Senior Metallurgist: Smelting Ops (Hybrid)

Placements24; Cape Town; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement fund contribution

Performance-based incentives

Career development & training

Hybrid work model

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Metallurgist to oversee and optimize advanced smelting operations in Cape Town. You will lead a team of metallurgists and technicians, drive process improvements, and ensure safety and environmental compliance.

The role emphasizes strategic leadership, cross-functional collaboration with R&D and engineering, and delivering high-value metals with quality and cost efficiency in a hybrid work model from Cape Town.

Qualifications

• MSc or MEng in Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering, or related field.
• At least 10 years of metallurgical operations experience, with 5+ in leadership.
• Extensive knowledge of pyrometallurgy, furnaces, and related equipment.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving and process optimization skills.
• Experience in leading cross-functional teams and projects.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and manage metallurgical strategies for smelting operations to maximize yield and purity.
• Lead and mentor a team of metallurgists, engineers, and technicians while promoting safety and continuous improvement.
• Monitor key process parameters and troubleshoot issues to minimize downtime and maintain quality.
• Conduct feasibility studies and pilot plant trials for new processes and technologies.
• Analyze data to identify trends and opportunities for optimization.
• Ensure compliance with environmental, health, and safety regulations for smelting.

Skills

Leadership

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Team mentorship

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

MSc or MEng in Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering, or related field

Tools

Process simulation software

Furnace operation knowledge

Job description

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Metallurgist to oversee and optimize advanced smelting operations in Cape Town. You will lead a team of metallurgists and technicians, drive process improvements, and ensure safety and environmental compliance.

The role emphasizes strategic leadership, cross-functional collaboration with R&D and engineering, and delivering high-value metals with quality and cost efficiency in a hybrid work model from Cape Town.