
Senior Process Engineer-MMM-Gold Experience Required
- Mesa, AZ
- Permanent
- Full-time
- Lead the development and execution of conceptual, pre-feasibility, feasibility, and detailed process designs for gold and base metal recovery circuits.
- Prepare and oversee process deliverables including:
- Process Flow Diagrams (PFDs) and heat & material balances
- Piping & Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs)
- Process design criteria and philosophies
- Mass, energy, and water balances
- Process control narratives and functional descriptions
- Line lists, valve lists, and instrument lists
- Process equipment specifications and data sheets
- Conduct design reviews to ensure alignment with project requirements, metallurgical test work, and operational best practices.
- Ensure compliance with applicable codes, standards, regulations, and client specifications (e.g., MSHA, ASTM, ISO).
- Design and specify major gold processing equipment, including:
- Leach tanks, thickeners, clarifiers, CIP/CIL systems
- Adsorption, elution, electrowinning, and refining circuits
- Gravity recovery units and clean-up equipment
- Detoxification systems and cyanide destruction units
- Heap leach pads, solution collection and handling infrastructure
- Size preliminary equipment and coordinate with vendors for technical bid evaluations, ensuring equipment meets process requirements.
- Maintain familiarity with key suppliers, equipment innovations, and performance metrics.
- Develop and validate process simulations using tools such as METSIM, SysCAD, or similar software.
- Perform hydraulic calculations and slurry transport designs for pumping and piping systems.
- Conduct process optimization, debottlenecking, and plant audits to improve recovery, efficiency, and safety.
- Analyze and supervise metallurgical and pilot test work programs, particularly for gold recovery flowsheets, including refractory ore treatment (e.g., POX, BIOX, roasting).
- Act as lead process engineer or project design lead, overseeing a team of engineers, designers, and drafters.
- Coordinate with other engineering disciplines (mechanical, piping, electrical, civil/structural) for integrated design solutions.
- Support 3D model reviews, layout planning, and plot plan development.
- Provide technical input for operating and capital cost estimates at all study phases.
- Interface with project managers, clients, vendors, and regulators to ensure alignment and successful project delivery. Validate and review process deliverables to meet customer, project, and QA/QC standards.
- Participate in and support HAZOP, HAZID, SIL, and risk assessment studies.
- Adhere to company work procedures, technical guidelines, safety regulations, and customer-specific protocols.
- Apply risk management strategies to mitigate operational and technical risks.
- Provide technical mentorship to junior engineers, reviewing deliverables and supporting professional development.
- Promote a culture of safety, quality, and continuous learning within the team.
- Stay current with emerging gold processing technologies, industry innovations, and sustainable practices.
- Foster innovation by evaluating and implementing new technologies and methodologies in mineral processing.
- Review and, if licensed, stamp engineering documents in accordance with professional engineering standards.
- Collaborate closely with clients, technology providers, and regulatory bodies to achieve project objectives.
- Willingness to visit mine sites to gather operational data, assess challenges, and build relationships with client operations teams.
- Stay updated on emerging gold processing technologies and best practices.
- Bachelor’s degree in Metallurgy, Mineral Processing or Chemical Engineering.
- 8+ years of experience as a Lead or Senior Process Engineer within the mining industry.
- 4+ years of experience in gold processing (CIL, CIP, heap leach, etc.).
- Licensed Professional Engineer (PE) in Process Engineering in the state of Arizona or the ability to obtain licensure within an expedited timeframe.
- 2+ years of EPC/EPCM project experience is preferred.
- Strong background in base metals is still desirable (e.g., copper, nickel, lead-zinc).
- Advanced degree in Process Engineering is a plus.
- Familiarity with mining regulatory/MSHA certification and standards is preferred.