Lead Process And Metallurgical Engineer - Minerals & Brine Extraction

Saudi Aramco (ASC)

Job Purpose

Saudi Aramco is seeking a Senior Technical Advisor - Metallurgical Engineer with a strong background in chemical engineering, to join the Aramco Minerals organization within the Upstream Business Line. In this strategic and technically rigorous role, you will serve as a key metallurgical and process engineering expert, supporting the identification, evaluation, and development of high-potential brine-based mineral resources, including lithium, bromine, potash, and magnesium.

Your expertise in hydrometallurgy, chemical process design, and industrial-scale mineral recovery systems, combined with a deep understanding of solution chemistry, mass transfer, reaction engineering, and process scale-up, will be critical in transforming mineral discoveries into technically and economically viable processing operations.

You will lead metallurgical testwork, process development, and flowsheet optimization, while providing guidance on equipment design, materials compatibility, and chemical system integration. Working closely with a multidisciplinary team of geologists, chemists, and engineers, you will ensure that mineral development projects are technically sound, scalable, and aligned with Aramco's long-term strategic objectives.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a technical authority in hydrometallurgy and chemical process engineering, with a focus on brine-based systems for lithium, bromine, potash, and magnesium recovery.
• Lead the design, optimization, and scale-up of hydrometallurgical processes including leaching, precipitation, solvent extraction, ion exchange, Adsorption and electrowinning.
• Conduct metallurgical and chemical testwork, interpret brine composition data, and develop integrated process flowsheets to support feasibility studies and plant design.
• Evaluate ore and brine characteristics, and define leachability, recovery pathways, and reagent consumption, ensuring process efficiency and economic viability.
• Provide expert chemical and metallurgical input into process equipment design, materials selection, and corrosion resistance, particularly in aggressive chemical environments.
• Collaborate with exploration, mining, and process engineering teams to assess the technical feasibility of mineral deposits and define development roadmaps from discovery to production.
• Develop and validate metallurgical and chemical models using simulation tools to support mass balances, reagent optimization, and plant performance forecasting.
• Plan and oversee pilot-scale trials, bench-scale testing, and process validation, ensuring smooth transition from lab to industrial scale.
• Prepare and present technical reports, process evaluations, and feasibility studies for internal stakeholders and external partners.
• Utilize GIS and 3D modeling tools to integrate metallurgical and chemical data with geological and mining information for resource modeling and planning.
• Provide technical leadership in environmental and safety compliance, particularly in handling chemically reactive systems and managing waste streams.
• Maintain awareness of industry innovations, emerging technologies, and patentable solutions in hydrometallurgy and mineral processing.
• Collaborate across disciplines,including geology, chemical engineering, and environmental science, to drive integrated and sustainable mineral development.

Education & Experience Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Metallurgical Engineering or Chemical Engineering, with a strong background in hydrometallurgy or chemical process development. An MSc or PhD in Hydrometallurgy, Chemical Metallurgy, or Industrial Chemistry is highly preferred.
• Minimum of 15 years of professional experience, with at least 7-10 years in hydrometallurgical process development, chemical plant design, and industrial-scale mineral recovery, particularly for brine-based minerals.
• Demonstrated technical leadership in metallurgical and chemical testwork, flowsheet development, and industrial process scale-up.
• Strong proficiency in hydrometallurgical and chemical simulation tools (e.g., HSC Chemistry, FactSage, METSIM, Aspen Plus), and experience in materials compatibility evaluation and corrosion control strategies.
• Experience with chemical process equipment design, including reactors, settlers, columns, and crystallizers, and familiarity with ASME, API, ISO, and NACE standards for chemical systems.
• Proven track record of technical contributions in mineral processing and chemical engineering, including peer-reviewed publications, technology patents, and mentoring programs.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in multi-disciplinary teams, and to interface between technical, operational, and strategic functions.
• Willingness and ability to work in remote or field-based environments when required.
• Excellent problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and a strong commitment to technical excellence, innovation, and operational safety.