Principal Engineer-Technology & Energy Metals - Re-Advert
Listing reference: minte_000136
Listing status: Under Review
Apply by: 31 August 2023
Position summary
Industry: Scientific, Research & Development
Job category: Others: RandD, Science and Scientific Research
Location: Randburg
Contract: Permanent
Remuneration: Market Related
EE position: Yes
Introduction
Mintek has an exciting career opportunity for a Principal Engineer in the Pyrometallurgy Division. The successful candidate must demonstrate the ability to conduct multidisciplinary research and technology development in the sustainable processing of technology and energy metals. The principal focus of this role is to develop nascent and sustainable processes to recover technology and energy metals from primary and/or secondary resources. 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 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 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.
- Conceptualise, lead and execute technical RDI projects to develop nascent experimental techniques, models, processes, and technologies to recover technology and energy metals from primary and/or secondary resources. This includes undertaking scientific and applied research to enhance the fundamental understanding of slag systems applicable to the smelting and refining of technology and energy metals.
- Plan and write proposals for internal, local and international funding, including contract research proposals to ensure financial sustainability of the Discipline.
- Enhance the visibility and credibility of the Discipline through networking and building long-term collaborations and partnerships, both locally and globally. This includes actively engaging with industry and other ecosystem partners to determine system requirements and identify and address potential barriers to implementation of desired solutions.
- Contribute to human capital development through coaching and mentoring of junior staff in the Discipline. This includes leading and managing cross-functional teams and providing postgraduate supervision where necessary
- Communicate strategic and technical information in a professional manner, including communicating own and team research through technical publications in accredited journals and peer-received conferences.
- 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 learning, pyrometallurgy research and technology transfer.
- High ethical standards and ability to maintain confidentiality at all times and ensure that Mintek’s IP is protected at all times.
- Ability to cope in a stressful and demanding environment.
- Preparedness to work shifts in hot and dusty plant environments when required.
- Willingness to travel locally and internationally.
- Ability to independently engage with industry leaders, operators and high level international stakeholders.
- Excellent writing and presentation skills.
Minimum requirements
JOB KNOWLEDGE AND REQUIREMENTS:
- Minimum 6-7 years’ experience in pyrometallurgy research and/or technology development, with a strong focus developing processes to recover critical metals such as REEs, PGMs, lithium, titanium or vanadium from primary and/or secondary resources.
- Demonstrated ability to design and develop experimental techniques, models and prototypes. Ability to manage high-temperature equipment, both at laboratory and at pilot scale or demonstration levels is highly advantageous.
- Strong knowledge of high temperature phase equilibria and modelling of complex slags systems is an added advantage.
- Experience in designing pyrometallurgical processes using thermochemical software tools such as PyroSim™ and FactSage™ is an added advantage.
- Demonstrable experienced in managing complex technical projects, particularly from concept to higher technology readiness levels is an added advantage.
- A strong understanding of pyrometallurgy fundamentals is non-negotiable.
- Strong portfolio of publications in peer-reviewed journals.
- A strong 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 a PhD in Chemical/ Metallurgical/ Process Engineering or equivalent, with a strong focus in pyrometallurgy research and/or technology development.
- Professional recognition and registration is an added advantage.