Chief Engineer- Technology Development - Re-Advert
Listing reference: minte_000137
Listing status: Under Review
Apply by: 31 August 2023
Position summary
Industry: Scientific, Research & Development
Job category: RandD, Science and Scientific Research
Location: Randburg
Contract: Permanent
Remuneration: Market Related
EE position: Yes
Introduction
Mintek has an exciting career opportunity for a Chief Engineer in the Pyrometallurgy Division. The successful candidate must demonstrate the ability to drive value-added RDI activities in the Technology Development Group, provide expert leadership and specialist support in the development and demonstration of value-adding and niche technologies, products and processes in the Discipline and contribute to human capital development through coaching and mentoring of junior engineers, postdoctoral research fellows and graduate trainees as a non-negotiable component of the role.
Job description
KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS:
- Perform the total scope of work in the Discipline, including business development, fundamental research, technology development and technology demonstration.
- Provide specialist leadership in developing a pipeline of high impact areas for long-term RDI programmes, commercial projects, contract research and funding strategies to drive productivity and ensure the financial sustainability of the Discipline. This includes actively taking part in large international funding proposals to attract funding for multidisciplinary research projects and programmes.
- Provide expert leadership in formulating and executing highly complex technical assignments that require high levels of integration and specialist knowledge and skills, and function as the key technical resource in the Discipline with no additional technical oversight. This includes exercising a very high degree of foresight, creativity and judgement based on firm scientific and engineering principles to ensure that all RDI initiatives are planned and delivered with significant novelty and impact.
- Contribute to human capital development through coaching and mentoring of junior staff in the Discipline, including providing postgraduate supervision where necessary.
- Enhance the visibility and credibility of the Discipline through networking and building long-term collaborations and partnerships, both locally and globally.
- Communicate strategic and technical information in a professional manner, including communicating own and team research via technical publications in accredited journals and key note presentations at peer-received conferences. These outputs should be at a level of an international expert.
- Assume specialist responsibility for the assessment and management of all risks related to the Discipline and across disciplines for multidisciplinary activities. This includes providing expert assessment and guidance on strategic, governance and operational risks.
- Provide a safe working environment through strict compliance to the health and safety procedures of the Discipline as well as those of Mintek
BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES:
- Team player who enjoys variety and has a strong affinity for planning and executing new and high impact research
- Passion for scientific 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 stakeholders
- Excellent writing and presentation skills
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Minimum requirements
JOB KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
- Minimum 10 years’ experience in pyrometallurgy research and/or technology development.
- A strong understanding of pyrometallurgy and engineering design fundamentals non-negotiable.
- Demonstrable experience with designing and operating electric arc furnaces.
- Demonstrable experienced in managing complex technical projects, particularly from concept to market.
- A strong understanding of the global metals, minerals and energy industry is non-negotiable.
- Experience in designing pyrometallurgical processes using thermochemical software tools such as PyroSim™ and FactSage™.
- Knowledge of technology development, technology transfer, IP management and commercialisation.
- Experience with coding in C and Python is an added advantage.
- Strong portfolio of publications in peer-reviewed journals is an added advantage.
- Knowledge or experience with SHEQ systems is non-negotiable.
- Demonstrated ability to attract investment or RDI funding is highly advantageous.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- A minimum PhD in Metallurgical/Chemical/Process Engineering, or equivalent, with a strong focus on pyrometallurgy research and/or technology development.
- Professional recognition and registration is an added advantage.