Introduction
Mintek has an exciting career opportunity for Senior Engineers in the Pyrometallurgy Division. The successful candidates must demonstrate the ability to provide technical leadership in the development and demonstration of value-added and niche technologies, products and processes in the Discipline. The various roles require demonstrated ability to perform the total scope of work in the Discipline, including business development, fundamental and applied research, technology development and technology demonstration. A strong understanding of pyrometallurgy and engineering design fundamentals, as well as adept abilities to identify RDI opportunities for Mintek and its ecosystem partners is a critical requirement. Contributing to human capital development through coaching and mentoring of junior engineers, postdoctoral research fellows and graduate trainees is a non-negotiable component of the roles.
Duties & Responsibilities
KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS:
The Discipline has identified the following priority research areas:
- Furnace of the future: Smarter, more taps, less energy, less emissions
- Computational, thermochemical and numerical modelling of complex phase systems in pyrometallurgy
- Phase equilibria and thermochemical modelling of complex slags systems
- Alternative reductants and low carbon pathways
- Reaction kinetics and elucidating reaction mechanisms in pyrometallurgy
- Technology and energy metals
- Postconsumer, industrial and urban wastes
- Design and characterisation of novel refractory systems
- Chemical metallurgy and modelling of alloy/matte refining systems
- Energy efficiency and sustainable energy systems
BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES:
- Team player who enjoys variety and has a strong affinity for 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.
- Willing to travel locally and internationally.
- Prepared to work shifts in hot and dusty plant environments when required.
- Ability to independently engage with industry leaders, operators and high-level international partners.
- Excellent writing and presentation skills.
Desired Experience & Qualification
JOB KNOWLEDGE AND REQUIREMENTS:
- Minimum 5 years’ experience in pyrometallurgy research and technology development.
- Demonstrated ability to develop experimental techniques, models and prototypes. Ability to manage high-temperature equipment, both at laboratory and at pilot-scale or technology demonstration levels is highly advantageous.
- Experience in designing pyrometallurgical processes using thermochemical software tools such as PyroSim and FactSage is an added advantage.
- Proven experience with coding in C and Python is an added advantage.
- Proven experience in mechanical design packages such as FUSION360 is an added advantage
- Ability to conceptualise and implement modifications to existing equipment and pilot facilities to improve safety and efficiency of plant operations.
- Ability to identify need for new equipment, motivate for CAPEX funds, and effectively and cost-efficiently manage multiple CAPEX projects to deliver quality products on schedule.
- Demonstrable experienced in managing complex technical projects, particularly from concept to higher technology readiness levels.
- A strong understanding of pyrometallurgy fundamentals is non-negotiable.
- Strong portfolio of publications in peer-reviewed journals is an added advantage.
- A good understanding of the global metals, minerals and energy industry is non-negotiable.
- Knowledge or experience with SHEQ systems is non-negotiable
- Knowledge of technology transfer, commercialisation and product development is highly advantageous
- Demonstrated ability to attract investment or R&D funding is highly advantageous.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Minimum Master’s degree in Metallurgical/ Chemical / Process/ Mechanical/Electrical Engineering or equivalent, with a strong emphasis on pyrometallurgy research and technology development.
- Ideally, a PhD in Chemical/ Metallurgical/ Process/ Mechanical/ Electrical Engineering, or equivalent, with a strong focus in pyrometallurgy research and technology development.
- Professional recognition and registration is an added advantage.
Source: https://www.pnet.co.za/jobs–Senior-Engineers-Various-Roles-Mintek–3639275-inline.html?rltr=15_15_25_seorl_m_0_0_0_0_0_0