Principal Engineer: Process Design (Re-Advertisement)

Mintek Pty Ltd.; Randburg; On-site; ZAR 950,000 - 1,600,000; Full time

Job summary

Mintek is seeking a Principal Engineer in Randburg to lead process design in the Biometallurgy Division's heap leaching programs. You will drive lab, pilot, and demonstration-scale work, mentor junior staff, and deliver high-quality technical outputs for clients and funding bodies.

The role requires a PhD in Chemical Engineering with extensive hydrometallurgy or heap leaching experience, and a proven track record in securing research funding.

Qualifications

• PhD in Chemical Engineering (with a BSc(Eng) or BEng undergraduate degree).
• A minimum of 6 years’ relevant experience in hydrometallurgy, bioleaching, or heap leaching including process development and management of complex commercial and research projects.
• Strong understanding of chemical and microbiological processes in heap leaching.
• Proven track record in attracting research funding (e.g. state grant, contract research, or similar funding mechanisms).

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee complex laboratory, pilot, and demonstration-scale test work for chemical and biological heap leaching systems.
• Drive research and innovation, contributing to the development of new technologies and methodologies in line with the Group’s focus areas.
• Provide mentorship and technical guidance to junior Engineers / Scientists / Technicians, supporting skills development and succession planning.
• Lead the preparation of high-quality technical reports, client deliverables, and presentations.
• Initiate, develop, and lead proposals for commercial work and research funding, including strategic input and client engagement.
• Contribute to business development, including client interaction and identification of new opportunities.
• Ensure compliance with SHEQ requirements, laboratory protocols, and data governance standards.
• Responsible for key process equipment and facilities, ensuring optimal utilisation, maintenance and development.

Skills

Project management

Leadership & mentoring

People development

Education

PhD in Chemical Engineering with BSc(Eng)/BEng

Job description

Principal Engineer: Process Design (Re-Advertisement)

Listing reference: minte_000432

Listing status: Under Review

Apply by: 14 July 2026

Position summary

Industry: Scientific, Research & Development

Job category: Engineering, Technical, Production and Manufacturing

Location: Randburg

Contract: Permanent

Remuneration: Market Related

EE position: Yes

Introduction

Mintek has an exciting opportunity for a Principal Engineer based in the Process Design Group within the Biometallurgy Division and will lead commercial and research projects in heap leaching of low-grade base and precious metal resources. The role requires providing technical leadership in process development, innovation, and scale-up, while leading complex, integrated projects and mentoring junior staff to ensure effective delivery and impact.

KEY PERFORMANCE AREAS:

• Lead and oversee complex laboratory, pilot, and demonstration-scale test work for chemical
  and biological heap leaching systems.
• Drive research and innovation, contributing to the development of new technologies and,
  methodologies in line with the Group’s focus areas.
• Provide mentorship and technical guidance to junior Engineers / Scientists / Technicians,
  supporting skills development and succession planning.
• Lead the preparation of high-quality technical reports, client deliverables, and presentations.
• Initiate, develop, and lead proposals for commercial work and research funding, including
  strategic input and client engagement.
• Contribute to business development, including client interaction and identification of new
  opportunities.
• Ensure compliance with SHEQ requirements, laboratory protocols, and data governance
  standards.
• Responsible for key process equipment and facilities, ensuring optimal utilisation,
  maintenance and development.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:

• PhD in Chemical Engineering (with a BSc(Eng) or BEng undergraduate degree).
• A minimum of 6 years’ relevant experience in hydrometallurgy, bioleaching, or heap leaching
  including process development and management of complex commercial and research projects.
• Strong understanding of chemical and microbiological processes in heap leaching.
• Proven track record in attracting research funding (e.g. state grant, contract research, or similar
  funding mechanisms).

SKILLS AND BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES

• Project management.
• Strategic leadership mentoring and people development.