Mineral Processing Engineer

Be part of a landmark project shaping Queensland's resources future

The Queensland Government is delivering a first-of-a-kind common user demonstration-scale minerals processing facility in Townsville to support the development, extraction and production of critical minerals.

As a Mineral Processing Engineer, you'll play a pivotal role in establishing the Queensland Resources Common User Facility (QRCUF) by supporting the Department of Natural Resources, Mines, Manufacturing and Regional and Rural Development (NRMMRRD)'s role and interests during the construction, commissioning and operations of the facility.

The QRCUF will initially focus on vanadium processing to support R&D and commercialisation efforts of new production processes currently at laboratory or pilot scale. The QRCUF will facilitate scaling up these flowsheets to larger and more complex demonstration scale to help prospective miners validate the reliability and effectiveness of their production processes, as well as enabling production of commercial-grade product samples for quality and assurance testing by potential future customers.

The aim is to accelerate the development of commercial critical minerals mining projects, promote investment in advanced mineral manufacturing opportunities and enable development of supply chain and supporting industries in Queensland.

As NRMMRRD is the designated owner and operator of the QRCUF, you will support the operational readiness activities and preparations in the lead up to handover of the facility to NRMMRRD (post-commissioning), as well as subsequent phases of process performance definition and subsequent planning and running R&D and demonstration scale test campaigns.

Further information on the QRCUF project is available at:

https://www.nrmmrrd.qld.gov.au/qridp/actions/action-updates/queensland-resources-common-user-facility

In this role, you'll provide high-level technical and operational advice, collaborating with stakeholders across government and industry, and contributing to projects that will help accelerate the development of a commercial critical minerals industry in Queensland.

Why Join Us?

• Impactful Projects: Work on the QRCUF, a first-of-its-kind initiative supporting the development of Queensland's critical minerals sector.
• Innovation & Growth: Apply your expertise in mineral processing, process design, and scale-up to shape the commercialisation of new and cutting-edge mineral processing flowsheets.
• Flexibility: While based in 1 William Street, Brisbane, enjoy a mobile and agile work environment with opportunities to travel to Townsville and other project sites.
• Professional Development: Engage with leading experts and stakeholders while growing your technical skills.
• Make a Difference: Support Queensland's economic prosperity and sustainability by enabling next-generation mineral processing solutions.

Our Team Culture

At NRMMRRD, we value innovation, accountability, and inclusion. You'll join a supportive team environment where diverse perspectives are respected, and professional growth is encouraged.

About the Role

As a Mineral Processing Engineer, you will:

• Provide expert advice on technical and operational issues relating to the QRCUF.
• Collaborate with technical, business, and legal stakeholders to support project delivery and operational readiness.
• Support planning and delivery of demonstration-scale test campaigns.
• Manage risks, monitor project performance, and contribute to effective governance.
• Represent the department in industry, community, and government forums.

About You

We're looking for someone with:

• To be eligible, you must be an Australian citizen, have permanent residency status, or hold a visa permitting you to work in Australia. If you are not an Australian citizen, you must provide evidence of your residency status or visa, including the right to work and any conditions/restrictions. Applicants are required to notify the department if their right to work in Australia ceases.

• Degree qualifications in Mineral Processing, Chemical/Process Engineering, Extractive Metallurgy, or related fields.
• 5+ years' experience in R&D/technical/operational roles within mineral processing, resources, or heavy industry.
• Strong knowledge of beneficiation, flotation, and hydrometallurgical processes such as leaching, solvent extraction, and ion exchange.
• Experience with process simulation software (e.g. METSIM, HSC Chemistry, SysCAD, Aspen Plus).
• Experience in process design and scale up as well as design, management and analysis of testwork campaigns.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• A current open class C driver's licence (mandatory).

Interested? Here's How to Apply

Submit your resume (3-4 pages) detailing your previous work, voluntary or relevant experience which aligns with the role requirements.

At HOBAN we encourage applications from people with disability, people from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds, people of all genders, LGBTI people, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

We provide reasonable adjustments; including alternate formats to the recruitment process for individuals with disability. If you require an adjustment to be made during the recruitment process, please email our Adjustments Coordinator at adjustments@hoban.com.au or visit hoban.com.au/adjustments for additional contact details.