Senior Technician

Mintek; Randburg; On-site; ZAR 600 000 - 750 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading metallurgical research institution in Gauteng seeks a Senior Technician to oversee the operation and management of pyrometallurgy facilities. Candidates should have a minimum of 5 years of experience in relevant fields, including expertise in operating electric arc furnaces. A master's degree in Engineering is essential, while a doctorate is a plus. Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work in challenging environments are required for this role, which includes mentoring responsibilities and direct impact on research outcomes.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in pyrometallurgy research or related environment.
• Experience in designing and operating pilot/industrial scale electric arc furnaces.
• Portfolio of publications in peer-reviewed journals is an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Lead commissioning, maintenance, operation and management of facilities.
• Provide technical support for research and commercialisation activities.
• Manage sample management and SHEQ systems.

Skills

Experience in pyrometallurgy research

Ability to develop experimental techniques

Excellent interpersonal skills

Ability to work in a stressful environment

Education

MTech in Engineering

DTech in Engineering (advantage)

Tools

PyroSim™

FactSage™

Job description

Job Location: Randburg, Gauteng, South Africa | Application Deadline: January 30, 2026

Introduction

• The Pyrometallurgy Division seeks 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.

Job description

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.

Minimum requirements

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.

Apply by: 29 January 2026