Principal Process Design Engineer

Placements24; Sandton; Hybrid; ZAR 2,500,000 - 3,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance bonus

Profit sharing

Executive benefits

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 in Sandton, Gauteng, seeks a Principal Process Design Engineer to lead conceptualization and detailed design of mineral processing plants. You will define flowsheets, select equipment, develop P&IDs, and model processes to meet project objectives.

You will mentor junior engineers, collaborate with project managers and clients, ensure compliance with safety and environmental standards, and contribute to business development on major mining projects.

Qualifications

• BSc or BEng in Chemical Engineering or Metallurgy from a recognized university.
• A minimum of 12 years of progressive experience in process design engineering, with a significant focus on the mining and metals industry.
• Proven track record of leading process design for large-scale mining projects (e.g., gold, base metals, PGM).
• Expertise in process simulation software (e.g., Aspen Plus, HYSYS, METSIM, Outotec HSC).
• Strong understanding of unit operations in mineral processing (e.g., comminution, flotation, leaching, thickening).
• Excellent understanding of P&ID development, equipment specification, and plant layout.

Responsibilities

• Lead the process design of mineral processing plants from concept through to detailed engineering.
• Develop and optimize process flowsheets, mass and energy balances, and equipment specifications.
• Prepare Process & Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs) and equipment datasheets.
• Conduct process simulations and modeling using industry-standard software.
• Perform technical reviews and audits of process designs and existing operations.
• Collaborate closely with project managers, other engineering disciplines, and clients to ensure project success.
• Provide technical expertise and guidance on process selection, optimization, and troubleshooting.
• Manage key client relationships and contribute to business development efforts.
• Mentor and guide junior process engineers, fostering their technical development.
• Ensure designs comply with all relevant industry standards, safety regulations, and environmental requirements.

Skills

Process design leadership

Process simulations

P&ID development

Project management

Client liaison

Mentoring engineers

Communication skills

Education

BSc or BEng in Chemical Engineering or Metallurgy

Tools

Aspen Plus

HYSYS

METSIM

Outotec HSC

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading consultancy firm serving the global mining and metals industry, is seeking an exceptional Principal Process Design Engineer to join their esteemed team in Sandton, Gauteng. This senior role will lead the conceptualization, development, and detailed design of innovative mineral processing plants and facilities. You will be responsible for defining process flowsheets, equipment selection, P&ID development, and ensuring designs meet project objectives for efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and environmental compliance. The Principal Process Design Engineer will play a critical role in major capital projects, mentoring junior engineers, and liaising with clients and project stakeholders. This is a prestigious opportunity to work on diverse and challenging projects within a highly regarded engineering organization. The Sandton business district provides a professional setting for this pivotal role. Our client is at the forefront of engineering solutions for the mining sector.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the process design of mineral processing plants from concept through to detailed engineering.
• Develop and optimize process flowsheets, mass and energy balances, and equipment specifications.
• Prepare Process & Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs) and equipment datasheets.
• Conduct process simulations and modeling using industry-standard software.
• Perform technical reviews and audits of process designs and existing operations.
• Collaborate closely with project managers, other engineering disciplines, and clients to ensure project success.
• Provide technical expertise and guidance on process selection, optimization, and troubleshooting.
• Manage key client relationships and contribute to business development efforts.
• Mentor and guide junior process engineers, fostering their technical development.
• Ensure designs comply with all relevant industry standards, safety regulations, and environmental requirements.

Requirements

• BSc or BEng in Chemical Engineering or Metallurgy from a recognized university.
• A minimum of 12 years of progressive experience in process design engineering, with a significant focus on the mining and metals industry.
• Proven track record of leading process design for large-scale mining projects (e.g., gold, base metals, PGM).
• Expertise in process simulation software (e.g., Aspen Plus, HYSYS, METSIM, Outotec HSC).
• Strong understanding of unit operations in mineral processing (e.g., comminution, flotation, leaching, thickening).
• Excellent understanding of P&ID development, equipment specification, and plant layout.
• Superior analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
• Exceptional communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with experience interacting with clients at senior levels.
• Ability to lead and inspire multidisciplinary engineering teams.
• Professional Engineer (Pr. Eng.) registration with ECSA or equivalent international accreditation is essential.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive salary and benefits package, reflecting the seniority and importance of this role. This includes a substantial performance bonus, profit-sharing opportunities, and comprehensive executive benefits. Professional development is highly valued, with support for further training, conference attendance, and career advancement. This role provides an unparalleled opportunity to shape major projects within the global mining sector, based in the corporate hub of Sandton. Our client is committed to delivering world-class engineering solutions and fostering a culture of technical excellence and innovation.