Senior Hydrometallurgy Process Development Engineer

Placements24; Willows (CA); On-site; USD 61,000 - 121,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Process Development Engineer to lead hydrometallurgical R&D activities in Welkom, with responsibilities spanning laboratory studies, pilot-plant operations, and feasibility analyses.

The candidate should have a strong chemical/metallurgical engineering background and extensive experience in leaching, SX IX EW, and process simulation tools, delivering technically sound and economically viable solutions.

Qualifications

• M.Sc. or Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, or a related field with a specialization in hydrometallurgy.
• A minimum of 7 years of relevant industrial experience in process development, with a significant focus on hydrometallurgical operations.
• Proven experience with key hydrometallurgical unit operations such as leaching (cyanidation, acid leaching), solvent extraction (SX), ion exchange (IX), and electrowinning (EW).
• Proficiency in process simulation software (e.g., Aspen Plus, HSC Chemistry) is highly desirable.
• Strong understanding of thermodynamics, kinetics, and mass transfer.

Responsibilities

• Design, execute, and interpret laboratory and pilot plant experiments for hydrometallurgical process development and optimization.
• Develop process flowsheets, mass and energy balances, and equipment specifications for new and existing processes.
• Conduct techno-economic evaluations and feasibility studies for proposed hydrometallurgical projects.
• Troubleshoot and resolve operational issues in pilot and commercial plants.
• Collaborate with R&D scientists, metallurgists, and plant operations personnel to implement process improvements.
• Stay updated with the latest advancements in hydrometallurgy, leaching, solvent extraction, ion exchange, and electrowinning technologies.
• Prepare detailed technical reports, project proposals, and presentations for management and stakeholders.
• Ensure all process development activities comply with safety, health, and environmental regulations.
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to the technical growth of the department.

Skills

Hydrometallurgy

Process development

Pilot plant ops

Tech reporting

Mentoring

Education

MSc or PhD in Chemical/Metallurgical Eng

Tools

Aspen Plus

HSC Chemistry

Job description

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Process Development Engineer to lead hydrometallurgical R&D activities in Welkom, with responsibilities spanning laboratory studies, pilot-plant operations, and feasibility analyses.

The candidate should have a strong chemical/metallurgical engineering background and extensive experience in leaching, SX IX EW, and process simulation tools, delivering technically sound and economically viable solutions.