Chief Process Engineer - Metallurgy

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); On-site; ZAR 1,500,000 - 1,900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid

Pension fund

Life insurance

Annual leave

Professional development

Career advancement

Cutting-edge tech

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Chief Process Engineer to lead metallurgical processing plants in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga. You will drive design, optimisation, and operations to maximise recovery, quality, safety and profitability.

The role requires a Chemical or Metallurgical Engineering background with 10+ years in mining process engineering, proven leadership, and hands-on experience with HSC Chemistry or METSIM and process control systems.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, or related field.
• 10+ years experience in process engineering within mining/metals.
• Expertise in designing and optimising mineral processing technologies.
• Strong knowledge of process simulation software (HSC Chemistry, METSIM) and control systems.
• Proven ability to lead technical teams and manage complex engineering projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, development, and optimisation of mineral processing circuits (e.g., comminution, flotation, leaching, refining).
• Develop and implement process control strategies for quality and efficiency.
• Conduct feasibility studies, economic evaluations, and process simulations for projects and upgrades.
• Provide mentorship to a team of process engineers and metallurgists.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations.

Skills

Leadership

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Communication

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Chemical/Metallurgical Engineering

Tools

HSC Chemistry

METSIM

Job description

About the Role Our client, a major force in the mineral processing industry, is seeking a distinguished Chief Process Engineer to lead their engineering efforts in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga. This senior role will be pivotal in driving the design, optimisation, and operational efficiency of complex metallurgical processing plants. The successful candidate will leverage extensive technical expertise to ensure that processes meet stringent quality, safety, and environmental standards while maximizing recovery rates and profitability. This position requires a deep understanding of mineralogy, chemical engineering principles, and process control systems. We are looking for an innovative leader to guide our technical direction in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga region.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and optimisation of mineral processing circuits (e.g., comminution, flotation, leaching, refining).
• Develop and implement process control strategies to ensure consistent product quality and operational efficiency.
• Conduct feasibility studies, economic evaluations, and process simulations for new projects and plant upgrades.
• Provide expert technical guidance and mentorship to a team of process engineers and metallurgists.
• Troubleshoot complex operational problems and implement effective solutions.
• Ensure all process designs and operations comply with relevant health, safety, and environmental regulations.
• Collaborate with R&D, operations, and project management teams to integrate new technologies and best practices.
• Prepare detailed engineering reports, process flow diagrams (PFDs), and piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs).
• Manage process engineering aspects of capital projects, from concept to commissioning.
• Stay current with advancements in metallurgical processing and process engineering.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, or a related field.
• A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in process engineering within the mining and metals industry.
• Demonstrated expertise in designing and optimising various mineral processing technologies.
• Strong knowledge of process simulation software (e.g., HSC Chemistry, METSIM) and control systems.
• Proven ability to lead technical teams and manage complex engineering projects.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with experience presenting technical information.
• Must be willing to work full-time in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga.
• Valid driver's license.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and performance-related bonus structure.
• Comprehensive medical aid, pension fund, and life insurance.
• Generous annual leave and paid time off.
• Opportunities for professional development, including further education and conference attendance.
• Exposure to cutting-edge processing technologies and challenging projects.
• Potential for career advancement within a leading international mining group.