Senior Technician

Mintek Pty Ltd.; Randburg; On-site; ZAR 50 000 - 200 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research organization in South Africa is looking for a Senior Technician to lead pyrometallurgy research. Responsibilities include commissioning and managing laboratory facilities, providing technical support, and contributing to human capital development through mentoring. Candidates should have at least 5 years of experience in pyrometallurgy, an MTech in Engineering, and be familiar with software tools like PyroSim™ and FactSage™. This role requires teamwork, excellent interpersonal skills, and a passion for technology development and transfer.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in pyrometallurgy research or technology development.
• Experience in designing and operating pilot and/or industrial scale electric arc furnaces.
• Ability to develop experimental techniques, models, and prototypes.

Responsibilities

• Lead the commissioning, maintenance, operation, and management of laboratory facilities.
• Provide technical support for research and technology demonstration activities.
• Coach and mentor colleagues for human capital development.

Skills

Pyrometallurgy research

Technical support

Coaching and mentoring

Interpersonal skills

Research project support

Education

MTech in Engineering (Metallurgical/Chemical/Process/Mechanical/Electrical)

DTech in Engineering

Professional recognition

Tools

PyroSim™

FactSage™

Job description

Industry: Scientific, Research & Development

Job category: Chemistry, Physics and Biology

Location: Randburg

Contract: Permanent

Remuneration: Market Related

EE position: No

Introduction

The Pyrometallurgy Division seeks to appoint a Senior Technician to lead the commissioning, maintenance, operation and management of laboratory and pilot-scale facilities in the Pyrometallurgy Division. Ability to conceptualize and execute research and commercial projects using laboratory and pilot scale facilities is highly desirable. Contributing to human capital development and willingness to work towards a common purpose with a strong sense of equity and inclusion are non negotiable attributes of the role.

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS:

• Responsible for the commissioning, maintenance, operation and management of laboratory and pilot-scale facilities in the Pyrometallurgy Division.
• Providing technical support and facilitating the smooth execution of research, technology demonstration, and commercialisation activities in the Division.
  
• Assume full responsibility for the sample management and SHEQ systems, including maintaining detailed equipment maintenance schedules and ensuring that critical spares and stocks are timely maintained and preserved.
  
• Providing administrative support to the Division, including managing and coordinating tender processes for CAPEX and large scale infrastructure projects.
  
• Contributing to human capital development through coaching and mentoring of colleagues, including providing postgraduate supervision where necessary.

JOB KNOWLEDGE AND REQUIREMENTS:

• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in pyrometallurgy research, technology development or related environment.
• Experience in designing and operating pilot and/or industrial scale electric arc furnaces.
  
• Ability to develop experimental techniques, models and prototypes is a distinct advantage.
  
• Experience in designing pyrometallurgical processes using thermochemical software tools such as PyroSim™ and FactSage™ is an added advantage.
  
• Demonstrable experience in supporting complex research projects, particularly from concept to higher technology readiness levels.
  
• Portfolio of publications in peer-reviewed journals and/or conference proceedings is an added advantage.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum MTech in Engineering ( Metallurgical/ Chemical/ Process/Mechanical/Electrical) or equivalent.
• Ideally, DTech in Engineering (Metallurgical/ Chemical/ Process/Mechanical/Electrical), or equivalent.
• Professional recognition and registration are added advantages.

BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES:

• Team player who enjoys variety and has a strong affinity for managing equipment and facilities, planning and executing new and high-impact research.
• Passion for learning, pyrometallurgy research, technology development and technology transfer.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work in a stressful and demanding environment.
• Prepared to work shifts in hot and dusty plant environments when required.
• Ability to handle and process solid and molten materials in a safe and responsible manner.
• Excellent writing and presentation skills.