Senior Process Engineer - Pyrometallurgy

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

Medical coverage

Provident fund

Paid time off

Professional growth

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Process Engineer specialized in pyrometallurgy for its Nelspruit facility in Mpumalanga. Lead high-temperature process design, operation, and troubleshooting to optimize smelting, converting, and refining.

Responsibilities include mentoring engineers, driving process improvements, ensuring safety and environmental compliance, and collaborating with R&D and operations to advance metallurgical technologies.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or PhD in Chemical or Metallurgical Engineering focusing on high-temperature processes.
• 8+ years in process engineering, with ≥4 years in pyrometallurgy in mining or metals.
• Proficient in smelting, converting, furnace operations, and related pyrometallurgical techniques.
• Experience with process safety management (PSM) and environmental compliance.
• Strong leadership and project management skills; able to mentor others.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and optimize pyrometallurgical processes (smelting, refining, calcining).
• Design and implement process improvements to boost yield and reduce energy usage and emissions.
• Conduct process simulations, pilot plant trials, and scale-up studies for new or modified processes.
• Troubleshoot complex operational issues and identify root causes with effective solutions.
• Develop and maintain process control strategies and operating procedures.
• Ensure adherence to safety protocols, environmental regulations, and quality standards.
• Collaborate with R&D, engineering, and operations on new technology development and implementation.
• Manage process data acquisition and analysis to drive performance improvements.
• Mentor and guide junior process engineers and technical staff.
• Prepare technical reports, feasibility studies, and economic evaluations for process projects.

Skills

Process engineering

Pyrometallurgy

Leadership

Project management

Thermodynamics

Analytical skills

Communication

Problem solving

Safety compliance

Data analysis

Education

Master's or PhD in Chemical/Metallurgical Engineering

Tools

HSC Chemistry

METSIM

Job description

About the Role

Join a leading industrial minerals company as a Senior Process Engineer specializing in Pyrometallurgy, based in **Nelspruit, Mpumalanga**. Our client is at the forefront of innovation in metal extraction and refining, and this role is pivotal to optimizing their pyrometallurgical processes. You will be responsible for the design, development, operation, and troubleshooting of high-temperature metallurgical processes, including smelting, converting, and refining. This senior position requires a deep understanding of chemical engineering principles applied to high-temperature systems, extensive operational experience, and strong analytical capabilities. You will lead process improvement initiatives, mentor junior engineers, and ensure safe, efficient, and environmentally sound operations at their key **Mpumalanga** facility. This is an opportunity to significantly impact production efficiency and contribute to groundbreaking metallurgical advancements.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee and optimize pyrometallurgical processes, including smelting, refining, and calcining operations.
• Design and implement process improvements to enhance yield, reduce energy consumption, and minimize emissions.
• Conduct process simulations, pilot plant trials, and scale-up studies for new or modified processes.
• Troubleshoot complex operational issues, identifying root causes and implementing effective solutions.
• Develop and maintain process control strategies and operating procedures.
• Ensure adherence to strict safety protocols, environmental regulations, and quality standards.
• Collaborate with R&D, engineering, and operations teams on new technology development and implementation.
• Manage process data acquisition and analysis to drive performance improvements.
• Mentor and guide junior process engineers and technical staff.
• Prepare technical reports, feasibility studies, and economic evaluations for process projects.

Requirements

• Master's degree or PhD in Chemical Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, or a closely related field with a focus on high-temperature processes.
• A minimum of 8 years of experience in process engineering, with at least 4 years specifically in pyrometallurgy within the mining or metals industry.
• Proven expertise in smelting, converting, furnace operations, and related pyrometallurgical techniques.
• Strong understanding of thermodynamics, chemical kinetics, and mass/heat transfer principles in high-temperature environments.
• Proficiency with process simulation software (e.g., HSC Chemistry, METSIM) and statistical analysis tools.
• Experience with process safety management (PSM) and environmental compliance in high-temperature operations.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills.
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal abilities.
• Experience working in **South Africa**, particularly in the **Mpumalanga** region, is highly advantageous.
• Professional Engineer (Pr. Eng.) registration is desirable.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary package commensurate with expertise, including annual bonuses and potential for long-term incentives.
• A comprehensive benefits plan includes medical coverage, a provident fund, and generous paid time off.
• Opportunities for professional growth, advanced training, and career progression within their global network are significant.
• This role is located in **Nelspruit, Mpumalanga**, providing a challenging and rewarding career within a leading industrial enterprise.