Johannesburg: Senior Process / Chemical Engineer (12-Month Contract)

February 25, 2026 Jobs in Central Johannesburg

Job Description

About the Role

We are seeking a highly experienced Senior Process / Chemical Engineer to join our team on a 12-month contract basis in Johannesburg. The successful candidate will be responsible for leading process engineering and optimisation initiatives within platinum group metals (PGMs) and precious metals refining circuits, as well as providing technical leadership in hydrometallurgical and pyrometallurgical operations.

Key Responsibilities

Lead process design, review, and optimisation initiatives within 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.

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.

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Salary & Benefits

Not specified

How to Apply

Click the green “Go Apply” button below to apply directly online with the employer.

About Engineering Jobs in Gauteng

In Gauteng, the engineering job market is generally driven by the growth and development of various industries, including technology, manufacturing, and infrastructure development. This has led to a high demand for skilled engineers with expertise in fields such as mechanical, electrical, civil, and chemical engineering. Typically, these roles involve designing, developing, testing, and implementing solutions to real-world problems.

The salary range for engineering positions in Gauteng is typically broad, with junior engineers earning around R300 000 to R500 000 per annum, while senior engineers can earn upwards of R800 000 to over R1 200 000. However, it’s essential to note that salaries can vary greatly depending on factors such as experience, company size, and industry sector. For instance, engineers working in the technology industry may receive higher salaries than those in manufacturing or infrastructure development.

Common skills for engineering roles include proficiency in computer-aided design (CAD) software, programming languages like Python or C++, and strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Engineers must also be able to communicate effectively with colleagues from other disciplines and manage projects from conception to completion. Other essential skills include familiarity with industry-specific standards and regulations, as well as the ability to work in a fast-paced environment.

Industry sectors that commonly employ engineers include financial services, technology, manufacturing, and infrastructure development. In these sectors, engineers play critical roles in designing and implementing solutions for complex problems, such as process optimization, product development, and system integration.

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For career progression, engineers can typically expect to move into senior or leadership roles with experience and additional qualifications. Many engineers also choose to pursue advanced degrees, such as master’s or doctoral studies, to specialize in a particular area of engineering or transition into related fields like research and development or consulting.

This information provides general career guidance. Actual salaries and requirements vary by employer.

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