Project Design Engineer

OceanaGold; Kershaw (SC); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary with bonus

Health, vision, and dental insurance

Residential location near Charlotte,SC

Training & professional development

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

OceanaGold's Haile Gold Mine in South Carolina seeks a Project Metallurgist to optimize ore processing, increase gold recovery, and support plant improvement projects. You will act as the technical representative for project design, ensuring practical, safe solutions aligned with operations.

The role involves collaborating with engineers, contractors, and stakeholders, reviewing designs, and guiding brownfield changes while promoting a strong safety culture.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Metallurgy, Mineral Processing, Chemical Engineering, Mining Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Minimum three (3) years of experience in ore processing operations, process plant design, construction, commissioning, or operational readiness.
• Experience with paste backfill systems preferred.
• Experience reviewing structural, mechanical, or electrical designs preferred.

Responsibilities

• Represent the site’s technical interests during project design and execution.
• Work closely with engineering contractors and multidisciplinary stakeholders to support project delivery.
• Review and approve engineering deliverables for quality, compliance, and operational suitability.
• Coordinate technical interfaces and resolve design and implementation issues.
• Ensure brownfield integration requirements and operating plant constraints are incorporated into project designs.
• Support field verification activities and incorporate site conditions into engineering solutions.
• Participate in HAZOPs, constructability reviews, and design risk assessments.
• Provide technical support for procurement activities, vendor evaluations, and equipment selection.
• Manage technical deviations, design modifications, and change control processes.
• Liaise with operations, maintenance, and project teams to ensure alignment throughout project execution.
• Support construction, commissioning, operational readiness, and project handover activities.
• Promote safe work practices and continuous improvement in processing performance and project execution.

Skills

Analytical skills

Decision making

Stakeholder management

Communication skills

Project coordination

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Metallurgy / Mineral Processing / Chemical Engineering / Mining Engineering

Tools

Process control systems

Job description

OceanaGold is a global intermediate gold and copper producer with more than 35 years of exploration, development and operating experience. We have four operating mines – Haile in the USA, Macraes and Waihi in New Zealand, and Didipio in the Philippines and a global workforce of ~5,400 employees and contractors.

Our people, assets, and strategy are core to our success. Guided by our values—Care, Respect, Integrity, Performance, and Teamwork—we strive to be a trusted company people want to work for, partner with, supply and invest in, to create value. We are committed to safe and responsible mining that generates strong returns and contributes to sustainable development in the regions where we operate. OceanaGold is listed on the Toronto and New York Stock Exchanges (TSX: OGC; NYSE: OGC).

Job Description

Haile Gold Mine located in South Carolina is the largest gold mine on the East Coast of America. Our employees are at the heart of all we do. With 84% of our employees living in the surrounding community, they are neighbors and friends as well. Join our team, where your expertise can make a true impact!

The Project Metallurgist plays a key role in optimizing ore processing performance, increasing gold recovery and throughput, and supporting the successful delivery of plant improvement projects. This position serves as the technical representative for project design and implementation, ensuring engineering solutions are practical, safe, and aligned with operational requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Represent the site’s technical interests during project design and execution.
• Work closely with engineering contractors and multidisciplinary stakeholders to support project delivery.
• Review and approve engineering deliverables for quality, compliance, and operational suitability.
• Coordinate technical interfaces and resolve design and implementation issues.
• Ensure brownfield integration requirements and operating plant constraints are incorporated into project designs.
• Support field verification activities and incorporate site conditions into engineering solutions.
• Participate in HAZOPs, constructability reviews, and design risk assessments.
• Provide technical support for procurement activities, vendor evaluations, and equipment selection.
• Manage technical deviations, design modifications, and change control processes.
• Liaise with operations, maintenance, and project teams to ensure alignment throughout project execution.
• Support construction, commissioning, operational readiness, and project handover activities.
• Promote safe work practices and continuous improvement in processing performance and project execution.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Metallurgy, Mineral Processing, Chemical Engineering, Mining Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Minimum three (3) years of experience in ore processing operations, process plant design, construction, commissioning, or operational readiness.
• Experience with paste backfill systems preferred.
• Experience reviewing structural, mechanical, or electrical designs preferred.
• Knowledge of project management principles is advantageous.

Technical Knowledge

• Strong understanding of Environmental, Health and Safety (EHS) requirements and standards.
• Knowledge of mineral processing systems including comminution, flotation, CIL/CIP, carbon handling, refining, cyanide destruction, filtration, and paste backfill.
• Familiarity with contractor management and site-based project execution.
• Knowledge of plant process control systems and advanced process control techniques.
• Proficiency in data analysis, reporting, visualization, and technical documentation.

Skills & Abilities

• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making capabilities.
• Ability to evaluate technical risks and define project success criteria.
• Strong stakeholder management and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to simplify complex technical concepts for diverse audiences.
• Excellent organizational, planning, and project coordination skills.
• Strong written, verbal, and presentation communication skills.
• Ability to build consensus and work effectively across multidisciplinary and contractor teams.
• Demonstrates and promotes a strong safety culture.
• Acts with integrity, accountability, and professionalism.
• Builds positive and productive working relationships.
• Encourages collaboration, ownership, and employee empowerment.
• Demonstrates urgency and commitment to resolving operational and project challenges.
• Continuously seeks opportunities to improve safety, efficiency, and business performance.
• Thinks strategically and acts in the best interest of the business.

Additional Information

WHAT'S ON OFFER:

• Competitive salary + short-term and long-term bonus
• Comprehensive benefits package including health, vision and dental insurance, 401K, and more
• Great residential location close to Charlotte SC, and is located between the mountains and sea.
• Long service recognition
• Living Our Values recognition program
• Monthly paid training available and professional development
• Supportive work environment with a focus on safety and teamwork
• Access to OceanaGold Employee Assistance Program (EAP)