engineer for the Balranald operation to drive the ramp-up of new equipment and processing methods. You will integrate new technology with existing plant processes to improve efficiency and mineral recovery.

You will work under pressure in a dynamic environment, collaborating with teams across operations. A focus on safety, continuous improvement, and data-driven decisions is essential to success.

Qualifications

• Tertiary qualification in Engineering (Chemical, Process, Metallurgy or equivalent).
• Experience in process engineering within mining or resources sector preferred.
• EPA Radiation User License and experience as Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) preferred.

Responsibilities

• Developing and optimising processes for mineral recovery
• Collaborating with cross‑functional teams to improve operational performance and troubleshoot issues
• Conducting data analysis and providing technical support to enhance process efficiency
• Overseeing metallurgical testing, process development, and troubleshooting of operational issues
• Managing production accounting and end‑of‑month reconciliation processes

Skills

Chemical Eng

Process Eng

Analytical

Communication

Safety

Radiation License

Education

Engineering degree

Job description

• Site Based – Balranald, NSW

• 8 days on, 6 days off, Permanent Position
  

Iluka Resources is a global critical minerals company, with a proud 70 year history, entering a pivotal time of growth.

With a bright future ahead, we are seeking team members for our exciting Balranald operation where we will be deploying a new mining technology. Using remotely operated, novel underground mining (UGM) systems to extract key critical minerals.

At Balranald, the processing plant features essential processes, including screening, de-sliming, thickening, spirals, flotation, magnetic separation, and upgrades to optimise mineral recovery. The plant also includes a pond dredging system for fine tails reinjection. Additional activities include managing reagents and handling Rougher Head Feed reclaim. Our onsite laboratory is equipped with advanced testing equipment, including XRF, LST, a float bench, and particle sizers, ensuring quality control and reliable data for plant operations.

About the location

Iluka’s Balranald operation is located in the Riverina district of southwestern New South Wales. The development is focused on the rutile and zircon rich West Balranald deposit, which also contains material quantities of rare earth minerals.

Owing to its relative depth (approximately 60 metres below surface), Iluka has over several years assessed the potential to develop West Balranald via a novel, remotely operated, underground mining (UGM) technology.

Iluka’s UGM technology is akin to keyhole surgery for the mining of critical minerals. This enables access to ore bodies previously thought uneconomic, with marked reductions in both environmental disturbance and carbon intensity relative to traditional mineral sands extraction techniques, which are themselves less impactful than other commodities.

You can choose to reside locally, drive-in drive-out from towns within the regional area, or fly-in fly-out from Melbourne. For South Australian residents we will mobilise you via road transport from our Iluka office in Adelaide.

You can find out about our Balranald operation through the following link:

Balranald - Resource Development | Iluka Resources

About the role

We are seeking a Process Engineer to join our team at our Balranald operation. You will play a critical role in the ramp-up of new equipment and processes, ensuring they are integrated seamlessly into our operations. Your contributions will directly impact the efficiency and success of our new mining technology and processing plant.

Resilience and the ability to perform under pressure will be key in this dynamic environment!

Your responsibilities will include, but not limited to:

• Developing and optimising processes for mineral recovery

• Collaborating with cross‑functional teams to improve operational performance and troubleshoot issues

• Conducting data analysis and providing technical support to enhance process efficiency

• Overseeing metallurgical testing, process development, and troubleshooting of operational issues

• Managing production accounting and end‑of‑month reconciliation processes
  

About you

• Tertiary qualification in Engineering (Chemical, Process, Metallurgy or equivalent)

• Experience in process engineering within the mining or resources sector preferred

• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills

• Excellent communication and teamwork abilities

• A proactive approach to safety and continuous improvement

• Preferred: Holding an EPA Radiation User License and experience serving as a Radiation Safety Officer (RSO)
  

Our offer to you

• Family friendly 8:6 roster

• New camp facilities within proximity to the operation, including two gyms, a tennis & basketball court

• Besupported through an inclusive andcollaborative culture

• Opportunities for training and professional development

• Up to 18 weeks paid parental leave

• Competitive remuneration package including allowances and bonus structure

• Company share matching scheme

• Attractive relocation assistance packages for those interested!

We are committed to upholding our Business Values, supporting equal opportunities, gender equality and cultural diversity.

If you share our values of Integrity, Respect, Courage, Accountability and Collaboration; and you have the skills and experience to help us to succeed and deliver sustainable value,

_Full working rights in Australia are required for you to be eligible to apply for this role._

Applications close: 5 October 2026

“We respect and encourage diversity in a workforce that reflects our communities.”