Lead Process Design Engineer

Placements24; Klerksdorp; Hybrid; ZAR 1,800,000 - 2,600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive salary package

Annual bonuses

Medical coverage

Provident fund

Generous leave provisions

Relocation support

Job summary

Placements24 is recruiting a Lead Process Design Engineer for projects near Klerksdorp, North West. You will spearhead process development, conceptual and detailed design of metallurgical circuits, and lead a team to deliver technically sound, economically viable solutions.

The role emphasizes mineral processing, chemical engineering, and advanced process simulations, with leadership across disciplines and a strong focus on safety and environmental standards.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Chemical or Metallurgical Engineering or related field.
• At least 10 years in process design/engineering within mining/mineral processing.
• Proven leadership of design teams and engineering projects from concept to completion.
• Experience with mineral processing unit operations and process control/automation.

Responsibilities

• Lead conceptual design, FEED, and detailed design of mineral processing plants.
• Develop PFDs, P&IDs, and equipment specs.
• Run process simulations and perform mass/energy balances.
• Conduct feasibility studies and economic evaluations.
• Oversee equipment selection and vendor coordination.
• Ensure compliance with safety and environmental standards (HAZOP).
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to engineers.
• Prepare reports, proposals, and project documentation.

Skills

Mineral processing

Chemical engineering

Process simulation

FEED & detailed design

PFDs & P&IDs

Leadership & mentoring

Project management

HAZOP & safety

Education

Master's degree in Chemical/Metallurgical Engineering

Tools

Aspen Plus

Metso Outotec software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent force in the mining industry, is seeking an experienced and innovative Lead Process Design Engineer to spearhead process development and design for their facilities near Klerksdorp, North West. This senior position is vital for conceptualizing, developing, and optimizing the metallurgical and processing circuits for new projects and expansions. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in mineral processing, chemical engineering, and process simulation, coupled with excellent leadership and project management skills. You will be responsible for leading a team of engineers, ensuring that designs are technically sound, economically viable, and meet stringent safety and environmental standards. This is an exciting opportunity to shape the future of processing technologies within a dynamic mining environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the conceptual design, front-end engineering design (FEED), and detailed design of mineral processing plants.
• Develop process flow diagrams (PFDs), piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs), and equipment specifications.
• Perform process simulations and mass/energy balance calculations using industry-standard software (e.g., Aspen Plus, Metso Outotec software).
• Conduct feasibility studies and economic evaluations for new process designs and modifications.
• Oversee the selection and specification of process equipment, ensuring optimal performance and cost-effectiveness.
• Collaborate closely with other engineering disciplines (mechanical, electrical, structural) to ensure integrated project delivery.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to a team of process engineers and designers.
• Ensure all designs comply with relevant industry standards, safety regulations (e.g., HAZOP studies), and environmental requirements.
• Troubleshoot and optimize existing process plants to improve efficiency, recovery, and product quality.
• Manage external consultants and vendors involved in the design process.
• Prepare technical reports, proposals, and project documentation.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Chemical Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, or a related field.
• A minimum of 10 years of experience in process design and engineering within the mining and minerals processing industry.
• Proven experience in leading design teams and managing process engineering projects from concept to completion.
• Expertise in mineral processing unit operations (e.g., comminution, flotation, leaching, thickening, filtration).
• Proficiency in process simulation software and process modeling techniques.
• Strong understanding of equipment selection, process control, and automation.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Demonstrated leadership and team management abilities.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across disciplines.
• Knowledge of safety and environmental best practices in the mining sector.
• Professional Engineer (Pr.Eng) registration is highly desirable.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive executive salary package, complemented by annual bonuses and other performance incentives. A comprehensive benefits portfolio includes excellent medical coverage, a provident fund, and substantial leave provisions. The company invests in its employees' growth, offering extensive training, professional development opportunities, and clear career progression pathways. The location near Klerksdorp, North West , provides a blend of accessible amenities and a growing regional economy. Relocation support is available.