Hydrometallurgical Engineer

Hatch · Johannesburg, Gauteng

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The Opportunity

We are seeking a highly motivated Hydrometallurgical Engineer to join our Johannesburg office. The successful candidate will contribute to the delivery of world-class hydrometallurgical projects across Africa and globally, supporting studies, process design, engineering, commissioning, and optimization activities.
This role offers exposure to a broad range of commodities including copper, nickel, cobalt, uranium, zinc, manganese, precious metals, lithium, and battery materials while working alongside experienced technical specialists and project teams

Key Responsibilities

Contribute to hydrometallurgical process design for study and execution projects.
Develop and maintain Process Flow Diagrams PFDs, Process Design Criteria PDCs, and Process Design Basis PDB documentation.
Perform mass and energy balance calculations using process modelling software.
Assist with equipment sizing, specification development, and process calculations.
Participate in trade-off studies, process optimization, and technology evaluations.
Support development of capital cost CAPEX and operating cost OPEX estimates.
Collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering teams including mechanical, piping, electrical, instrumentation, civil, and project services.
Support commissioning, start-up, and operational readiness activities.
Conduct process simulations using platforms such as METSIM, SysCAD, or equivalent.
Participate in technical reviews, hazard studies, and client presentations.
Assist with preparation of technical reports and feasibility study documentation.
Support business development initiatives through technical input and proposal preparation.

Key Performance Indicators KPIs

Delivery of engineering work within agreed quality, cost, and schedule requirements.
Accuracy and completeness of process design deliverables.
Compliance with Hatch safety, quality, and technical standards.
Effective contribution to multidisciplinary project teams.
Successful completion of assigned studies and engineering packages.
Continuous professional development toward ECSA registration.
Positive feedback from project teams and clients.

Qualifications

Essential

Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Engineering in:
Chemical Engineering
Metallurgical Engineering
Mineral Processing Engineering
Equivalent Engineering Discipline
2-6 years of relevant hydrometallurgical or process engineering experience.
Strong understanding of hydrometallurgical unit operations and process fundamentals.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred

Technical Skills

Experience in one or more of the following areas

Key Competencies