Senior Process Design Engineer

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); Hybrid; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible remote work

Advanced design tools

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Process Design Engineer for a predominantly remote role focused on mineral processing plants in the Mpumalanga region. You will lead concepts through detailed design, develop PFDs and P&IDs, and run simulations to optimize performance and cost.

Work with multidisciplinary teams, mentor junior engineers, review vendor documentation, and ensure compliance with safety, environmental, and client requirements on major mining projects in Mpumalanga and beyond.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in chemical/metallurgical engineering or related.
• 8–12 years of process design experience in mining/metals.
• Proven mineral processing circuit design experience (comminution, flotation, leaching, tailings).
• Strong simulation and design software proficiency.
• Excellent technical writing and communication skills.
• Ability to work remotely and manage projects independently.

Responsibilities

• Lead process design for mineral plants from concept to detailed design.
• Develop PFDs, P&IDs, and equipment specifications.
• Perform process simulations and mass/energy calculations.
• Size equipment and select process equipment.
• Ensure safety, environmental, and client requirements compliance.
• Collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams.
• Mentor junior engineers and support knowledge sharing.
• Review vendor documentation and participate in design reviews.

Skills

Process design

PFDs & P&IDs

Process simulation

Mass & energy balances

Equipment sizing

Mentoring

Remote work

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Chemical Engineering

Bachelor's or Master's in Metallurgical Engineering

Related engineering discipline

Tools

METSIM

Aspen Plus

HSC Chemistry

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading engineering firm specializing in the mining and metals sector, is seeking an experienced Senior Process Design Engineer for a primarily remote position. This role is critical for the conceptualization, design, and optimization of mineral processing plants, with a strong emphasis on projects located in and around the Mpumalanga region. You will be responsible for leading process design work, conducting simulations, developing PFDs (Process Flow Diagrams) and P&IDs (Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams), and ensuring that designs meet stringent technical, economic, and environmental objectives. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of mineral processing unit operations, process simulation software, and have a proven history of delivering successful designs for complex projects. This is an excellent opportunity to leverage your expertise remotely while contributing to vital industrial developments in Mpumalanga and beyond.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the process design and development for mineral processing plants, from conceptual studies to detailed design.
• Develop Process Flow Diagrams (PFDs), Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs), and equipment specifications.
• Perform process simulations and calculations using industry-standard software (e.g., METSIM, HSC Chemistry, Aspen Plus).
• Conduct mass and energy balances, and perform equipment sizing and selection.
• Ensure designs comply with safety regulations, environmental standards, and client requirements.
• Collaborate with multi-disciplinary engineering teams (mechanical, electrical, civil, structural).
• Provide technical support during the commissioning and start-up phases of projects.
• Review vendor documentation and participate in design reviews.
• Mentor junior process engineers and contribute to knowledge sharing within the team.
• Stay updated on emerging technologies and best practices in mineral processing.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• A minimum of 8-12 years of relevant experience in process design, preferably within the mining and metals industry.
• Proven experience in designing mineral processing circuits (e.g., comminution, flotation, leaching, tailings management).
• Proficiency in process simulation and design software.
• Strong understanding of process optimization and troubleshooting techniques.
• Excellent technical writing, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage projects effectively in a remote setting.
• Experience working on projects related to the Mpumalanga mining region is a strong advantage.
• Demonstrated ability to lead technical tasks and mentor junior staff.

Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience and qualifications.
• Flexible remote working arrangement.
• Opportunity to work on significant and challenging projects in the mining sector.
• Continuous learning and professional development opportunities.
• Be a key contributor to innovative process designs for the Mpumalanga region's industrial landscape.
• Access to advanced design tools and technologies.