Senior Specialist, Research Metallurgist
Fa-Epod-Saasfaprod1 Cx · Saudi Arabia
Why This Role Matters
The Senior Specialist, Research Metallurgist advances Maaden’s technology and innovation agenda by converting metallurgical research, testing, and process development into tangible operational and commercial value. The role strengthens decision-making by providing deep technical expertise that improves resource recovery, process performance, product quality, and operational efficiency.
The role reduces technical uncertainty through rigorous laboratory and pilot-scale investigations, enabling informed investment, engineering, and process optimization decisions. Through robust analysis and evidence-based recommendations, it accelerates innovation while minimizing operational and metallurgical risk.
By bridging research, pilot testing, and operational implementation, the role supports sustainable growth, technology advancement, and continuous improvement across Ma’aden’s mining and minerals processing operations.
What You Will Deliver
Metallurgical Research & Technical Evaluation
Deliver specialized metallurgical investigations that improve understanding of process performance, recovery opportunities, and technical constraints.
Generate reliable laboratory and pilot-scale data that supports engineering studies, technology evaluations, and operational decisions.
Strengthen confidence in metallurgical decisions through rigorous testing, analysis, and interpretation of complex datasets.
Process Development & Optimization
Improve recovery, grade, throughput, reagent efficiency, energy performance, and product quality through data-driven process recommendations.
Develop and refine metallurgical flowsheets, operating parameters, and testing methodologies that enhance operational performance.
Support scale-up and technology deployment activities through technically sound recommendations and evaluation inputs.
Technical Analysis & Decision Support
Deliver technical assessments, mass and metal balances, kinetics evaluations, and process analyses that enable informed decision-making.
Translate complex metallurgical findings into clear recommendations for engineering, operations, and management stakeholders.
Identify technical risks, uncertainties, and performance gaps while recommending practical mitigation and improvement actions.
Innovation & Continuous Improvement
Advance innovation initiatives through evaluation of new technologies, methodologies, and process improvement opportunities.
Strengthen continuous improvement programs by identifying opportunities to enhance metallurgical performance and operational effectiveness.
Support knowledge development and transfer that enables long-term technical capability growth.
Stakeholder Collaboration & Technical Leadership
Provide specialist metallurgical expertise to multidisciplinary teams, laboratories, pilot plant personnel, and external partners.
Strengthen technical execution through guidance, mentoring, and alignment with approved quality and safety standards.
Deliver clear technical reports, presentations, and recommendations that facilitate action and value realization.
What Success Looks Like
Metallurgical test work and investigations consistently deliver reliable data and actionable technical insights.
Process improvement initiatives result in enhanced recovery, product quality, efficiency, and operational performance.
Technical recommendations successfully support feasibility studies, pilot campaigns, technology evaluations, and process development projects.
Metallurgical risks and process challenges are identified early and addressed through practical, evidence-based solutions.
Stakeholders receive clear, timely, and high-quality technical support that improves decision quality and project outcomes.
Innovation, safety, quality, and continuous improvement objectives are consistently achieved.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Metallurgy, Mineral Processing, Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline.
Experience
6–8 years of relevant experience in metallurgical research, mineral processing testwork, pilot plant operations, process development, or extractive metallurgy.
Hands-on experience designing and executing metallurgical testwork programs and interpreting complex technical data.
Experience supporting feasibility studies, process optimization initiatives, pilot campaigns, operational troubleshooting, and technology evaluations.
Demonstrated ability to work independently, provide specialist advice, and guide less experienced team members or external service providers.
Skills That Matter
Metallurgical testwork design and execution
Mineral processing and extractive metallurgy
Mass and metal balancing
Flowsheet development and process optimization
Pilot plant testing and scale-up support
Technical data interpretation and statistical analysis
Technical problem solving and root cause analysis
Engineering and feasibility study support
Process performance evaluation
Technical reporting and documentation
Technology assessment and innovation delivery
Continuous improvement and value optimization
Stakeholder communication and influencing
Cross-functional technical collaboration
Technical coaching and knowledge transfer
Laboratory and contractor coordination
Results orientation and accountability
Safety and quality leadership