Remote Principal Chemical Engineer - Mining & Minerals

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

About the Role

Our client, a distinguished entity in the mining and minerals processing sector, is seeking an accomplished Principal Chemical Engineer to join their remote-first global operations team. This position, while connected to our Rustenburg, North West hub, operates entirely remotely, offering an exceptional opportunity for seasoned professionals to contribute their expertise without geographical constraints. The Principal Chemical Engineer will be responsible for spearheading the strategic development and implementation of advanced chemical processes critical to mineral extraction and refining. This role demands a deep understanding of metallurgical chemistry and process engineering, coupled with strong leadership capabilities to guide complex, international projects. The successful candidate will leverage innovative solutions to enhance efficiency, sustainability, and safety across our client's diverse mining operations worldwide. This is a critical role for someone passionate about driving significant improvements in resource utilization and environmental stewardship.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the conceptualization, design, and implementation of complex chemical processes for mineral processing and hydrometallurgy.
• Provide expert technical guidance and mentorship to engineering teams across multiple global sites.
• Conduct advanced process modeling, simulation, and techno-economic evaluations for new projects and optimization initiatives.
• Ensure adherence to stringent safety, environmental, and regulatory standards across all projects.
• Develop and manage strategic R&D programs aimed at improving process efficiency and resource recovery.
• Oversee the commissioning, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement of large-scale chemical processing plants.
• Collaborate closely with geologists, metallurgists, and operations managers to align chemical process strategies with overall business objectives.
• Author and present technical reports, research papers, and project proposals to senior management and stakeholders.
• Champion the adoption of new technologies and sustainable practices within the chemical engineering domain.

Requirements

• Ph.D. or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, or a related field.
• Over 12 years of extensive experience in chemical process engineering, with a significant focus on the mining and minerals processing industry.
• Demonstrated expertise in hydrometallurgy, solvent extraction, ion exchange, and precipitation processes.
• Proven track record of leading major capital projects and managing cross-functional, remote engineering teams.
• Advanced proficiency in process simulation software (e.g., HSC Chemistry, METSIM) and data analytics.
• In-depth knowledge of process safety management (PSM), environmental impact assessments, and regulatory frameworks relevant to mining.
• Exceptional leadership, strategic thinking, and problem-solving abilities.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, capable of influencing stakeholders at all organizational levels.
• Strong understanding of project finance and economic evaluation techniques.

Benefits

Our client offers an executive-level compensation package, including a substantial bonus structure, comprehensive health benefits, retirement planning assistance, and generous professional development allowances. This fully remote position offers the flexibility to work from anywhere, with a strategic alignment to Rustenburg, North West, facilitating seamless global project management. Join a company committed to pushing the boundaries of innovation in the mining sector and enjoy a career-defining opportunity with a leading industry player.