Lead Metallurgical Process Engineer

Placements24; Centurion; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

Provident fund

International training

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Metallurgical Process Engineer for Centurion, SA. You will lead a team of engineers and technicians to optimize metallurgical circuits, improve recovery, and reduce operating costs in a mining environment.

The ideal candidate has 8–12 years in metallurgical process engineering, 3–5 years in a leadership role, and expertise in mineral processing methods plus process simulation tools such as METSIM, HSC Chemistry and Aspen Plus.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Metallurgical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related field.
• 8–12 years of metallurgical process engineering experience, with 3–5 years in a lead or supervisory role.
• Experience with mineral processing techniques (e.g., flotation, leaching, smelting, refining).
• Proficient in process simulation software (METSIM, HSC Chemistry, Aspen Plus).
• Strong leadership, budgeting, and project management skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the metallurgical engineering team with technical direction, mentorship, and performance management.
• Develop and optimize metallurgical processes to maximize recovery and quality while minimizing costs.
• Conduct process evaluations and develop business cases for capital investments.
• Oversee pilot plant operations and scale-up studies for new or modified processes.
• Troubleshoot operational issues, diagnose root causes, and implement corrective actions.
• Collaborate with R&D, operations, and maintenance teams for seamless integration and performance.

Skills

Metallurgical engineering

Leadership

Project management

Process optimization

Mineral processing techniques

Data analysis

Flotation

Leaching

METSIM

HSC Chemistry

Aspen Plus

Regulatory compliance

Team mentorship

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Metallurgical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or related field

Tools

METSIM

HSC Chemistry

Aspen Plus

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major player in the mining and metals processing sector , is seeking an experienced and results-oriented Lead Metallurgical Process Engineer to join their operations based in Centurion, Gauteng . This senior position is crucial for optimizing the efficiency, yield, and cost-effectiveness of our client's metallurgical processes. The successful candidate will lead a team of engineers and technicians, drive process improvement initiatives, and ensure the highest standards of operational performance and safety. This role demands a deep understanding of mineral processing, hydrometallurgy, or pyrometallurgy, combined with strong leadership and project management skills. You will be responsible for driving innovation and ensuring the sustainability of our processing operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the metallurgical engineering team, providing technical direction, mentorship, and performance management.
• Develop, implement, and optimize metallurgical processes to maximize recovery rates and product quality while minimizing operational costs.
• Conduct detailed process evaluations, identify areas for improvement, and develop business cases for capital investments.
• Oversee pilot plant operations and scale-up studies for new or modified processes.
• Troubleshoot operational issues, diagnose root causes, and implement effective corrective actions.
• Collaborate with R&D, operations, and maintenance teams to ensure seamless integration and performance of metallurgical circuits.
• Develop and manage process simulation models to predict performance and optimize operating parameters.
• Ensure all metallurgical operations comply with stringent safety, environmental, and regulatory standards in Centurion, Gauteng .
• Prepare comprehensive technical reports, process documentation, and operational guidelines.
• Stay current with technological advancements in metallurgical engineering and recommend adoption of innovative solutions.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Metallurgical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 8-12 years of progressive experience in metallurgical process engineering, with at least 3-5 years in a lead or supervisory role.
• Extensive knowledge of mineral processing techniques (e.g., flotation, leaching, smelting, refining).
• Demonstrated experience in process optimization, troubleshooting, and scale-up in a mining or metals environment.
• Proficiency in process simulation software (e.g., METSIM, HSC Chemistry, Aspen Plus).
• Strong understanding of process control systems and data analysis techniques.
• Excellent leadership, team management, and communication skills.
• Proven ability to manage complex projects and budgets effectively.
• Experience working within South African regulatory frameworks is advantageous.

Benefits

Our client offers an attractive salary package, commensurate with the seniority and scope of this role, along with annual performance bonuses.

• Comprehensive medical coverage.
• A generous provident fund contribution.
• Opportunities for international training and conferences.

The company is committed to fostering a culture of professional growth and provides clear pathways for career advancement. This role offers significant autonomy and the opportunity to influence key strategic decisions within a well-established organization located in the bustling hub of Centurion, Gauteng.