Lead Engineer - BxR R&D(1028) - Pay Grade H

JOB PURPOSE:
The function of the Lead Engineer – Bauxite Residue R&D is to contribute to the scale-up, execution and technical evaluation of products and processes based on bauxite residue from the ATA refinery. The role entails providing expert technical input and review of the detailed design of pilot-scale facilities, the development of trial programs and operating procedures for these facilities and other small-scale field trials, and the day-to-day management of these facilities and the technical staff and operators assigned to their operation.

The position may also require the provision of expert technical advice and direction to external stakeholders, including potential licensees of EGA’s bauxite residue technologies.

This job purpose applies primarily to the Al Taweelah Alumina Refinery site, but may also apply to Jebel Ali and external sites such as Universities and other research providers.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Collaborates with engineering resources and consultants to develop block flow diagrams, PFDs and P&IDs based on the outcomes of laboratory-based research, to allow the design of pilot facilities and the field-testing of engineering solutions.

• Coordinates the day-to-day activities and safe operation of EGA’s Bauxite Residue pilot facilities and field trials and provides technical direction to personnel assigned to these facilities.

• Provides root cause analysis and trouble-shooting for process disturbances or failures within pilot facilities.

• Directly supervises one or more Bauxite Residue R&D engineers.

• Develops and manages test programs with internal resources, and technical studies with external providers, when requested.

• Provides detailed analysis, technical reports and presentations on the outcomes of R&D projects, tests and trials under their control.

• Coordinates with external parties to initiate field trials of products, coordinates EGA’s role in these trials, and helps facilitate the mutual exchange of results.

• Ensures costs are managed within their assigned operating budget. Assists in the development of these budgets.

• Develops models to simulate the behaviour of new or modified unit operations in the ATA refinery, and collaborates with refinery technical staff in assessing and managing the technical and commercial impacts of these changes.

• Develops, trains and may also supervise National graduate trainee(s) in the field of Bauxite Residue research to strengthen the Company’s technical base.

• Assists with the development of training packages specific to operation of the pilot facilities under their control.

• Keeps abreast of technological developments by attending technical seminars, symposia, reading specialized technical literature, co-ordinating effectively with technical consultants, academics, universities, and suppliers so that company remains competitive by using best ideas / practices.

• From time to time, may be required to provide technical support or direction of other refinery-based technologies in support of the future expansion or optimisation of the refinery.

AUTHORITY/ DECISION MAKING:

• Accountable for development and conduct of action plans and activities within the scope of the Bauxite Residue roadmap, as defined by the Manager, Bauxite Residue R&D Engineering, or Director, Bauxite Residue R&D.

• Acts within the policies, standards and practices of the Technology Development and Transfer department, and that of affected stakeholders (e.g. ATA refinery).

• Uses sound judgement to choose effective options and technology solutions to achieve stable pilot plant operation and to achieve specific performance objectives in field trials.

• Draws conclusions based on the outcomes of test programs and R&D projects to provide recommendations for process optimization, or the selection of new product opportunities.

• Implements changes to the execution of trials to overcome problems and ensure objectives are met.

• Interacts and collaborates with refinery operations and technical personnel to ensure activities are accepted by stakeholders.

QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS:

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Metallurgy or equivalent discipline from a recognized institution/ university.

• Master’s or Ph.D. degree in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Metallurgy or equivalent discipline from a recognized institution/ university preferred.

Minimum Experience:

• Ten (10) years’ relevant work experience as a chemical engineer, chemist or equivalent.

• Five (5) years’ relevant work experience as chemical engineer in a research environment associated with the Bayer process or Bauxite Residue, and/or in technical roles within alumina refinery operations.

Skills:

• Detailed knowledge of all aspects of the Bayer process and alumina production, with specific expertise in the processing of bauxite residue to create downstream products.

• Good skills in documentation, data analysis, data evaluation and validation methodologies.

• Experience in evaluation of process safety and execution of HAZID and HAZOP studies.

• High self-confidence, professional work ethics and an open-minded, independent-thinking team player with good communication skills and commercial acumen.

• Experience in project management methodology.

• Good technical, analytical and problem-solving skills.

• Good report writing and presentation skills.