Chemical Engineer - Hydrometallurgy and Extraction

Placements24; Willows (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Competitive medical benefits

Retirement benefits

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Chemical Engineer with strong hydrometallurgy expertise to lead the design, optimization, and troubleshooting of metal extraction and purification processes near Welkom, Free State. You will work across lab, pilot, and plant scales to implement efficient, cost-effective solutions.

The role requires 5+ years in hydrometallurgy or extractive metallurgy, with hands-on experience in leaching, precipitation, solvent extraction, ion exchange, and electrowinning.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in chemical engineering with focus on hydrometallurgy or related extractive metallurgy processes.
• Experience with leaching, precipitation, solvent extraction, ion exchange, and electrowinning.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and optimize hydrometallurgical processes for metal extraction and purification.
• Conduct laboratory and pilot-scale studies to evaluate new process technologies and operating parameters.
• Develop and refine PFDs and P&IDs for hydrometallurgical plants.
• Troubleshoot operational issues in leaching, solvent extraction, electrowinning, and precipitation circuits.
• Perform mass and energy balance calculations for process design and optimization.
• Ensure compliance with safety, health, and environmental standards.
• Collaborate with metallurgists, geologists, and operations personnel to meet production targets.
• Evaluate process equipment and materials of construction.

Skills

Hydrometallurgy

Solvent extraction

Ion exchange

Electrowinning

Process simulation

Safety & risk management

Analytical problem solving

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Process simulation software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent company in the precious metals sector, is seeking a dedicated Chemical Engineer with specialized experience in Hydrometallurgy and Extraction to join their operations near Welkom, Free State. This role is critical for optimizing and developing efficient chemical processes for the extraction and purification of metals. You will be involved in process design, troubleshooting, and implementing innovative solutions to improve recovery rates and reduce operational costs. The ideal candidate will possess a strong foundation in chemical engineering principles, with specific expertise in aqueous processing, solvent extraction, and ion exchange. This is an exceptional opportunity to contribute to a vital industry in the Free State province and further develop your career in a challenging and rewarding environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and optimize hydrometallurgical processes for metal extraction and purification.
• Conduct laboratory and pilot-scale studies to evaluate new process technologies and operating parameters.
• Develop and refine process flow diagrams (PFDs) and P&IDs for hydrometallurgical plants.
• Troubleshoot operational issues in leaching, solvent extraction, electrowinning, and precipitation circuits.
• Perform mass balance and energy balance calculations for process design and optimization.
• Ensure compliance with stringent safety, health, and environmental (SHE) standards.
• Collaborate with metallurgists, geologists, and operations personnel to achieve production targets.
• Evaluate and recommend process equipment and materials of construction.
• Prepare technical reports, feasibility studies, and cost estimates for process modifications and projects.
• Stay informed about advancements in hydrometallurgical techniques and related technologies.
• Provide technical support and guidance to plant operators and junior engineers.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in chemical engineering, with a significant focus on hydrometallurgy or related extractive metallurgy processes.
• Demonstrated experience with leaching, precipitation, solvent extraction, ion exchange, and electrowinning.
• Proficiency in process simulation and modeling software.
• Strong understanding of chemical kinetics, thermodynamics, and solution chemistry relevant to metal extraction.
• Experience with process safety assessments and risk management.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Familiarity with the operational environment of Welkom, Free State or a willingness to relocate.
• Experience in precious metals or base metals processing is highly desirable.

Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience and expertise.
• Comprehensive medical and retirement benefits package.
• Opportunities for continuous professional development and training.
• Relocation assistance for qualified individuals.
• Exposure to cutting‑edge metallurgical processes in the Free State.
• A stable and secure position within a respected organization.