Lead Process Engineer - Hydrometallurgy

Placements24; East London; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Process Engineer specializing in hydrometallurgy to join a remote-first technical services team. You will design, optimize, and troubleshoot hydrometallurgical processes for metal recovery, collaborating with chemists, metallurgists, and project managers worldwide.

The role emphasizes mentoring junior engineers, delivering high-quality technical reports, and ensuring safety and environmental compliance while leveraging state‑of‑the‑art simulation tools from home

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's in Chemical or Metallurgical Engineering.
• Minimum of 10 years in process engineering with a strong hydrometallurgy focus.
• Experience in mining or chemical processing industries.
• Proficiency with Aspen Plus or HSC Chemistry.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, development, and optimization of hydrometallurgical processes (leaching, solvent extraction, ion exchange, electrowinning, precipitation).
• Perform feasibility studies and detailed engineering for hydrometallurgical plants.
• Run process simulations and modeling using industry-standard software.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex operational issues in existing hydrometallurgical facilities.
• Collaborate with metallurgists, chemists, project managers, and site operations teams.
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to team technical expertise.
• Prepare technical reports, PFDs, P&IDs, and equipment specifications.
• Ensure safety, environmental, and economic objectives are met.

Skills

Leadership

Hydrometallurgy

Analytical skills

Remote teamwork

Communication

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Chemical/Metallurgical Engineering

Tools

Aspen Plus

HSC Chemistry

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a global leader in mineral processing and extraction, is actively seeking a highly experienced Lead Process Engineer specializing in Hydrometallurgy to join their fully remote technical services team. This role is crucial for driving innovation and optimization in the recovery of valuable metals from ores and concentrates. You will be instrumental in designing, evaluating, and implementing hydrometallurgical processes, troubleshooting operational challenges, and ensuring the efficiency and sustainability of our client's projects worldwide. As a remote-first organization, we provide the infrastructure and collaborative tools necessary for you to excel from your home office. The successful candidate will possess a deep understanding of chemical engineering principles applied to hydrometallurgy, excellent analytical skills, and a proven ability to lead complex process development initiatives. We are committed to fostering a dynamic and supportive remote work environment that encourages professional development and cutting-edge solutions. Your expertise will be vital in advancing our client's processing capabilities.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and optimization of hydrometallurgical processes (e.g., leaching, solvent extraction, ion exchange, electrowinning, precipitation).
• Conduct feasibility studies, conceptual designs, and detailed engineering for hydrometallurgical plants.
• Perform process simulations and modeling using industry-standard software.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex operational issues in existing hydrometallurgical facilities.
• Evaluate new technologies and innovative approaches for metal recovery and purification.
• Collaborate closely with metallurgists, chemists, project managers, and site operations teams.
• Prepare comprehensive technical reports, PFDs, P&IDs, and equipment specifications.
• Ensure processes comply with safety, environmental, and economic objectives.
• Mentor junior process engineers and contribute to the team's technical expertise.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering or Metallurgical Engineering.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in process engineering, with a strong specialization in hydrometallurgy within the mining or chemical processing industries.
• In-depth knowledge of various hydrometallurgical unit operations and their application.
• Proficiency with process simulation software such as Aspen Plus, HSC Chemistry, or similar.
• Strong understanding of thermodynamics, kinetics, and mass transfer principles relevant to hydrometallurgy.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills.
• Superior written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex technical information effectively.
• Demonstrated ability to lead projects and mentor junior engineers in a remote setting.
• Must have a robust home office setup with reliable, high-speed internet access.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and bonus structure.
• Comprehensive health, dental, vision, and life insurance.
• Retirement savings plan with employer matching.
• Significant opportunities for professional growth, training, and conference participation.
• Generous paid time off and holidays.
• Flexible working hours and a supportive remote work culture.
• Access to cutting-edge simulation and design tools.