Head: New Technology (Pyrometallurgy) - Re-advertised

Mintek Pty Ltd.; Randburg; On-site; ZAR 1,800,000 - 2,500,000; Full time

Job summary

Mintek Pty Ltd seeks to appoint a Head to lead fundamental and applied research and technology demonstration in the Pyrometallurgy Division. The role requires driving high-impact RDI programmes, securing funding, and delivering demonstrable value to industry and academia.

The successful candidate will provide technical leadership, manage pilot-scale projects, mentor staff and foster collaborations locally and internationally, while ensuring alignment with Mintek’s strategic objectives.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years’ experience in pyrometallurgy research and/or technology development.
• Experience in designing and operating pilot and/or industrial scale electric arc furnaces.
• Strong portfolio of publications in peer-reviewed ISI-rated journals.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Division's RDI programmes and technology transfer.
• Provide strategic leadership for high impact projects and funding strategies.
• Lead multidisciplinary assignments and serve as the key technical resource.
• Oversee planning, demonstration and management of pilot-scale projects.
• Develop proposals for new R&D projects and collaborations.

Skills

Pyrometallurgy

Leadership

RDI management

Pilot scale

Proposal writing

Education

Master of Engineering (Metallurgical/Chemical/Process/Mechanical/Electrical)

PhD in Metallurgical/Chemical/Process/Mechanical/Electrical Engineering

Tools

HSC Chemistry

FactSage

Job description

Head: New Technology (Pyrometallurgy) - Re-advertised

Listing reference: minte_000461

Listing status: Online

Apply by: 30 September 2026

Position summary

Industry: Scientific, Research & Development

Job category: Other: Engineering, Technical, Production and Manufacturing

Location: Randburg

Contract: Permanent

Remuneration: Market Related

EE position: Yes

Introduction

Mintek seeks to appoint a Head to lead fundamental and applied research and technology demonstration in the Pyrometallurgy Division. The successful candidate will provide specialist support in the development, demonstration and commercialisation of products and services developed by Mintek. Contributing to human capital development and willingness to work towards a common purpose, with a strong sense of equity and inclusion, are non-negotiable attributes of the role.

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS:

• Perform the total scope of work in the Division, including business development, applied research and technology development, technology transfer and commercialisation.
• Provide strategic leadership in driving high impact RDI programmes, commercial projects, contract research and funding strategies to drive productivity and ensure the financial sustainability of the Division.
• Provide technical leadership in formulating and executing disciplinary and multi-disciplinary assignments that require integration of specialist knowledge and skills, and function as the key technical resource in the Division.
• Providing expert and specialist support in the planning, demonstration, and managing complex pilot scale demonstration projects.
• Develop and write proposals for new R&D projects to drive the establishment and sustenance of world-class RDI infrastructure, research programmes, and human capital capacity at Mintek.
• Providing full administrative support to the Division, including managing and coordinating procurement processes for RDI infrastructure projects.
• Contribute to human capital development through coaching and mentoring, including providing postgraduate supervision where necessary.
• Contribute to the visibility and credibility of the Division through building and sustaining long-term collaborations with industrial and academic partners, both locally and globally.
• Provide disciplinary and multi-disciplinary assessment and guidance on strategic, governance and operational risks affecting the Division.

JOB KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:

• Minimum 10 years’ experience in pyrometallurgy research and/or technology development.
• Experience in designing and operating pilot and/or industrial scale electric arc furnaces.
• Strong pyrometallurgical testwork planning and execution capabilities, with the ability to developbespoke experimental techniques, models and prototypes from first principles up to pilot scaledemonstration.
• Track record in leading multidisciplinary teams in specialist research areas such as computational methods in engineering and process design, refractory materials design and characterisation, and technology and process demonstration.
• Demonstrable ability to conceptualize and manage complex RDI projects and take ideas from concept to market.
• Experience in designing pyrometallurgical processes and flowsheets using thermochemical software tools such as HSC Chemistry™ and FactSage™.
• A strong portfolio of publications in peer-reviewed ISI-rated journals
• Demonstrated ability to attract industry and/or bilateral research funding is highly advantageous.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• A minimum Master of Engineering degree in Metallurgical/Chemical/Process/Mechanical/Electrical Engineering, or equivalent, with a strong focus on pyrometallurgy research and/or technologydevelopment.
• A PhD in Metallurgical/Chemical/Process/Mechanical/Electrical Engineering, or equivalent, with astrong focus on pyrometallurgy research and/or technology development is a definite advantage.
• Professional registration is an added advantage.
• Experience with postgraduate supervision is an added advantage.

BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES:

• Team player who enjoys variety and has a strong affinity for planning and executing new and highimpact research.
• Passion for research, technology development, and technology transfer.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work in a stressful and demanding environment
• Willing to travel locally and internationally
• Prepared to work shifts in hot and dusty plant environments when required
• Ability to independently engage with industry leaders, operators and high-level internationalstakeholders
• Excellent writing and presentation skills