Principal Engineer/Scientist: Hydrometallurgy at Mintek

About the position

Introduction

Mintek has an exciting career opportunity for a Principal Engineer/Scientist position. The Principal Engineer/ Scientist is expected to lead the execution of multiple assignments/projects that require high levels of integration and specialised knowledge and skills, as well as strong guidance to subordinates to deliver impact. Assist the Chief Engineer/Scientist in leading the research teams. Expertise at this level allows the incumbent to be seen as leading contributor and technical integrator across disciplines/more than a single research field.

Description
KEY PERFORMANCE AREA INDICATORS:

• Needs to interpret the organizational strategy to ensure that research is aligned with the organizational strategic choices.
• Assess the environment to determine opportunities for research.
• Develop new concepts, models and approaches as an individual technical authority / contributor.
• Operational: Systems design with integration of multiple disciplines/processes.
• Discoveries/Patents: Inventor/co-inventor at process/discipline
• Prepares funding proposals to personally attract funding from a variety of sources for highly complex projects.
• Ensure an external revenue contribution to support the activities of the research group.
• Analyses and executes coordinated research addressing complex and often unique problems that are encountered by the specific industry sector.  This involves properly assessing the problem and conceptualizing the research so that is adequately addresses the opportunity and that there is an adequate value proposition for delivering the research,
• Analyses, interprets and reports on highly complex research outcomes and is regarded as a national expert in a broad field, or an international expert in a specialized field.  This includes reports, publications, presentations etc. at the level of national or international expert level.
• Management of large multiyear projects and programmes, including resource and execution planning.
• Responsible for technical signoff of the work of junior staff.
• Responsible for significant equipment / facilities.
• Work independently and provides instruction to junior staff.  Receive no additional guidance and instruction on unusual and complex problems.
• Prepare reports, presentations and publications. 
• Will lead, guide, mentor and train staff and will supervise post-graduate students

Minimum Requirements

• Min: PhD in Extractive Metallurgy or a relevant scientific field relating to the Hydrometallurgy Discipline is required.
• 6 – 7 years’ experience in the field directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified and/ in research or knowledge-based organisations undertaking research in the Discipline is essential.
• Ideal: SACNASP or ECSA registered

Desired Skills:

• Leadership Skills
• Project Management
• Report Writing