Chemical Engineer - Hydrometallurgy & Extraction Processes

Placements24; Upington; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Retirement benefits

Performance incentives

Professional growth opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Chemical Engineer near Upington, Northern Cape, to lead hydrometallurgical process development and optimization. The role blends on-site plant work with remote data analysis and reporting, emphasizing safety, efficiency and environmental stewardship.

Your background includes 7+ years in process engineering, with strong metals recovery experience and proficiency in process control and data analysis tools.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical or Metallurgical Engineering.
• 7+ years experience in process engineering with a focus on hydrometallurgy and metal extraction.
• Proven experience with chemical processes involving valuable metals recovery.
• Solid understanding of thermodynamics, kinetics and unit operations relevant to hydrometallurgy.
• Experience with process control systems and data analysis tools.

Responsibilities

• Optimize and troubleshoot metal extraction processes (leaching, solvent extraction, ion exchange, electrowinning).
• Perform mass and energy balances, process simulations, and P&ID reviews.
• Monitor plant performance; identify trends and implement improvements to reduce costs.
• Contribute to PHAs and ensure safety and environmental compliance.
• Collaborate with operations, maintenance and laboratory staff to address challenges.
• Assist in managing minor capital projects and process modification studies.
• Develop and update SOPs and technical documentation.
• Prepare technical reports and presentations on process performance.

Skills

Hydrometallurgy

Process optimization

Data analysis

Safety awareness

Education

Bachelors in Chemical/Metallurgical Eng

Tools

Process control systems

Data analysis tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent entity in the resources sector, is seeking an experienced Chemical Engineer to contribute to their hydrometallurgical operations and process development initiatives near Upington, Northern Cape . This hybrid role will involve a combination of on-site process analysis and optimization at the plant, alongside remote work for data analysis, modeling, and reporting. The ideal candidate will possess a strong understanding of chemical extraction processes, particularly those involving valuable metals, coupled with expertise in process control and troubleshooting. You will be key in improving yields, ensuring operational efficiency, and maintaining high safety and environmental standards in a challenging industrial setting.

Key Responsibilities

• Optimize and troubleshoot chemical processes for metal extraction and recovery (e.g., leaching, solvent extraction, ion exchange, electrowinning).
• Conduct mass and energy balance calculations, process simulations, and P&ID reviews.
• Monitor plant performance data, identify trends, and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency and reduce costs.
• Participate in process hazard analyses (PHAs) and ensure compliance with safety and environmental regulations.
• Collaborate with operations, maintenance, and laboratory personnel to address operational challenges and implement solutions.
• Assist in the management of minor capital projects and process modification studies.
• Develop and update Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and technical documentation.
• Prepare technical reports and presentations on process performance and project outcomes.
• Stay informed about new technologies and advancements in hydrometallurgy and mineral processing.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or Metallurgical Engineering.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in process engineering, with a strong focus on hydrometallurgy and metal extraction.
• Proven experience with chemical processes involving valuable metals recovery.
• Solid understanding of chemical thermodynamics, kinetics, and unit operations relevant to hydrometallurgy.
• Experience with process control systems and data analysis tools is essential.
• Familiarity with process safety management (PSM) principles.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and diagnostic skills.
• Effective communication and teamwork capabilities.
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid capacity, balancing on-site and remote tasks.
• Previous experience supporting industrial operations in the Northern Cape , particularly near Upington , is highly advantageous.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive medical and retirement benefits, performance-related incentives, and opportunities for professional growth and development. This hybrid role based near Upington provides a strategic balance of on-site engagement and remote flexibility, contributing to a vital sector in the Northern Cape .