Principal Process Engineer

Network Finance; Randburg; On-site; ZAR 1,400,000 - 2,100,000; Full time

Job summary

Network Finance is seeking an experienced process engineer to lead major projects in the mining and minerals sector from concept through commissioning. The role focuses on transforming metallurgical data into practical solutions and guiding multi-disciplinary teams to deliver technically sound outcomes.

Ideal candidates will bring 15+ years in chemical/metallurgical/process engineering within heavy industrial environments, with exposure to EPCM delivery and stakeholder management.

Qualifications

• Degree in Chemical Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, or related discipline.
• Approximately 15+ years of industry experience within engineering, process design, operations, commissioning, or project environments.
• Exposure to EPCM project delivery and large-scale mineral processing facilities.
• Strong technical reporting, problem-solving, process design, and stakeholder management capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Leading process engineering activities across studies, feasibility projects, and full EPCM project execution.
• Transforming metallurgical test work data into practical, commercially viable process solutions.
• Developing and reviewing process design philosophies, process flow diagrams, mass and energy balances, P&IDs, and plant design criteria.
• Providing technical direction on equipment selection, process optimisation, control philosophies, and operational performance.
• Driving collaboration between engineering disciplines, clients, operations teams, and project stakeholders.
• Contributing to plant operability, maintainability, safety, and long-term efficiency through sound engineering judgment.
• Supporting commissioning, start-up, performance testing, and troubleshooting activities to ensure design intent is successfully achieved.
• Mentoring and guiding engineering teams while acting as a technical authority on major projects.

Skills

Process engineering

Minerals processing

Project leadership

Client engagement

Stakeholder management

Education

Chemical Engineering degree

Metallurgical Engineering degree

Job description

What You'll Be Entrusted With

• Leading process engineering activities across studies, feasibility projects, and full EPCM project execution.
• Transforming metallurgical test work data into practical, commercially viable process solutions.
• Developing and reviewing process design philosophies, process flow diagrams, mass and energy balances, P&IDs, and plant design criteria.
• Providing technical direction on equipment selection, process optimisation, control philosophies, and operational performance.
• Driving collaboration between engineering disciplines, clients, operations teams, and project stakeholders.
• Contributing to plant operability, maintainability, safety, and long-term efficiency through sound engineering judgment.
• Supporting commissioning, start-up, performance testing, and troubleshooting activities to ensure design intent is successfully achieved.
• Mentoring and guiding engineering teams while acting as a technical authority on major projects.

The Type of Engineer We're Looking For

You are likely someone who:

• Possesses a strong background in chemical, metallurgical, or process engineering.
• Has extensive experience within minerals processing, mining, beneficiation, or related heavy industrial environments.
• Understands the entire project lifecycle, from concept studies through to commissioning and operation.
• Can engage confidently with clients, project managers, technical specialists, and executive stakeholders.
• Has a track record of delivering technically sound solutions while balancing project schedules, budgets, and commercial objectives.
• Enjoys solving complex process challenges and identifying opportunities for continual improvement.
• Is recognised by peers as a technical leader and trusted advisor.

Preferred Background

• Degree in Chemical Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, or related discipline.
• Professional registration or progression toward professional registration will be advantageous.
• Approximately 15+ years of industry experience within engineering, process design, operations, commissioning, or project environments.
• Exposure to EPCM project delivery and large-scale mineral processing facilities.
• Strong technical reporting, problem-solving, process design, and stakeholder management capabilities.

Why This Opportunity Stands Out

This role offers far more than project execution.

It presents the opportunity to influence major engineering decisions, contribute to technically challenging projects across the mining and minerals sector, and work alongside some of the industry's leading specialists while leaving a lasting impact on world‑class processing facilities.

If you’re a process engineering professional who wants to lead from the front, shape complex projects, and be recognised as a subject matter expert within a high-performing environment, we'd like to hear from you.