Hybrid Lead Metallurgical Engineer Smelting & Refining

Placements24; Gauteng; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Lead Metallurgical Process Engineer to direct smelting and refining operations in Tembisa, Gauteng. Lead a team of metallurgists, drive process improvements, and ensure safety, environmental compliance, and high performance across base metals operations.

The role emphasizes project leadership from concept to implementation, with hybrid work arrangements and opportunities to advance through cutting-edge metallurgical technologies.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Metallurgy or Chemical Engineering or related field.
• 10+ years progressive metallurgical process engineering experience, 5+ years in leadership/supervisory roles.
• Deep knowledge of pyrometallurgical and hydrometallurgical principles in commercial operations.
• Experience with process simulation/modeling (HSC Chemistry, METSIM).
• Proven ability to lead and develop technical teams.
• Strong project management with track record of delivering complex projects.
• Ability to troubleshoot and optimize plant operations to improve recovery and reduce costs.
• In-depth understanding of SHE regulations and best practices in metals.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills.
• Experience in base metals refining (copper, nickel, zinc) is highly desirable.
• Willingness to work a hybrid schedule (on-site leadership with remote analysis) in Tembisa, Gauteng.

Responsibilities

• Lead development, implementation, and optimization of metallurgical processes for smelting and refining (base metals).
• Supervise and mentor metallurgical engineers and technicians.
• Conduct process audits, identify improvements, and develop action plans to boost efficiency and recovery.
• Manage process development projects from concept through pilot and full-scale implementation.
• Develop process models, simulations, and control strategies for performance and quality.
• Troubleshoot complex issues, diagnose root causes, and minimize downtime.
• Ensure compliance with SHE standards and promote safety culture.
• Collaborate with R&D, operations, and maintenance to drive innovation and adopt new tech.
• Prepare technical reports, feasibility studies, and process documentation.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Team development

Troubleshooting

Communication

Safety & SHE awareness

Education

Master's or PhD in Metallurgy or Chemical Engineering

Tools

HSC Chemistry

METSIM

Job description

Placements24 seeks a Lead Metallurgical Process Engineer to direct smelting and refining operations in Tembisa, Gauteng. Lead a team of metallurgists, drive process improvements, and ensure safety, environmental compliance, and high performance across base metals operations.

The role emphasizes project leadership from concept to implementation, with hybrid work arrangements and opportunities to advance through cutting-edge metallurgical technologies.