Metallurgist - Process Engineer

Trafigura•Houston, TX

About The Position

Main Purpose The Metallurgist / Process Engineer is responsible for providing high-level technical expertise across multiple mining and metallurgical projects, operations, and strategic initiatives. The role combines due-diligence capability, operational support, and technical governance, ensuring that all projects, studies, and operations meet required technical, economic, and safety standards. The position also supports the company’s trading arm with metallurgical insight and may represent the organisation on industry or partner technical committees.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Metallurgical, Chemical, or Process Engineering.
10+ years of experience in minerals processing or metallurgical operations.
Experience with feasibility studies, testwork, and process modelling.
Experience in process design.
Strong understanding of CapEx/OpEx drivers and benchmarking.
Experience in due diligence, audits, and technical reviews.
Strong analytical and communication skills.
Ability to travel domestically and internationally.
Fluent in Spanish, Portuguese and English
Excellent technical rigor and attention to detail.
Ability to work independently and challenge assumptions.
Strong business acumen.
Collaborative approach with stakeholders.
High professional integrity.
Ability to work in a cross functional team environment.

Nice To Haves

Proficiency in modeling (METSIM, HSC, SysCAD) advantageous.

Responsibilities

Due Diligence & Technical Evaluation - Conduct detailed technical due diligence on mining and processing projects.
Review PFS, FS, BFS and operational studies.
Assess process designs, flowsheets, mass balances, and operating risks.
Evaluate CapEx and OpEx cost estimates.
Identify risks, optimisation opportunities, and value levers.
Build technoeconomic model for the project/operation
Site Visits & Operational Audits - Carry out structured site visits.
Perform plant walk-downs and gather operational data.
Prepare detailed site visit reports.
Diagnose bottlenecks and recommend improvements.
Support to Trading & Commercial Teams - Provide metallurgical evaluations of concentrates, intermediates, and ores.
Model recovery expectations, penalty elements, and payabilities.
Support commercial negotiations with technical insights.
Support to Company Operations & Partners - Offer process engineering guidance to operating assets.
Assist with troubleshooting, optimisation studies, and production forecasting.
Contribute to SOPs, testwork programs, and metallurgical accounting.
Peer Review & Technical Governance - Conduct independent peer reviews of reports and process designs.
Validate engineering assumptions and design criteria.
Support project stage-gates by reviewing deliverables.
Representation on Technical Committees - Act as company representative on technical committees.
Review and challenge operating plans and budgets.
Ensure alignment with corporate strategy and ESG standards.
Facilitate communication between operations and corporate teams