Metallurgical Engineer – Concentrator Operations

Rio Tinto•Salt Lake City, UT

20h•Onsite

About The Position

We are looking for a Day- to-Day Metallurgical Engineer – Concentrator Operations to join our Concentrator Technical team at Kennecott Copper. Working closely with operations, maintenance, planning, and control room teams, this role supports safe and efficient concentrator performance with a focus on throughput, recovery, concentrate quality, and cost efficiency. This is a site-based, hands‑on role suited to someone who enjoys being present in the plant, working collaboratively with operators, and balancing daily operational support with longer‑term improvement projects. Reporting to the Superintendent, Process Control, on a 9-day fortnight (9/80) roster and working collaboratively with operational and functional teams, you will be responsible for:

Requirements

A commitment to the safety of yourself and your team
Bachelor’s degree in Metallurgical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline
Minimum 2+ years’ experience in a concentrator or mineral processing environment (flotation experience strongly preferred)
Strong understanding of flotation fundamentals, plant data analysis, and process troubleshooting
Experience working closely with operations in a high‑throughput, continuous processing environment
Confidence using plant data and statistical analysis tools such as PI, Minitab, JMP, or similar
Strong communication and people skills, with the ability to build trust and collaborate effectively with operations and cross‑functional partners
Strong time‑management skills and flexibility to balance day‑to‑day plant support with longer‑term improvement work
Ability to work independently, take initiative, and contribute effectively in a fast‑moving operating environment
Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without current or future visa sponsorship.

Responsibilities

Actively participating in site safety programs, including risk assessments, Practical Problem Solving, Daily Production Meetings, and Leadership‑In‑Field activities
Monitoring and analysing daily concentrator performance, including recovery, grade, concentrate quality, and reagent consumption
Identifying performance gaps and recommending practical operating strategies to meet metallurgical targets
Conducting weekly data reviews and preparing monthly metallurgical performance reports outlining key trends and drivers
Providing clear, timely technical guidance to operators, maintainers, and engineers
Partnering with Operations, Maintenance, Planning, and Control Room teams to optimise setpoints, reagent strategies, and circuit configuration
Supporting troubleshooting during process upsets and constrained operating conditions
Overseeing and participating in routine and investigative sampling programs
Conducting laboratory flotation test work to validate plant changes or support troubleshooting
Working with Sampling Technicians and Electrical teams to ensure sampling systems are reliable and properly calibrated
Performing metallurgical and statistical analysis using tools such as PI, Minitab, or JMP
Documenting trials, findings, and recommendations in a clear and structured manner
Leading or supporting continuous improvement projects focused on recovery, circuit stability, or cost reduction
Sharing lessons learned and best practices with the broader concentrator and technical community
Conduct laboratory bench‑scale flotation testing to diagnose daily performance issues and evaluate reagent strategies

Benefits

Competitive base salary with annual incentive bonus
Comprehensive, family‑friendly benefits
Access to top-tier family-friendly health programs including medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, life insurance coverage, and various voluntary benefits
Excellent retirement plan including up to 6% defined company contribution and a generous 401k matching program
Attractive share ownership plan
Comprehensive leave policies covering all the moments that matter in life, including PTO (paid time off), paid holidays, and paid bereavement leave
A generous parental leave policy, ensuring time to focus on your growing family
Discount programs for leisure purposes
Access to Virgin Pulse with incentives supporting your wellbeing
Access to our Employee Assistance Program (EAP), providing confidential counselling and expert guidance for you and your family