Process Engineer (Separation Technologies)

Square 1 Recruitment; South Africa; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

Square 1 Recruitment is seeking a Process Engineer specializing in solids‑liquids separation for a minerals processing project. Based on the East Rand, the role covers concept through commissioning on international projects, with exposure to leading-edge separation systems.

You will lead core process engineering tasks, develop flowsheets and P&IDs, specify equipment such as thickeners and filter presses, and contribute to test work, commissioning, and technical mentorship within a global team.

Qualifications

• Degree in Chemical Engineering or Extractive Metallurgy.
• 3 years of process engineering experience with separation tech.
• Experience with solid-liquid separation equipment.
• Willingness to travel locally and internationally; European passport is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Develop process flowsheets, P&IDs, and control philosophies.
• Specify separation equipment like thickeners, filter presses, and clarifiers.
• Perform detailed process calculations and design documentation.
• Contribute to lab and pilot-scale test work; report results.
• Assist commissioning, audits, troubleshooting, and optimization on sites.
• Support tenders and client proposals; mentor junior engineers.

Skills

Process engineering

Solid-liquid separation

P&ID

Test work

Travel willingness

European passport

Education

Chemical Engineering

Extractive Metallurgy

Tools

P&ID

Flow sheet design

Lab testing

Pilot testing

Job description

Process Engineer (Separation Technologies)

East Rand, South Africa | Posted on 02/09/2026

• Salary Salary Negotiable (Experience Depdendent)
• Industry Minerals Processing

Job Description

Drive Innovation in Solid-Liquid Separation – Join a Leading Minerals Processing Project Team

Are you a Process Engineer with a passion for minerals processing and a strong technical foundation in solid-liquid separation? This is your opportunity to join a high-impact engineering team delivering world-class process solutions across South Africa and abroad. Whether you're advancing your career or bringing seasoned experience to the table, we’re looking for professionals who thrive in project-based environments and are excited to shape the next generation of separation systems.

Join a specialist project team with a global footprint and a proven track record in designing, developing, and commissioning minerals processing plants. Known for their technical excellence and innovation, this company offers exposure to leading-edge projects, site-based engagement, and continuous professional growth.

About the Role

As a Process Engineer, you will be instrumental indelivering projects from concept through to commissioning. You’ll take the lead oncore process engineering functions – from flowsheet development and equipmentselection to P&ID creation, process audits, and on-site commissioning.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead or support the development of process flowsheets, P&IDs, and control philosophies with a core focus on solid-liquid separation technologies.
• Select and specify key separation equipment, including thickeners, filter presses, vacuum belt filters, clarifiers, and flotation units.
• Execute detailed process calculations and design documentation.
• Contribute to test work (lab and pilot scale), including design, execution, and reporting.
• Participate in commissioning, audits, troubleshooting, and performance optimisation on client sites.
• Provide input to tenders and proposals, ensuring technical alignment with client needs.
• Mentor junior engineers and uphold engineering best practices (senior role).
• Collaborate across disciplines to deliver integrated project solutions.

Requirements

• Degree in Chemical Engineering or Extractive Metallurgy (BSc, BEng, or BTech).
• Experience in minerals processing, ideally from an OEM or specialist project house environment.
• ± 3 years of process engineering experience with demonstrated involvement in separation technologies.
• Solid technical understanding of solid-liquid separation methods and equipment.
• Exposure to laboratory/pilot testing, commissioning, and process audits is highly advantageous.
• Willingness to travel for project delivery both locally and internationally.
• European passport is an asset due to international travel requirements.
• Market-related Cost to Company package based on experience and seniority.
• Work on diverse international projects with a respected industry leader.
• Supportive, high-performance team culture with strong technical mentorship

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