Principal Process Design Engineer — Mineral Processing Lead

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

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.