Lead Process Engineer - Smelting Operations

Placements24; Vereeniging; On-site; ZAR 1,800,000 - 3,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid

Pension fund

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Lead Process Engineer to manage and optimize smelting operations in Vereeniging, Gauteng. This senior role drives safety, environmental compliance and productivity through advanced pyrometallurgy and process control expertise.

The successful candidate will lead a technical team, implement debottlenecking projects, and stay ahead of industry innovations to maintain competitive advantage.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Chemical or Metallurgical Engineering.
• 8–10 years in process engineering, with emphasis on smelting operations.
• Expertise in pyrometallurgy, furnace operations, and gas handling.
• Proven experience in process optimization, debottlenecking, and continuous improvement.
• Proficiency with process simulation software and data analysis techniques.
• Strong understanding of process control systems and instrumentation.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and optimize all smelting plant processes for yield, efficiency and energy use.
• Lead the technical team in troubleshooting operational issues and implementing solutions.
• Develop and execute process improvement projects and evaluate new technologies.
• Ensure compliance with environmental regulations and safety standards.
• Conduct process audits and report findings to senior management.
• Collaborate with maintenance and operations to ensure equipment reliability.
• Manage process data acquisition and analysis using statistical methods and simulations.
• Provide mentorship to junior engineers and operators.
• Develop and maintain SOPs and process documentation.
• Stay updated on industry best practices and technological advances in smelting.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Project management

Problem solving

Education

Master's degree in Chemical/Metallurgical Engineering

Tools

Process simulation software

Advanced data analysis

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major player in the metals and mining industry, is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Lead Process Engineer to manage and optimize their smelting operations in Vereeniging, Gauteng . This senior role is central to ensuring the efficiency, safety, and environmental compliance of the smelting processes. The Lead Process Engineer will be responsible for driving continuous improvement initiatives, troubleshooting complex operational challenges, and implementing new technologies to enhance productivity and product quality. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in pyrometallurgy, process control, and chemical engineering principles, specifically as applied to smelting operations. Working in the industrial hub of Vereeniging , this position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to critical metallurgical processes that form the backbone of South Africa's industrial sector. We are seeking a proactive and analytical leader capable of guiding a team of engineers and technicians towards achieving operational excellence and maintaining a competitive advantage for our client.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee and optimize the performance of all smelting plant processes, focusing on yield, efficiency, and energy consumption.


• Lead the technical team in troubleshooting operational issues, identifying root causes, and implementing effective solutions.


• Develop and implement process improvement projects, including the evaluation and introduction of new technologies and methodologies.


• Ensure strict adherence to environmental regulations and company safety standards in all smelting activities.


• Conduct regular process audits and performance analyses, reporting findings and recommendations to senior management.


• Collaborate with maintenance and operations teams to ensure the reliability and integrity of plant equipment.


• Manage process data acquisition and analysis, utilizing statistical methods and process simulation tools.


• Provide technical mentorship and guidance to junior process engineers and plant operators.


• Develop and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs) and process documentation.


• Stay abreast of industry best practices and technological advancements in smelting and refining.

Requirements

• A Master's degree in Chemical Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, or a related field.


• A minimum of 8-10 years of experience in process engineering, with a strong focus on smelting operations in the non-ferrous metals industry.


• Demonstrated expertise in pyrometallurgical processes, furnace operations, and gas handling.


• Proven experience in process optimization, debottlenecking, and continuous improvement methodologies.


• Proficiency in process simulation software and advanced data analysis techniques.


• Strong understanding of process control systems and instrumentation relevant to smelting.


• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.


• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and work effectively under pressure.


• Professional registration (e.g., Pr.Eng) with ECSA or equivalent is highly desirable.


• Willingness to work on-site in Vereeniging and respond to operational needs.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive medical aid, pension fund, and performance-based incentives.


• This role provides significant opportunities for professional growth, leadership development, and contribution to major industrial processes.


• Relocation assistance may be considered for qualified candidates moving to Vereeniging .


• Join a company dedicated to operational excellence, technological innovation, and sustainable resource management.