Senior Technician at Mintek

Introduction

• The Pyrometallurgy Division seeks to appoint a Senior Technician to lead the commissioning, maintenance, operation and management of laboratory and pilot-scale facilities in the Pyrometallurgy Division.
• Ability to conceptualize and execute research and commercial projects using laboratory and pilot scale facilities is highly desirable. Contributing to human capital development and willingness to work towards a common purpose with a strong sense of equity and inclusion are non negotiable attributes of the role.

Job description

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS: 

• Responsible for the commissioning, maintenance, operation and management of laboratory and pilot-scale facilities in the Pyrometallurgy Division. 
• Providing technical support and facilitating the smooth execution of research, technology demonstration, and commercialisation activities in the Division. 
• Assume full responsibility for the sample management and SHEQ systems, including maintaining detailed equipment maintenance schedules and ensuring that critical spares and stocks are timely maintained and preserved.
• Providing administrative support to the Division, including managing and coordinating tender processes for CAPEX and large scale infrastructure projects.
• Contributing to human capital development through coaching and mentoring of colleagues, including providing postgraduate supervision where necessary

Minimum requirements

JOB KNOWLEDGE AND REQUIREMENTS:

• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in pyrometallurgy research, technology development or related environment. 
• Experience in designing and operating pilot and/or industrial scale electric arc furnaces.
• Ability to develop experimental techniques, models and prototypes is a distinct advantage. 
• Experience in designing pyrometallurgical processes using thermochemical software tools such as PyroSim™ and FactSage™ is an added advantage. 
• Demonstrable experience in supporting complex research projects, particularly from concept to higher technology readiness levels.
• Portfolio of publications in peer-reviewed journals and/or conference proceedings is an added advantage.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum MTech in Engineering (Metallurgical/ Chemical/ Process/Mechanical/Electrical) or equivalent.
• Ideally, DTech in Engineering (Metallurgical/ Chemical/ Process/Mechanical/Electrical), or equivalent.
• Professional recognition and registration are added advantages.

BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES:

• Team player who enjoys variety and has a strong affinity for managing equipment and facilities, planning and executing new and high-impact research.
• Passion for learning, pyrometallurgy research, technology development and technology transfer.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work in a stressful and demanding environment.
• Prepared to work shifts in hot and dusty plant environments when required.
• Ability to handle and process solid and molten materials in a safe and responsible manner.
• Excellent writing and presentation skills

Apply by: 29 January 2026