Pyrometallurgy Senior Engineer: Modelling
Position summary
Introduction
Job description
- Performing the total scope of work in the Division, including business development, fundamental and applied research, technology demonstration, technology transfer and commercialisation.
- Providing technical leadership in driving high impact RDI programmes, commercial projects, contract research and funding strategies to drive productivity and ensure the financial sustainability of the Division.
- Formulating and executing disciplinary and multi-disciplinary assignments that require integration of specialist knowledge and skills, and function as a key technical resource in the Division. The objective is to apply in-depth understanding of thermophysical and thermochemical properties of materials to augment the Division’s capabilities in experimentation, testing and technology demonstration.
- Conceptualising and drafting technical proposals for local and international funding, leading to the establishment and sustenance of world-class RDI infrastructure, research programmes, and human capital capacity at Mintek.
- Providing technical and administrative support to the Division, including managing and coordinating tender and CAPEX processes to sustain world-class RDI infrastructure.
- Contributing to human capital development through coaching and mentoring of colleagues, including providing postgraduate supervision where necessary.
- Contributing to the visibility and credibility of the Division through building and sustaining long-term collaborations and partnerships, both locally and globally.
Minimum requirements
JOB KNOWLEDGE AND REQUIREMENTS:
- Minimum 5 years’ experience in pyrometallurgy research and technology development.
- Demonstrated ability to develop experimental techniques, models and prototypes.
- Demonstrable experience with designing and operating electric arc furnaces is an added advantage.
- Strong understanding of computational multiphysics and reduced order modelling in problems involving fluid flow, heat transfer, and chemical reactions.
- Proven experience with open source computational multiphysics modelling tools such as OpenFOAM®.
- 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 or FreeCAD is an added advantage.
- Demonstrable experienced in managing complex technical projects, particularly from concept to higher technology readiness levels.
- Strong portfolio of publications in peer-reviewed journals is an added advantage.
- 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 MEng/MSc in Engineering (Metallurgical/ Chemical / Process/ Mechanical/Electrical) or equivalent, with a strong emphasis on pyrometallurgy research, design and technology development.
§ Ideally, a PhD in Engineering (Chemical/ Metallurgical/ Process/ Mechanical/ Electrical), or equivalent, with a strong focus in pyrometallurgy research, design and technology development.
§ Postdoctoral research experience, with strong emphasis on pyrometallurgy research and technology development, is highly advantageous.
§ Professional recognition and registration are an added advantage.
§ Experience with postgraduate supervision is an added advantage.
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.