Remote Senior Process Engineer - Hydrometallurgy

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

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work flexibility

Competitive salary & benefits

Health coverage & retirement plans

International project exposure

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is recruiting a Senior Process Engineer with a focus on hydrometallurgy to design, optimize, and troubleshoot hydrometallurgical circuits from a remote location. The role emphasizes leaching, solvent extraction, electrowinning, and precipitation with strong emphasis on safety, environmental compliance, and project execution.

You will model processes, perform simulations, and develop comprehensive process documentation while collaborating with global teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, or related discipline.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in process engineering with hydrometallurgy specialization.
• Proficiency with hydrometallurgical unit operations: leaching, solvent extraction, ion exchange, electrowinning, and precipitation.
• Experience with process simulation software (HSC Chemistry, Outotec HSC, ChemCAD).

Responsibilities

• Design, model, and optimize hydrometallurgical circuits (leaching, SX, EW, precipitation).
• Conduct detailed process simulations to predict performance and identify improvements.
• Provide expert technical support and troubleshooting for operations and new plant designs.
• Develop process documentation (PFDs, P&IDs, mass and energy balances, operating manuals).
• Evaluate new technologies to enhance efficiency, recovery, and environmental performance.
• Collaborate with project managers, R&D teams, and site personnel for successful execution.
• Perform economic evaluations and feasibility studies for hydrometallurgical projects.
• Ensure compliance with safety, health, and environmental regulations.
• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical leadership in hydrometallurgical applications.

Skills

Hydrometallurgy

Process simulation

Analytical thinking

Remote collaboration

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Chemical/Metallurgical Engineering

Tools

HSC Chemistry

Outotec HSC

ChemCAD

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading entity in the global mining and metals industry, is actively seeking a highly skilled Senior Process Engineer specializing in Hydrometallurgy. This role is entirely remote, offering you the opportunity to contribute your expertise without geographical constraints. You will be responsible for the design, optimization, and troubleshooting of hydrometallurgical processes, including leaching, solvent extraction, electrowinning, and precipitation. Your work will be critical in enhancing metal recovery, improving process efficiency, and ensuring environmental compliance across various projects. This position requires a deep understanding of chemical engineering principles applied to complex metallurgical challenges. Join a team that values innovation, sustainability, and cutting-edge technology, and help shape the future of metal extraction from your home office. This is an exceptional opportunity for an experienced engineer seeking a remote-first role with significant professional impact.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, model, and optimize hydrometallurgical circuits, including leaching, SX, EW, and precipitation processes.
• Conduct detailed process simulations using industry-standard software to predict performance and identify areas for improvement.
• Provide expert technical support and troubleshooting for existing operations and new plant designs.
• Develop process documentation, including PFDs, P&IDs, mass and energy balances, and operating manuals.
• Evaluate new technologies and process innovations to enhance efficiency, recovery, and environmental performance.
• Collaborate with project managers, R&D teams, and site personnel to ensure successful project execution and implementation.
• Perform economic evaluations and feasibility studies for new hydrometallurgical projects.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant safety, health, and environmental regulations.
• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical leadership in hydrometallurgical applications.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• A minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in process engineering, with a strong specialization in hydrometallurgy.
• Proven experience with hydrometallurgical unit operations such as leaching (acid, alkaline), solvent extraction (SX), ion exchange (IX), electrowinning (EW), and precipitation.
• Proficiency in process simulation software (e.g., HSC Chemistry, Outotec HSC, ChemCAD).
• Strong understanding of thermodynamics, kinetics, and fluid mechanics relevant to metallurgical processes.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively and independently in a remote team environment.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills for clear technical reporting and collaboration.
• Experience with project management principles is a plus.

Benefits

• This role offers the complete flexibility of remote work, allowing for an excellent work-life balance.
• Our client provides a very competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package, including health coverage, retirement savings plans, and performance incentives.
• You will have the opportunity to work on challenging international projects and contribute to technological advancements in metal extraction.
• Continuous professional development and training are strongly encouraged.
• Join a globally recognized company that is committed to innovation and sustainability.
• This position offers the chance to significantly influence the direction of hydrometallurgical applications in the mining sector, supporting projects potentially linked to the Durban region and beyond, all from your chosen location.