Remote Principal Chemical Engineer - Hydrometallurgy Lead

Placements24; Rustenburg; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive compensation package

Significant bonus structure

Health benefits

Retirement planning assistance

Professional development allowances

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Principal Chemical Engineer to lead advanced chemical processes for mineral extraction and refining. This remote-first, globally connected role requires guiding multinational teams across projects, shaping process strategies, and delivering techno-economic evaluations.

The role demands a PhD or MSc in Chemical/Metallurgical Engineering, 12+ years in mining-related process engineering, and strong leadership with excellent communication.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, or a related field.
• Over 12 years of experience in chemical process engineering within mining.
• Proven expertise in hydrometallurgy, solvent extraction, ion exchange, and precipitation.

Responsibilities

• Lead conceptualization, design, and implementation of complex chemical processes for mineral processing and hydrometallurgy.
• Provide expert technical guidance and mentorship to engineering teams across global sites.
• Conduct advanced process modeling, simulation, and techno-economic evaluations for new projects and optimizations.
• Ensure adherence to safety, environmental, and regulatory standards across projects.
• Develop and manage strategic R&D programs to improve process efficiency and resource recovery.
• Oversee commissioning, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement of large-scale processing plants.
• Collaborate with geologists, metallurgists, and operations to align strategies with business goals.
• Publish technical reports and proposals for senior management and stakeholders.
• Champion adoption of new technologies and sustainable practices.

Skills

Leadership

Hydrometallurgy

Process simulation

Techno-economic analysis

Cross-functional leadership

Education

PhD or MSc in Chemical Engineering

Tools

HSC Chemistry

METSIM

Aspen Plus

Job description

Placements24 seeks a Principal Chemical Engineer to lead advanced chemical processes for mineral extraction and refining. This remote-first, globally connected role requires guiding multinational teams across projects, shaping process strategies, and delivering techno-economic evaluations.

The role demands a PhD or MSc in Chemical/Metallurgical Engineering, 12+ years in mining-related process engineering, and strong leadership with excellent communication.