Principal Metallurgical Engineer (Remote)

Placements24; Cape Town; Hybrid; ZAR 1,976,000 - 2,964,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work setup support

Flexible hours across time zones

Tech stipend

Professional development budget

Laptop + software licenses

travel opportunities for project work

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Principal Metallurgical Engineer for a fully remote role. You will lead design, optimization and integration of metallurgical processes across diverse mining operations, focusing on efficiency and cost reduction.

You will mentor junior engineers, collaborate cross‑functionally, and stay at the forefront of mineral processing technologies, ensuring robust data‑driven decisions and strategic value for long‑term projects.

Qualifications

• Master's or Ph.D. in Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering, or related field.
• 10–12 years of metallurgical engineering experience in mining.
• Experience with process design, optimization, troubleshooting and scale‑up.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, development and optimization of metallurgical processes.
• Mentor engineers and technicians across projects.
• Conduct metallurgical test work analysis and reporting.
• Develop best practices in mineral processing, flotation and leaching.
• Oversee pilot and commercial plant operations and troubleshooting.
• Collaborate with geologists, mining engineers and operations teams.
• Prepare technical reports, feasibility studies and design documents.
• Drive innovation and long‑term metallurgical strategies.

Skills

Leadership

Mentoring

Project management

Analytical thinking

Remote work capability

Communication

Education

Master's or PhD in Metallurgy or related field

Tools

METSIM

GEMS

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a globally recognized leader in the mining sector , is seeking a highly accomplished Principal Metallurgical Engineer to join their esteemed team. This role is designed to be fully remote, offering flexibility and the opportunity to contribute from anywhere. You will be instrumental in driving innovation and optimizing the metallurgical processes across diverse mining operations. Your expertise will guide the development and implementation of advanced processing techniques, focusing on maximizing metal recovery and minimizing operational costs. This position requires a strategic thinker with a deep understanding of mineral processing, hydrometallurgy, and pyrometallurgy. As a Principal Engineer, you will provide senior technical leadership, mentor junior engineers, and collaborate with cross‑functional teams to solve complex challenges. The ideal candidate thrives in a remote setting, demonstrating exceptional self‑management and communication skills, while possessing a proven track record of success in the mining industry . We are looking for an individual who can influence strategic decisions and contribute to the long‑term success of our operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and optimization of metallurgical processes for various commodities, focusing on efficiency and cost‑effectiveness.
• Provide expert technical guidance and mentorship to metallurgical engineers and technicians across different projects.
• Conduct in‑depth metallurgical test work analysis, interpretation, and reporting, ensuring robust data‑driven decision‑making.
• Develop and implement best practices in mineral processing, flotation, leaching, and other relevant metallurgical disciplines.
• Oversee the technical aspects of pilot plant and commercial‑scale plant operations, troubleshooting issues and driving continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with geologists, mining engineers, and plant operations teams to ensure seamless integration of metallurgical strategies.
• Prepare detailed technical reports, feasibility studies, and process design documents for internal and external stakeholders.
• Stay at the forefront of metallurgical research and technology, identifying opportunities for innovation and implementation.
• Contribute to the development of long‑term metallurgical strategies and capital investment proposals.
• Manage metallurgical consultants and external research partners as needed.

Requirements

• A Master's or Ph.D. degree in Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• A minimum of 10-12 years of extensive experience in metallurgical engineering, with a strong emphasis on the mining industry .
• Demonstrated expertise in process design, optimization, troubleshooting, and scale‑up of mineral processing plants.
• In‑depth knowledge of various commodities and their associated processing routes (e.g., gold, copper, platinum group metals).
• Proficiency in metallurgical simulation software (e.g., METSIM, GEMS).
• Exceptional analytical, problem‑solving, and critical thinking abilities.
• Strong leadership and team management skills, with experience mentoring junior professionals.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex technical information clearly.
• Proven ability to work independently and manage multiple projects effectively in a remote environment.
• Experience with project management methodologies is a plus.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary package reflective of your senior expertise.
• Comprehensive remote work setup support, including technology stipends.
• Flexible working hours to accommodate different time zones.
• Generous annual leave and personal leave allowances.
• Opportunities for international travel for project reviews and team collaboration.
• Access to state‑of‑the‑art digital tools and resources.
• Professional development budget for courses, conferences, and certifications.
• A culture that champions innovation and empowers remote employees.
• Company‑provided laptop and necessary software licenses.