Principal Process Engineer - Welkom

Placements24; Willows (CA); On-site; USD 97,000 - 157,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive-level salary package

Private healthcare

Relocation assistance to Welkom

International travel opportunities

Access to cutting-edge technology

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Principal Process Engineer for on-site operations in Welkom, Free State. The role focuses on driving metallurgical process optimization, innovation, and safety across large processing facilities.

The incumbent will lead complex projects, mentor junior engineers, and ensure high performance and regulatory compliance. Ideal candidates have 12+ years in mineral processing or hydrometallurgy, with proven leadership and expertise in process simulation tools such as Aspen Plus and

Qualifications

• Master's degree or PhD in Chemical Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 12 years of progressive experience in process engineering, with a significant focus on mineral processing or hydrometallurgy.
• Demonstrated expertise in process simulation software (e.g., HSC Chemistry, Aspen Plus).
• Proven track record of successfully leading complex process engineering projects from concept to commissioning.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and implementation of innovative process improvements and new technologies.
• Conduct in-depth process analysis, identify bottlenecks, and develop solutions to enhance efficiency, recovery, and product quality.
• Provide expert technical guidance and support to plant operations and maintenance teams.
• Oversee feasibility studies, pilot plant trials, and scale-up of new processes.
• Develop and manage process simulation models to optimize plant performance and troubleshoot operational issues.
• Mentor and train junior process engineers, fostering a culture of technical excellence and continuous improvement.
• Ensure all process designs and operations comply with stringent safety, environmental, and regulatory standards.
• Collaborate with R&D, engineering, and operations departments to align process strategies with business objectives.
• Prepare detailed technical reports, specifications, and project proposals.

Skills

Process optimization

Leadership

Simulation software

Project management

Education

Master's or PhD in chemical/metallurgical engineering

Tools

Aspen Plus

HSC Chemistry

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leader in the mining and metals processing industry, is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Principal Process Engineer to join their esteemed operations in Welkom, Free State. This senior role is crucial for driving process optimization, innovation, and efficiency across their extensive processing facilities. The Principal Process Engineer will be responsible for leading complex projects, providing technical expertise, mentoring junior engineers, and ensuring the highest standards of operational performance and safety. This is an exceptional opportunity to shape the future of metallurgical processing and contribute to the sustainable development of significant resource projects in the Free State. The role requires dedicated on-site presence to effectively manage and improve plant operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and implementation of innovative process improvements and new technologies.
• Conduct in-depth process analysis, identify bottlenecks, and develop solutions to enhance efficiency, recovery, and product quality.
• Provide expert technical guidance and support to plant operations and maintenance teams.
• Oversee feasibility studies, pilot plant trials, and scale-up of new processes.
• Develop and manage process simulation models to optimize plant performance and troubleshoot operational issues.
• Mentor and train junior process engineers, fostering a culture of technical excellence and continuous improvement.
• Ensure all process designs and operations comply with stringent safety, environmental, and regulatory standards.
• Collaborate with R&D, engineering, and operations departments to align process strategies with business objectives.
• Prepare detailed technical reports, specifications, and project proposals.

Requirements

• Master's degree or PhD in Chemical Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 12 years of progressive experience in process engineering, with a significant focus on mineral processing or hydrometallurgy.
• Demonstrated expertise in process simulation software (e.g., HSC Chemistry, Aspen Plus).
• Proven track record of successfully leading complex process engineering projects from concept to commissioning.
• Strong understanding of unit operations, thermodynamics, and chemical kinetics relevant to the industry.
• Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and leadership skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate across different levels of the organization.
• Experience working within the South African mining sector.

Benefits

• Executive-level salary package with significant performance incentives.
• Comprehensive private healthcare and retirement benefits.
• Relocation assistance to Welkom.
• Opportunities for international travel and professional development.
• Access to cutting-edge technology and research facilities.
• A challenging and rewarding career path in a key industrial hub.