Process Engineer

Job description

At First Quantum, we free the talent of our people by taking a very different approach which is underpinned by a very different, very definite culture – the “First Quantum Way”.

Working with us is not like working anywhere else, which is why we recruit people who will take a bolder, smarter approach to spot opportunities, solve problems and deliver results.

Our culture is all about encouraging you to think independently and to challenge convention to deliver the best result. That’s how we continue to achieve extraordinary things in extraordinary locations.

Job description

Overall Job Purpose

Process Engineer in this role is to drive continuous improvement initiatives within the Processing Plants’ processes, systems, and operations. As a Process Engineer, this role plays a pivotal role in optimizing and enhancing the efficiency, safety, and quality of our processing operations. Primary responsibilities will encompass change management, quality control and assurance, in addition to general process engineering duties. The role will carry out tasks allocated by the Senior Superintendent in the context of assessing performance of the nickel processing plant with the final objective of effectively contributing to the plant meeting or exceeding production and performance targets.

Specific Job Responsibility

• Continuously assess and optimize mineral processing unit operations, including crushing, grinding, flotation, and separation processes, to maximize metal recovery and reduce waste.
• Analyse process data and performance metrics to identify trends, deviations, and areas for improvement. Utilize statistical methods for data-driven decision-making.
• Prepare regular reports on plant performance, quality control, and process improvements. Present findings and recommendations to management.
• Identify opportunities for process improvements and change initiatives to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and improve overall plant performance.
• Lead and facilitate the implementation of process changes and improvements. Ensure smooth transitions and minimal disruptions to ongoing operations.
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement within the plant, encouraging staff to identify and propose process enhancements.
• Establish and maintain rigorous quality control standards and procedures for processing functions.
• Conduct quality audits and inspections to identify non-conformities and implement corrective actions.
• Maintain comprehensive records of quality control procedures, testing results, and corrective actions taken.
• Maintain HSE standards and ensure strict compliance within the nickel plant.
• Developing operating methods and standard operating procedures related to process engineering tasks.
• Plan and execute projects according to processing requirements, providing quality technical insights on the results, which can include but not limited to.
• Prospective solution to outstanding mid to long-term issues, including all areas of the plant
• Maintain a user-friendly, exhaustive and up-to-date database of all projects.
• Work with limited supervision to seek continuous improvement.
• Manage the interaction with the Processing Operations team to ensure efficient delivery to customer requirements, with particular focus of the role on facilitating technical interactions between sections.
• Drive skills transfer and training, with the aim of increasing competencies and skillsets in junior staff where possible, especially through interaction on projects.
• Perform other duties that may be assign
• Continuously assess and optimize mineral processing unit operations, including crushing, grinding, flotation, and separation processes, to maximize metal recovery and reduce waste.
• Analyse process data and performance metrics to identify trends, deviations, and areas for improvement. Utilize statistical methods for data-driven decision-making.
• Prepare regular reports on plant performance, quality control, and process improvements. Present findings and recommendations to management.
• Identify opportunities for process improvements and change initiatives to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and improve overall plant performance.
• Lead and facilitate the implementation of process changes and improvements. Ensure smooth transitions and minimal disruptions to ongoing operations.
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement within the plant, encouraging staff to identify and propose process enhancements.
• Establish and maintain rigorous quality control standards and procedures for processing functions.
• Conduct quality audits and inspections to identify non-conformities and implement corrective actions.
• Maintain comprehensive records of quality control procedures, testing results, and corrective actions taken.
• Maintain HSE standards and ensure strict compliance within the nickel plant.
• Developing operating methods and standard operating procedures related to process engineering tasks.
• Plan and execute projects according to processing requirements, providing quality technical insights on the results, which can include but not limited to.
• Prospective solution to outstanding mid to long-term issues, including all areas of the plant
• Maintain a user-friendly, exhaustive and up-to-date database of all projects.
• Work with limited supervision to seek continuous improvement.
• Manage the interaction with the Processing Operations team to ensure efficient delivery to customer requirements, with particular focus of the role on facilitating technical interactions between sections.
• Drive skills transfer and training, with the aim of increasing competencies and skillsets in junior staff where possible, especially through interaction on projects.
• Perform other duties that may be assigned from time to time by the Senior Superintendent.

Job Specific Competencies

• Proven expertise in change management, process improvement, and quality control and assurance.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to use data to drive decisions.
• Strong understanding of complex metallurgical information, process improvement and control strategies.
• Familiarity with safety protocols and environmental regulations.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
• Project management skills to lead process improvement projects.
• Good cognitive and analytical skills for identifying process shortfalls, bottlenecks and implementing metallurgical testing.
• Process safety management knowledge.

Key Job Attributes

• Must be thorough and detail oriented
• Must be dependable and self-motivated
• Must have excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to interact with people of different cultures.
• Flexible towards working in variety of work areas.
• Must be bold, smart and driven.
• Must be adaptable and a team player.
• Work safely and to regulations – setting an example for all personnel

Experience required to perform in this job

• At least 2 years’ experience in process engineering within a mineral processing plant.
• Nickel flotation and talc removal circuit experience is advantageous.

Qualifications

• Full grade twelve (G12) certificate.
• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, or a related field. A master’s degree is a plus
• EIZ membership eligibility.
• Qualifications must be Validated by ZAQA