Remote Principal Process Engineer - Hydrometallurgy Lead

Placements24; Bellville; Hybrid; ZAR 1,500,000 - 2,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance bonus

Equity participation

Health insurance

Professional development funding

Flexible working hours

Generous annual leave

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Remote Principal Process Engineer to lead advancements in hydrometallurgical processes for the global mining industry. You will conceptualize, design, and optimize complex circuits, driving better recovery, lower environmental impact, and higher efficiency.

The role demands 10–12 years in process engineering with hydrometallurgy expertise, advanced degrees, and proven ability to lead teams.

Qualifications

• 10–12 years of progressive experience in process engineering with a strong hydrometallurgy focus.
• Proven ability to design and optimize hydrometallurgical unit operations (leaching, SX, IX, EW, precipitation).
• Expertise in process chemistry, thermodynamics, and kinetics relevant to hydrometallurgy.
• Experience leading complex projects and mentoring cross‑functional teams.
• Strong communication skills for diverse audiences and detailed technical reporting.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and optimization of hydrometallurgical flowsheets from concept to commissioning support.
• Perform mass and energy balances, equipment sizing, and process simulations.
• Conduct feasibility studies, pilot trials, and techno-economic evaluations.
• Provide expert guidance on process chemistry and kinetics; troubleshoot plant issues.
• Mentor junior engineers and drive best practices across teams.
• Develop process control strategies and collaborate with R&D on new technologies.

Skills

Hydrometallurgy expertise

Process design & optimization

Team leadership

Chemical thermodynamics & kinetics

Data analysis & problem solving

Technical reporting & communication

Remote/distributed teams

Education

Master's degree or Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, or a closely related field

Tools

METSIM

Aspen Plus

Job description

Placements24 is seeking a Remote Principal Process Engineer to lead advancements in hydrometallurgical processes for the global mining industry. You will conceptualize, design, and optimize complex circuits, driving better recovery, lower environmental impact, and higher efficiency.

The role demands 10–12 years in process engineering with hydrometallurgy expertise, advanced degrees, and proven ability to lead teams.