Senior Process / Chemical Engineer (12-Month Contract)

SUMMARY:
Senior Process / Chemical Engineer (12-Month Contract)
Our client, a leading player in the platinum and precious metals refining sector, is seeking a highly experienced Senior Process / Chemical Engineer for a 12-month contract position based in Johannesburg, Gauteng. The successful candidate will bring a minimum of 15 years’ experience in platinum and precious metals refining, with strong exposure to process plant operations, optimisation, and project execution. This role is suited to a results-driven professional with deep technical expertise in hydrometallurgical and pyrometallurgical processes, plant performance improvement, and operational troubleshooting within a complex refining environment.

POSITION INFO:
Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Chemical Engineering (BEng/BSc Eng).
• Minimum 15 years’ experience in platinum and precious metals refining.
• Extensive process plant experience within hydrometallurgical and/or pyrometallurgical environments.
• Proven track record in plant optimisation, troubleshooting, and process improvement.
• Strong understanding of PGMs refining processes and associated technologies.
• Experience with mass and energy balances, process simulation, and data analysis tools.
• Professional registration with the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) will be advantageous.

• Lead process design, review, and optimisation initiatives within platinum group metals (PGMs) and precious metals refining circuits.
• Analyse plant performance data to identify bottlenecks, inefficiencies, and improvement opportunities.
• Develop and implement process improvement strategies to enhance throughput, recovery, yield, and cost efficiency.
• Provide technical leadership in hydrometallurgical and pyrometallurgical operations, including leaching, solvent extraction, precipitation, smelting, and refining processes.

• Provide senior-level technical support to operations and maintenance teams.
• Troubleshoot complex process issues and implement corrective actions to ensure stable and efficient plant operation.
• Monitor critical process parameters and recommend adjustments to maintain product quality and recovery targets.
• Support commissioning, start-up, and stabilisation of new or modified process units.

• Lead or contribute to capital and improvement projects, ensuring technical compliance and operational integration.
• Review and approve engineering deliverables including PFDs, P&IDs, mass and energy balances, equipment specifications, and technical reports.
• Liaise with multidisciplinary teams (mechanical, electrical, instrumentation, and control) to ensure seamless project execution.
• Oversee contractors and service providers to ensure quality, safety, and adherence to timelines.

• Ensure all process activities comply with relevant South African regulations, environmental standards, and safety protocols.
• Conduct and participate in HAZOPs, risk assessments, and root cause analyses.
• Promote a strong safety culture within the refining plant environment.
• Support environmental compliance initiatives, including emissions control, effluent management, and waste minimisation.

• Develop and maintain process documentation, SOPs, and technical standards.
• Prepare detailed technical reports, feasibility studies, and performance assessments for senior management.
• Provide expert input into strategic planning and long-term process development initiatives.
• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical guidance to plant personnel.