Chief Processing Plant Engineer (Gold / CIL)

About the role

Gatesource HR is recruiting a Chief Processing Plant Engineer for a gold processing plant in South America. The role provides technical leadership, oversees maintenance and ensures operational reliability of the plant, including Gravity and Carbon-in-Leach (CIL) systems and their associated infrastructure. It covers safe, efficient and continuous plant operation through engineering management, equipment reliability, process optimization and compliance with safety, environmental and mining regulations.

Key responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate engineering, maintenance, electrical, instrumentation and technical support activities within the processing plant.
• Develop and implement initiatives to improve plant performance, reliability, productivity and operational efficiency.
• Support production planning and coordinate engineering activities to meet processing targets.
• Monitor and optimize crushing, grinding, gravity recovery, CIL, tailings, pumping and utility systems.
• Oversee preventive and corrective maintenance programs, shutdowns, repairs and equipment upgrades.
• Analyze equipment failures, downtime trends and maintenance costs, and implement corrective actions to improve reliability.
• Ensure compliance with engineering standards, maintenance procedures and operational controls.

Required profile

• Minimum of five years of experience in a supervisory or managerial engineering role in mining, mineral processing or heavy industry.
• Experience with gold processing using Gravity and/or CIL systems.
• Strong background in fixed plant maintenance, equipment reliability and engineering management.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary technical and maintenance teams.
• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Metallurgical, Mineral Processing, Industrial Engineering or a related field.
• Professional engineering certification or additional technical qualifications.
• Training in plant operations, maintenance systems or industrial safety is preferred.