Remote Principal Metallurgist - Smelting and Refining Specialist

Placements24; Vereeniging; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement planning

Performance bonuses

International travel

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Principal Metallurgist for a fully remote role, guiding smelting and refining strategies for base and precious metals. You will lead technical direction, troubleshoot challenges, and drive development of novel metallurgical techniques in a globally distributed team.

The ideal candidate holds a PhD or MSc in metallurgy or chemical engineering, with 10+ years in non-ferrous smelting/refining, and proven leadership, communication, and mentoring skills to influence

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or Master's degree in Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of hands‑on experience in smelting and refining of non‑ferrous metals (e.g., copper, nickel, lead, zinc, precious metals).
• Extensive knowledge of pyrometallurgical and hydrometallurgical processes, thermodynamics, and kinetics.
• Proven ability to solve complex metallurgical challenges and optimize process parameters.
• Experience with metallurgical simulation software and process modeling.
• Strong understanding of refractory materials, furnace design, and material handling in high‑temperature environments.
• Excellent analytical, critical thinking, and problem‑solving skills.
• Exceptional communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Demonstrated leadership capabilities and experience in mentoring technical teams.
• Published research or patents in relevant metallurgical fields is a significant asset.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert technical leadership and guidance on all aspects of smelting and refining operations.
• Develop and implement advanced strategies to optimize metal recovery, product quality, and process efficiency.
• Troubleshoot complex metallurgical problems in pyrometallurgical and hydrometallurgical processes.
• Conduct research and development into new smelting and refining technologies and methodologies.
• Perform metallurgical audits and feasibility studies for process upgrades and new plant designs.
• Analyze operational data and conduct pilot plant trials to validate process improvements.
• Ensure adherence to stringent safety, environmental, and quality standards.
• Collaborate with engineering, operations, and research teams globally to implement best practices.
• Mentor junior metallurgists and contribute to the development of technical expertise within the organization.
• Prepare comprehensive technical reports, documentation, and presentations for senior management and stakeholders.

Skills

Metallurgy expertise

Pyrometallurgy

Hydrometallurgy

Process modeling

Thermodynamics

Kinetics

Technical leadership

Mentoring

Data analysis

Research publishing

Education

PhD or MSc in Metallurgy or Chemical Engineering

Tools

Metallurgical simulation software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a global leader in metallurgical processing and a key player in the mining supply chain, is seeking a highly experienced Principal Metallurgist for a fully remote position. This role focuses on optimizing and innovating smelting and refining processes for various base and precious metals. You will be a subject matter expert, providing critical technical guidance, troubleshooting complex operational challenges, and driving the development of new metallurgical techniques. The ideal candidate will have a deep theoretical understanding combined with extensive practical experience in high-temperature metallurgy and refining circuits. This is a premier opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge metallurgical advancements from anywhere, impacting the efficiency and sustainability of metal production worldwide.

Key Responsibilities

Provide expert technical leadership and guidance on all aspects of smelting and refining operations. Develop and implement advanced strategies to optimize metal recovery, product quality, and process efficiency. Troubleshoot complex metallurgical problems in pyrometallurgical and hydrometallurgical processes. Conduct research and development into new smelting and refining technologies and methodologies. Perform metallurgical audits and feasibility studies for process upgrades and new plant designs. Analyze operational data and conduct pilot plant trials to validate process improvements. Ensure adherence to stringent safety, environmental, and quality standards. Collaborate with engineering, operations, and research teams globally to implement best practices. Mentor junior metallurgists and contribute to the development of technical expertise within the organization. Prepare comprehensive technical reports, documentation, and presentations for senior management and stakeholders.

Requirements

Ph.D. or Master's degree in Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related field. Minimum of 10 years of hands‑on experience in smelting and refining of non‑ferrous metals (e.g., copper, nickel, lead, zinc, precious metals). Extensive knowledge of pyrometallurgical and hydrometallurgical processes, thermodynamics, and kinetics. Proven ability to solve complex metallurgical challenges and optimize process parameters. Experience with metallurgical simulation software and process modeling. Strong understanding of refractory materials, furnace design, and material handling in high‑temperature environments. Excellent analytical, critical thinking, and problem‑solving skills. Exceptional communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels. Demonstrated leadership capabilities and experience in mentoring technical teams. Published research or patents in relevant metallurgical fields is a significant asset.

Benefits

This fully remote role offers exceptional flexibility and autonomy. Our client provides a leading compensation package, including a high base salary, performance bonuses, and comprehensive benefits such as health insurance, retirement planning, and potential for international travel for key projects. You will have the opportunity to work on challenging and impactful projects, utilize state‑of‑the‑art technologies, and contribute to the advancement of the global mining and metals industry.