Senior Metallurgical Process Engineer

Placements24; Cape Town; Hybrid; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund contributions

Performance-based bonuses

Professional development opportunities

Hybrid work model

Job summary

Placements24 in Cape Town, Western Cape, SA, seeks a Senior Metallurgical Process Engineer to lead design and optimization of mineral processing facilities. The role blends office work with on-site engagements to improve plant performance and recovery.

You will drive pilot studies, develop mass and water balance models, and guide operations with robust technical support, safety and sustainability in mind. Hybrid work arrangement available.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of relevant mineral processing experience focused on design, optimization and operations.
• Experience with unit operations such as comminution, flotation, gravity concentration and hydrometallurgy.
• Strong data analysis, problem solving and decision-making abilities.
• Willingness to travel to site operations as required.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and optimize metallurgical processes for various mineral commodities, including flotation, leaching, thickening, and dewatering.
• Conduct pilot plant studies and laboratory testing to evaluate new process technologies and improve existing ones.
• Analyze plant operational data to identify improvements, troubleshoot performance issues, and implement corrective actions.
• Develop mass and water balance models for processing plants to assess efficiency and identify potential savings.
• Prepare detailed process design documents, including PFDs and P&IDs; provide technical support to operations with safety and environmental standards in mind.
• Evaluate and recommend new equipment and technologies to enhance process performance and sustainability.

Skills

Mineral processing

Process design

Operations optimization

Data analysis

Troubleshooting

Project management

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelors/Masters in Metallurgical/Chemical Eng

Tools

METSIM

HSC Chemistry

JKSimMet

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading player in the extraction and processing of valuable mineral resources, is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior Metallurgical Process Engineer to join their esteemed technical team based in Cape Town, Western Cape, ZA . This hybrid role offers the opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge metallurgical processes, optimizing plant performance and ensuring maximum recovery of valuable commodities. You will be instrumental in driving innovation, troubleshooting complex processing challenges, and implementing best practices across our diverse mineral processing facilities. The successful candidate will possess a strong foundation in mineral processing fundamentals, advanced analytical skills, and a proven track record of delivering tangible improvements in efficiency and cost-effectiveness. This position requires a proactive individual who can collaborate effectively with operational teams and contribute to strategic decision-making within the company.

Key Responsibilities

Design, develop, and optimize metallurgical processes for various mineral commodities, including flotation, leaching, thickening, and dewatering. Conduct pilot plant studies and laboratory testing to evaluate new process technologies and improve existing ones. Analyze plant operational data to identify areas for improvement, troubleshoot performance issues, and implement corrective actions. Develop mass and water balance models for processing plants to assess efficiency and identify potential savings. Prepare detailed process design documents, including PFDs (Process Flow Diagrams) and P&IDs (Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams). Provide technical support and guidance to plant operations personnel, ensuring adherence to safety and environmental standards. Evaluate and recommend new equipment and technologies to enhance process performance and sustainability. Manage and execute metallurgical projects, ensuring they are delivered on time and within budget. Stay current with industry trends, research, and best practices in metallurgical engineering.

Requirements

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Metallurgical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline. A minimum of 7 years of relevant experience in mineral processing, with a focus on process design, optimization, and operations. In-depth knowledge of various unit operations common in mineral processing plants (e.g., comminution, flotation, gravity concentration, hydrometallurgy). Proficiency with process simulation software (e.g., METSIM, HSC Chemistry, JKSimMet) and data analysis tools. Experience in troubleshooting operational issues and implementing process improvements in a plant environment. Strong understanding of process control and automation principles. Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities. Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment. Willingness to travel to site operations as required.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, including medical aid, retirement fund contributions, and performance-based bonuses. This hybrid role provides a balance between working from home and collaborating in the office, offering flexibility and fostering team synergy. Professional development opportunities, including training courses and conference attendance, are encouraged. You will have the opportunity to work on challenging and rewarding projects within a supportive and innovative company culture. Our client is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace.