Smelter Operation Readiness - Process Engineer

PT Freeport Indonesia; Gresik; On-site; IDR 100.000.000 - 200.000.000; Full time

Job summary

A leading metallurgical company in Indonesia is seeking a qualified Metallurgical Engineer to optimize smelting and refining processes. You will be responsible for monitoring operations, introducing process efficiencies, and ensuring safety compliance while collaborating with various teams. The ideal candidate holds a degree in Metallurgical or Chemical Engineering with 3-5 years of relevant experience. This position offers a chance to work in an impactful role in a dynamic industry.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3-5 years of experience in smelting, refining, or similar industrial processes.
• Exposure to Lean Six Sigma and OSHA standards.

Responsibilities

• Design and improve metallurgical processes for efficiency.
• Oversee performance of equipment and introduce advanced technologies.
• Implement safety protocols and ensure environmental compliance.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Proficiency with process simulation software

Strong understanding of pyrometallurgy

Knowledge of industrial safety standards

Education

Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Metallurgical or Chemical Engineering

Job description

Overview

Designing, analysing, optimizing, and maintaining metallurgical processes in designated area (Material Handling and Hot Metal Operations) of smelting & refining processes. This role ensures efficiency, safety, environmental compliance, and cost-effectiveness in smelting & refining operations.

The key duties and responsibilities of this position:

1. Process Monitoring, Development, and Optimization

• Monitor process parameters and respond promptly to alarms or abnormal conditions.
• Monitor and adjust parameters (temperature, pressure, composition) for optimal results.
• Design and improve processes for material handling, melting, refining, casting, solidifying metals and gas conversion.
• Reduce energy consumption and minimize material waste.
• Lead and support long-term process improvement initiatives and optimization projects.
• Support immediate corrective actions to maintain process stability and safety.

2. Equipment and Technology Management

• Oversee the performance of each designated area control (e.g. furnaces, kilns, converters, electrolysis systems, etc.).
• Introduce and integrate advanced technologies for process automation and monitoring.

3. Safety and Environmental Compliance

• Implement safety protocols to protect workers from hazards (e.g., high temperatures, fumes, molten materials).
• Ensure compliance with environmental regulations, focusing on emissions, slag, and waste management.

4. Troubleshooting and Problem-Solving

• Identify inefficiencies or issues in smelting & refining operations and provide solutions.
• Work with technical team to resolve equipment or process-related downtime.
• Work on root cause analysis and continuous improvement strategies.
• Provide real-time support for process deviations and operational troubleshooting.

5. Quality Assurance

• Monitor output quality to ensure metals meet industry and customer specifications.
• Test and analyse products to address impurities or defects.

6. Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Coordinate with Shift Supervisor/Operator, Operational/Mining, Maintenance, Production, and Environmental teams.
• Work closely with Operations, Automation, and Laboratory team to introduce innovative solutions and improve sustainability.

7. Reporting and Documentation

• Prepare reports on process performance, material usage, and environmental impact.
• Maintain detailed documentation of processes, experiments, and improvement initiatives.
• Coordinate and document process trials and pilot studies.
• Ensure effective communication and handover between shifts.

The key challenges in this position:

• Process Optimization by balancing efficiency, cost, and quality while maintaining consistent output.
• Raw Material Variability due to inconsistent quality of ore or concentrates affects process stability and output.
• Communicating complex process adjustments to operations team.

The background, education, and work experience needed to succeed in this job are:

• Bachelors Degree or Masters Degree in Metallurgical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or related field with minimum 3-5 years of experience in smelting, refining, or similar heavy industrial processes.
• Having exposure in Lean Six Sigma, OSHA, or any Parameters Testing Methods and Control.

Core Competencies (Knowledge, Skills & Characters)

• Strong understanding of pyrometallurgy and hydrometallurgy processes.
• Proficiency with process simulation software.
• Analytical thinking for diagnosing and resolving process inefficiencies.
• Knowledge of industrial safety standards and environmental regulations.
• Ability to present findings and recommendations clearly to teams and management.

Deadline : 25 September 2025

Mining, Minerals & Metals More than 10,000 employees