Remote Lead Process Engineer - Hydrometallurgy

Placements24; East London; Hybrid; ZAR 1,800,000 - 3,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote-first work environment

Home office stipend

Continuous learning and development

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Remote Lead Process Engineer (Hydrometallurgy) with 10+ years in mining/metals to lead design, optimization, and troubleshooting of hydrometallurgical circuits for copper, nickel, cobalt, gold, and PGMs. This remote role emphasizes safety, sustainability, and project leadership across global teams.

You will develop process diagrams, oversee equipment evaluation, mentor engineers, and ensure efficient, economically viable operations from concept through detailed engineering.

Qualifications

• Master's or Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, or related discipline.
• A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in process engineering with a focus on hydrometallurgy in mining/metals.
• Experience leading complex engineering projects and managing technical teams.
• In-depth knowledge of leaching, solvent extraction, ion exchange, precipitation, crystallization, and electrowinning/electrorefining.
• Proficiency in process simulation software: HSC Chemistry, METSIM, Aspen Plus.
• Pilot plant operations and scale-up principles experience.
• Strong understanding of process control and optimization techniques.
• Excellent communication for remote collaboration and client interaction.
• Proven ability to work independently and lead projects remotely.
• Professional engineer registration (Pr.Eng, P.Eng) desirable.

Responsibilities

• Lead process design and development of hydrometallurgical plants from concept to detailed engineering.
• Optimize hydrometallurgical operations to improve metal recovery and reduce costs.
• Provide expert technical consultation and troubleshooting for hydrometallurgical processes (copper, nickel, cobalt, gold, PGMs).
• Conduct feasibility studies, pilot plant trials, and scale-up analyses for new tech and process changes.
• Develop PFDs, P&IDs, and equipment specs.
• Oversee vendor selection and equipment evaluation for hydrometallurgical circuits.
• Mentor junior engineers and drive project execution in a remote setting.
• Collaborate with geologists, mechanical, electrical, and automation teams.
• Ensure compliance with safety, environmental, and regulatory standards.
• Prepare technical reports, presentations, and project documentation.
• Stay abreast of emerging hydrometallurgy tech and sustainable metal extraction.

Skills

Project leadership

Remote collaboration

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Education

Master's or PhD in Chemical or Metallurgical Engineering

Professional engineer registration (Pr.Eng, P.Eng) desirable

Tools

HSC Chemistry

METSIM

Aspen Plus

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a globally recognized leader in innovative mining and metals processing, is seeking an experienced and forward-thinking Remote Lead Process Engineer specializing in hydrometallurgy. This is a fully remote position, offering the flexibility to contribute your expertise from anywhere. You will lead the design, optimization, and troubleshooting of hydrometallurgical circuits for various commodities, focusing on efficiency, sustainability, and economic viability. The role involves extensive collaboration with project teams, research and development, and operational sites worldwide. The ideal candidate possesses a deep understanding of leaching, solvent extraction, electrowinning, precipitation, and related processes, coupled with strong project leadership and analytical skills. We are committed to providing a remote-first environment with the necessary tools and support for success.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the process design and development of hydrometallurgical plants, from conceptual studies through to detailed engineering.
• Optimize existing hydrometallurgical operations to improve metal recovery, reduce operating costs, and enhance environmental performance.
• Provide expert technical consultation and troubleshooting support for various hydrometallurgical processes (e.g., copper, nickel, cobalt, gold, PGMs).
• Conduct feasibility studies, pilot plant trials, and scale-up analyses for new technologies and process modifications.
• Develop process flow diagrams (PFDs), piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs), and equipment specifications.
• Oversee the selection and evaluation of vendors and equipment for hydrometallurgical circuits.
• Mentor and guide junior process engineers, fostering technical development and project execution excellence.
• Collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams (geologists, mechanical engineers, electrical engineers, automation specialists) in a remote setting.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant safety, environmental, and regulatory standards.
• Prepare comprehensive technical reports, presentations, and project documentation.
• Stay abreast of emerging technologies and innovations in hydrometallurgy and sustainable metal extraction.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in process engineering, with a significant focus on hydrometallurgy in the mining and metals sector.
• Demonstrated experience in leading complex engineering projects and managing technical teams.
• In-depth knowledge of leaching processes (acid, alkaline), solvent extraction, ion exchange, precipitation, crystallization, and electrowinning/electrorefining.
• Proficiency in process simulation software (e.g., HSC Chemistry, METSIM, Aspen Plus).
• Experience with pilot plant operations and scale-up principles.
• Strong understanding of process control strategies and optimization techniques.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills for effective remote collaboration and client interaction.
• Proven ability to work independently, manage time effectively, and lead projects from initiation to completion in a remote environment.
• Professional engineer registration (e.g., Pr.Eng, P.Eng) is highly desirable.

Benefits

• Highly competitive remote salary and bonus structure.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Retirement savings plan with employer contributions.
• Generous paid time off.
• Home office stipend and provision of necessary technology.
• Opportunities for continuous learning, professional development, and virtual conference attendance.
• Impactful work on global resource projects with leading industry professionals.
• Flexible working arrangements.