Principal Process Engineer

Placements24; Vereeniging; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Provident fund

Pension contributions

Hybrid role

Job summary

Placements24 in Vereeniging, Gauteng, seeks a highly experienced Principal Process Engineer to lead advanced mineral processing circuits and to drive optimization across projects. This senior role focuses on improving recovery, reducing costs, and enhancing product quality while guiding a multidisciplinary technical team.

You will mentor engineers, run process simulations and pilot studies, and collaborate with R&D to deploy innovative processing technologies, all within a strong safety and

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Chemical Engineering, Metallurgy, or related field.
• 10–15 years in process engineering with mining/mineral processing focus.
• Experience leading complex projects and mentoring teams.
• Expertise in process simulation and advanced data analytics.
• Proven track record optimizing mineral processing plants.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving and communication skills.
• PE or equivalent registration is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, development, and implementation of advanced mineral processing circuits.
• Optimize plant operations to improve recovery, reduce costs, and enhance quality.
• Conduct process simulations, modeling, and pilot studies for new techniques.
• Mentor junior and mid-level engineers.
• Troubleshoot complex issues and develop sustainable solutions.
• Collaborate with R&D to implement cutting-edge innovations.
• Prepare technical reports and feasibility studies for capital projects.
• Ensure adherence to safety, health, environmental, and regulatory standards.

Skills

Process engineering

Leadership

Data analytics

Mentoring engineers

Problem solving

Education

Master's degree in Chemical Engineering or Metallurgy

PhD in Chemical Engineering or Metallurgy

Tools

HSC Chemistry

METSIM

Aspen Plus

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leader in the mining and minerals processing sector , is seeking a highly experienced and visionary Principal Process Engineer to join their esteemed technical team in Vereeniging, Gauteng . This senior position will play a critical role in optimizing existing processing plants, developing innovative new process technologies, and providing expert technical leadership across various projects. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of mineral processing, advanced analytical skills, and a proven ability to drive efficiency, sustainability, and profitability. This is a distinguished opportunity to influence major processing strategies and mentor a team of talented engineers within a respected South African mining organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and implementation of advanced mineral processing circuits and technologies.
• Optimize existing plant operations to improve recovery, reduce costs, enhance product quality, and minimize environmental impact.
• Conduct complex process simulations, modeling, and pilot plant studies to evaluate and validate new processing techniques.
• Provide expert technical guidance and mentorship to junior and mid-level process engineers.
• Troubleshoot challenging operational issues and develop effective, sustainable solutions.
• Collaborate with research and development teams to scout and implement cutting-edge process innovations.
• Prepare detailed technical reports, feasibility studies, and process design packages for capital projects.
• Ensure adherence to all relevant safety, health, environmental, and regulatory standards.

Requirements

• A Master's or Ph.D. degree in Chemical Engineering, Metallurgy, or a related field.
• A minimum of 10-15 years of progressive experience in process engineering, with a substantial focus on the mining and minerals processing industry .
• Demonstrated experience in leading complex technical projects and mentoring engineering teams.
• Expertise in process simulation software (e.g., HSC Chemistry, METSIM, Aspen Plus) and advanced data analytics.
• Proven track record of successfully optimizing mineral processing plants (e.g., comminution, flotation, leaching, hydrometallurgy).
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Outstanding communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Professional Engineer (PE) or equivalent professional registration is highly desirable.

Benefits

Our client offers an exceptional remuneration package, including a competitive base salary, performance-based bonuses, and comprehensive benefits such as medical aid, provident fund, and pension contributions. This hybrid role provides flexibility while ensuring vital on-site engagement for project oversight and team collaboration in Vereeniging, Gauteng . Employees will benefit from significant opportunities for professional development, exposure to diverse processing challenges, and the chance to shape the future of mineral processing within a leading mining organization . This is an unparalleled opportunity for a seasoned engineer to take on a leadership role and make a lasting impact in the Vereeniging area.