Principal Process Engineer - Mining Chemicals

Placements24; Rustenburg; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary bonus

On-site facilities

Relocation assistance

Career development

Medical and retirement benefits

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a distinguished Principal Process Engineer to join its Rustenburg on-site facilities. Lead advanced mineral processing initiatives, mentor engineers, and drive safety, efficiency, and product quality enhancements across operations.

The role demands a deep background in hydrometallurgy, flotation, and related techniques, with a proven track record of delivering complex projects in mining. This is a hands-on leadership position in a collaborative team.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering or Metallurgical Engineering.
• Minimum of 12 years of progressive experience in process engineering, with a significant focus on the mining and mineral processing industry.
• Proven track record of leading complex process engineering projects and initiatives.
• Extensive knowledge of hydrometallurgy, pyrometallurgy, flotation, comminution, and solid-liquid separation.
• Expertise in process simulation software (e.g., METSIM, JKSimMet, Aspen Plus) and data analytics.
• Strong understanding of process safety, risk assessment methodologies, and environmental management systems.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to influence and guide technical teams and senior management.
• Demonstrated ability to drive innovation and continuous improvement in operational environments.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert technical leadership and direction on all process engineering aspects related to mineral and chemical processing.
• Lead the design, development, and optimization of new and existing mineral processing plants and circuits.
• Conduct advanced process modelling and simulation to identify areas for improvement and predict performance.
• Oversee the commissioning and start-up of new process equipment and plant sections.
• Develop and implement process control strategies to ensure optimal plant performance and product consistency.
• Lead Root Cause Analysis (RCA) investigations for process upsets and implement corrective actions.
• Ensure all process designs and operations comply with stringent safety, health, and environmental regulations.
• Mentor and develop junior and mid-level process engineers, fostering technical excellence within the team.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in mining chemical technologies and processing techniques.
• Collaborate closely with research and development, operations, and maintenance teams to drive innovation and operational excellence.

Skills

Leadership

Analytical thinking

Mentoring

Communication

Education

Master's or PhD in Chemical or Metallurgical Engineering

Tools

METSIM

JKSimMet

Aspen Plus

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major player in the mining chemicals sector, is seeking a distinguished Principal Process Engineer to join their esteemed team in Rustenburg. This is an on-site position, offering the opportunity to work directly within their state-of-the-art facilities and contribute to the optimization of complex mineral processing operations. As a Principal Engineer, you will provide expert technical guidance, lead critical process development initiatives, and mentor other engineers. Your expertise will be crucial in enhancing operational efficiency, product yield, and safety standards across their operations. This role is perfect for a highly experienced engineer with a deep understanding of hydrometallurgy, flotation, and other mineral processing techniques, and who thrives in a hands-on, collaborative environment. Be at the forefront of innovation in North West province.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide expert technical leadership and direction on all process engineering aspects related to mineral and chemical processing.
• Lead the design, development, and optimization of new and existing mineral processing plants and circuits.
• Conduct advanced process modelling and simulation to identify areas for improvement and predict performance.
• Oversee the commissioning and start-up of new process equipment and plant sections.
• Develop and implement process control strategies to ensure optimal plant performance and product consistency.
• Lead Root Cause Analysis (RCA) investigations for process upsets and implement corrective actions.
• Ensure all process designs and operations comply with stringent safety, health, and environmental regulations.
• Mentor and develop junior and mid-level process engineers, fostering technical excellence within the team.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in mining chemical technologies and processing techniques.
• Collaborate closely with research and development, operations, and maintenance teams to drive innovation and operational excellence.

Requirements

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering or Metallurgical Engineering.
• Minimum of 12 years of progressive experience in process engineering, with a significant focus on the mining and mineral processing industry.
• Proven track record of leading complex process engineering projects and initiatives.
• Extensive knowledge of hydrometallurgy, pyrometallurgy, flotation, comminution, and solid-liquid separation.
• Expertise in process simulation software (e.g., METSIM, JKSimMet, Aspen Plus) and data analytics.
• Strong understanding of process safety, risk assessment methodologies, and environmental management systems.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to influence and guide technical teams and senior management.
• Demonstrated ability to drive innovation and continuous improvement in operational environments.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.
• Opportunity to work on challenging and impactful projects in the mining sector.
• Excellent career progression and professional development opportunities.
• Comprehensive medical, retirement, and insurance benefits.
• On-site facilities and support.
• Relocation assistance available for successful candidates.
• Contribute to the advancement of mining technologies in Rustenburg.