Senior Pyrometallurgy Process Engineer – Lead Optimization

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

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.