Principal: Processing Engineer

Anglo American; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 300,000 - 400,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading diamond company is seeking a Principal Process Engineer in Johannesburg. This role involves driving technical initiatives and providing expert support to enhance processing operations. Candidates should have at least 10 years of mineral processing experience and a degree in Metallurgical or Chemical Engineering. The position focuses on continuous improvement and alignment with the Group's strategic objectives.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years experience in mineral processing.
• Valid SA Driver’s Licence is required.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate continuous improvement at processing plants.
• Provide expert technical support for operational efficiency.
• Drive technology initiatives for the De Beers Group.

Skills

Extensive technical knowledge of diamond processing operations

Project management principles

Familiarity with emerging processing technologies

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Metallurgical or Chemical Engineering

Job description

Overview

The Principal Process Engineer will serve as the subject matter expert for Process Engineering within De Beers Group, leading technical initiatives and providing expert support across Managed and Non-Managed Joint Venture process plants. This role is pivotal in driving continuous improvement, modernisation, and strategic alignment of processing operations with the Group's long-term objectives. The Principal Process Engineer is a technical leader in the field of diamond processing and actively works to improve the discipline within the De Beers Group.

Responsibilities

• Facilitates continuous improvement and modernisation at processing plants aligned to the defined priority areas based on the monitoring and review of operational performance across De Beers Group.
• Developments/reviews process designs for new growth projects as well as for brownfield projects.
• Drives technology initiatives at processing plants (as per the agreed functional initiatives to deliver the De Beers Group Strategy).
• Interacts with the De Beers Technology Group and assists towards implementation at operations.
• Executes defined initiatives using sound project management principles and practices, which includes technical investigations, techno-economic investigations, improvement studies, etc.
• Directs work of service providers and consultants for defined work packages.
• Performs internal project reviews for the Processing discipline for large capital investments.
• Assists with people development within the Processing discipline.
• Provides expert technical support for both Managed Operations and Non-Managed Joint Venture process plants:
• Supports the sites through investigations of highly complex critical / persistent processing issues.
• Provides expert input for improvement programmes within the process plants.
• Supports the development of production and services strategies focusing on the 1-5yr window, aligned to the Life of Asset Plans of the operations within Operating Model principles.
• Review inputs, activities, and cost (Capital and Operational cost) for Processing production and service strategies as defined by operational teams as an input into the business planning cycle.
• Takes an active part in first line governance & assurance activities at the operations, which includes:
  • Development, roll-out, embedment and review of relevant technical standards, frameworks and best practices for the processing plants, while managing compliance issues within the relevant managerial and governance frameworks.
  • Provides input to ensure / enable the processing plants run at optimum efficiencies and within the desired technical standards.
  • Diamond Value Management (DVM) related reviews.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Metallurgical or Chemical Engineering
• Valid SA Driver’s Licence
• Minimum of 10 years experience in mineral processing
• Extensive technical knowledge of diamond processing operations (Blue Areas)
• Familiarity with emerging processing technologies and Diamond Value Management

Additional Information

Who we are: De Beers Group is a company with a sparkling future.

Our experts have searched the world for nature’s most precious gem. Our diamonds bring beauty to the world. But we think they can do so much more. We want our diamonds, and our business, to make life brilliant – for our people, our customers and the world around us.

Safety

Safety first is a way of life for us. We are unconditional about the safety, health and well-being of our colleagues, at work and at home, and about that of the communities where we work. We aim to lead the industry by investing in innovation to protect people who are at the heart of our business. Our high performing teams take accountability for their own and others' actions, work collaboratively, and always show care and respect.

Equity, Diversity & Inclusion

As a global #HeForShe Thematic Champion, De Beers is committed to promoting an equitable, inclusive and diverse workplace where we value and respect every colleague for who they are. We provide equal opportunity to enable everyone to fulfil their potential. Please inform us should there be any special requirements that should be considered as part of your application.

Building Forever

Sustainability is at the heart of our decision-making – it is how we do business. Building Forever is key to our purpose as it represents our ambitious and holistic sustainability framework and is central to our ability to deliver long-term value to our communities and partners. This shapes how we protect our social and environmental license to operate, build a long-term legacy in our host communities and earn consumers’ trust in our diamonds that they can wear with pride.

Important Note: This role is ring-fenced for impacted employees as part of the current business transformation and re-organisation process within De Beers Group. Preference will be given to internal candidates who are directly affected by these changes.

Closing Date: 2 October 2025