R&D Engineer

Your Tasks

Job Summary

As the on-site Research Engineer at Aurubis Richmond, you will be an integral part of a cross-functional R&D team working closely with R&D Corporate and Production, Supply Chain, Commissioning, Maintenance, and Analytical teams in Richmond and other locations. Your role involves developing and designing new processes while enhancing existing ones. By exploring metallurgical and mathematical models, you will identify significant improvements in production processes spanning commercial, energy, and other domains. Your responsibilities include engineering research, process modeling, simulation, data collection, sample testing, writing research reports for strategic initiatives and decision-making, and assisting in other projects as assigned.

Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with Aurubis environmental, health, and safety standards, including risk assessments and preparation of operating instructions.
• Develop an excellent understanding of non-ferrous metallurgy and serve as a subject matter expert in pyro- and hydrometallurgy.
• Develop process flow diagram of existing and new metallurgical and chemical processes.
• Develop, analyze, and optimize mass balance and heat balance of metallurgical and chemical processes.
• Calculate phase diagrams, chemical equilibrium, and thermodynamic properties of materials under different conditions.
• Perform mathematical modeling for process development and improvement in existing processes.
• Generate creative ideas for using new technologies or methods at Aurubis
• Scientifically plan, control, execute and evaluate experiments and computer simulations.
• Collect and compile the data, analyze the results to draw conclusions, and prepare presentations and research reports as needed.
• Collaborate with production, commissioning, maintenance, analytical, and other teams on various tasks.
• Collaborate with universities, research institutes, and external partners for process or product optimization and development.
• Prepare work instructions, user manuals, and other training materials.
• Draft patent applications, funding proposals, research proposals, and technical articles.
• Perform procurement, prepare, review, and evaluate technical specifications of various plant equipment and processes.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Your Profile

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years of work experience.
• Excellent knowledge of pyrometallurgical, hydrometallurgical, and electrometallurgical processes.
• Understanding of non-ferrous extractive metallurgy and recycling of non-ferrous metals from waste materials by smelting.
• Excellent knowledge of modeling and simulation of industrial processes.
• Knowledge of software for process simulation, mass balance, heat balance calculations, phase diagrams, and other thermodynamic calculations (such as HSC, Factsage, MPE, Thermo-Calc, etc.)
• Knowledge and experience of mathematical modeling and optimization using AIMMS, MATLAB, Python, C++, or comparable languages is a plus.
• Experience with environmental and occupational health and safety is a plus.

Special Soft Skills Needed

• Strong analytical and problem-solving ability, with an affinity for resourcefulness and a self-driven entrepreneurial style.
• Organized and detail oriented.
• Ability to meet tight deadlines.
• Work independently and as part of a team, with a proactive attitude and a willingness to take on new challenges.
• Must thrive in a fast-paced environment.
• Able to speak persuasively in positive or negative situations.
• Exhibits a strong work ethic– willingness to do what it takes to get the job done.
• Commitment to change and continuous improvement.
• Exceptional communication skills
• Must possess the ability to receive and give constructive feedback.
• Possess a mindset that embraces challenge and change.
• Passion for metals in general and for project results in particular, as well as a clear willingness to self-develop.
• Ability to promote win-win outcomes in the workplace

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in metallurgical engineering, chemical engineering or relevant field.
• MS or PhD will be a plus.

Physical Requirements

• Varying periods of time sitting at a desk and working on a computer – some may be prolonged periods.
• Good physical condition, as there can be prolonged periods of standing and walking in the plant daily.
• Ability to travel throughout the facility as required.
• Ability to respond quickly and efficiently to all safety needs on the floor and office areas.
• Must wear all required PPE when in protected areas.
• Willing to do some (overnight) travel domestically and internationally.

We Offer

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Disability insurance
• Health insurance
• Vision insurance

Interested?