Lead Metallurgical Process Engineer | Hybrid, Base Metals Leader

Placements24; Vereeniging; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Medical insurance

Retirement savings plan

Professional development

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Lead Metallurgical Process Engineer to optimize base metal processes in Vereeniging, SA. You will lead a team of engineers and technicians, advancing flotation, leaching, and refining while driving safety and environmental compliance.

Hybrid role with on-site Vereeniging presence and remote collaboration for select tasks. Requires 10+ years in metallurgical processing and strong leadership and data-analysis skills.

Qualifications

• Master's or Ph.D. degree in Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in metallurgical processing, with at least 5 years in a leadership role focused on base metals.
• In-depth knowledge of mineral processing principles for copper, zinc, lead, nickel, or other base metals.
• Proven experience with process simulation software (e.g., METSIM, HSC) and data analysis.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and manage technical teams and projects.
• Strong understanding of plant operations, safety protocols, and environmental regulations.
• Excellent communication, problem-solving, and strategic thinking skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid environment, requiring both on-site presence and remote collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development, implementation, and optimization of base metal processing circuits (e.g., flotation, leaching, solvent extraction, electrowinning).
• Oversee process troubleshooting and provide expert technical support to plant operations.
• Manage metallurgical test work programs, from laboratory scale to pilot plant trials.
• Analyze process data, identify trends, and recommend improvements to enhance recovery and product specifications.
• Lead and mentor a team of metallurgical engineers and technicians, fostering technical excellence and professional growth.
• Develop and manage capital expenditure projects related to process upgrades and new installations.
• Ensure all metallurgical activities comply with safety, environmental, and quality standards.
• Collaborate with research and development teams to explore new processing technologies.
• Prepare technical reports, feasibility studies, and presentations for management.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Problem solving

Strategic thinking

Data analysis

Education

Master's or PhD in Metallurgy or Chemical Engineering

Tools

METSIM

HSC

Job description

Placements24 seeks a Lead Metallurgical Process Engineer to optimize base metal processes in Vereeniging, SA. You will lead a team of engineers and technicians, advancing flotation, leaching, and refining while driving safety and environmental compliance.

Hybrid role with on-site Vereeniging presence and remote collaboration for select tasks. Requires 10+ years in metallurgical processing and strong leadership and data-analysis skills.