Senior Process Engineer - Hydrometallurgy

Placements24; Gqeberha; On-site; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,600,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Process Engineer with hydrometallurgy expertise to join the team in Port Elizabeth. You will design and optimize chemical processes for metal extraction, run simulations, and select equipment to ensure safe, efficient plant operation.

Responsibilities include developing procedures, training staff, and implementing process improvements to boost recovery while reducing costs and environmental impact.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or related field with strong chemical process focus.
• Minimum 7 years of process engineering experience; at least 4 years in hydrometallurgy.
• Experience with process design, simulation software, and PFD/P&ID development.
• Solid understanding of thermodynamics, kinetics and mass transfer in metallurgy.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving and project management skills.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop hydrometallurgical processes including leaching, solvent extraction, ion exchange, and electrowinning.
• Perform process simulations and modeling to optimize performance and efficiency.
• Specify and select process equipment meeting capacity, materials, and safety standards.
• Develop operating procedures, troubleshooting guides and train operators for safe plant operation.
• Analyze plant data, identify improvements, and implement modifications to enhance recovery and reduce costs.

Skills

7+ years experience

Hydrometallurgy expertise

Process design

Analytical problem-solving

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Aspen Plus

HYSYS

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking an accomplished Senior Process Engineer with expertise in hydrometallurgy to join their team in Port Elizabeth . This role is instrumental in designing, optimizing, and troubleshooting chemical processes for metal extraction and refining. You will be responsible for process simulations, equipment selection, and ensuring the safe and efficient operation of hydrometallurgical plants. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to a growing industry in a key coastal city, working on projects that require sophisticated chemical engineering solutions and drive significant value.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop hydrometallurgical processes , including leaching, solvent extraction, ion exchange, and electrowinning, for various metals.
• Perform process simulations and modeling using specialized software (e.g., Aspen Plus, HYSYS) to optimize performance and efficiency.
• Specify and select process equipment, ensuring it meets project requirements for capacity, materials of construction, and safety standards.
• Develop operating procedures, troubleshooting guides, and conduct operator training to ensure safe and effective plant operation.
• Analyze plant data, identify areas for improvement, and implement process modifications to enhance recovery, reduce costs, and improve environmental performance.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or a related discipline with a strong focus on chemical processes.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in process engineering, with at least 4 years specializing in hydrometallurgy.
• Proven experience with process design, simulation software, and PFD/P&ID development.
• Strong understanding of chemical thermodynamics, kinetics, and mass transfer principles applied to metallurgical extraction.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills.

Benefits

• Attractive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
• Opportunity to work on technically challenging and impactful hydrometallurgical projects.
• Professional development support and opportunities for career advancement.
• Located in the dynamic industrial center of Port Elizabeth.
• A collaborative and safety-focused work environment.