Metallurgical Engineer – Concentrator Operations
Job Description
Make a visible, day‑to‑day impact on concentrator performance by partnering closely with operations to improve throughput, recovery, and stability
Competitive base salary with annual incentive bonus, plus comprehensive, family‑friendly benefits
Build long‑term career growth with Rio Tinto, one of the world’s leading mining and materials companies, supported by a strong technical community and continuous improvement culture
At Rio Tinto, we are committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming workplace where everyone feels safe, respected, and able to succeed. We actively encourage applications from women and from people with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. We know that great technical capability comes in many forms, and we’re focused on building teams that reflect the communities we operate in and support each other to do their best work.
We’re Finding Better Ways™ to provide the materials the world needs, now and in the future. Our values – care, courage and curiosity – guide how we work and how we treat each other.
About the role
We are looking for a Day- to-Day Metallurgical Engineer – Concentrator Operations to join our Concentrator Technical team at Kennecott Copper.
Working closely with operations, maintenance, planning, and control room teams, this role supports safe and efficient concentrator performance with a focus on throughput, recovery, concentrate quality, and cost efficiency.
This is a site-based, hands‑on role suited to someone who enjoys being present in the plant, working collaboratively with operators, and balancing daily operational support with longer‑term improvement projects.
Reporting to the Superintendent, Process Control, on a 9-day fortnight (9/80) roster and working collaboratively with operational and functional teams, you will be responsible for:
Actively participating in site safety programs, including risk assessments, Practical Problem Solving, Daily Production Meetings, and Leadership‑In‑Field activities
Monitoring and analysing daily concentrator performance, including recovery, grade, concentrate quality, and reagent consumption
Identifying performance gaps and recommending practical operating strategies to meet metallurgical targets
Conducting weekly data reviews and preparing monthly metallurgical performance reports outlining key trends and drivers
Providing clear, timely technical guidance to operators, maintainers, and engineers
Partnering with Operations, Maintenance, Planning, and Control Room teams to optimise setpoints, reagent strategies, and circuit configuration
Supporting troubleshooting during process upsets and constrained operating conditions
Overseeing and participating in routine and investigative sampling programs
Conducting laboratory flotation test work to validate plant changes or support troubleshooting
Working with Sampling Technicians and Electrical teams to ensure sampling systems are reliable and properly calibrated
Performing metallurgical and statistical analysis using tools such as PI, Minitab, or JMP
Documenting trials, findings, and recommendations in a clear and structured manner
Leading or supporting continuous improvement projects focused on recovery, circuit stability, or cost reduction
Sharing lessons learned and best practices with the broader concentrator and technical community
Conduct laboratory bench‑scale flotation testing to diagnose daily performance issues and evaluate reagent strategies
About you
A commitment to the safety of yourself and your team
Bachelor’s degree in Metallurgical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline
Minimum 2+ years’ experience in a concentrator or mineral processing environment (flotation experience strongly preferred)
Strong understanding of flotation fundamentals, plant data analysis, and process troubleshooting
Experience working closely with operations in a high‑throughput, continuous processing environment
Confidence using plant data and statistical analysis tools such as PI, Minitab, JMP, or similar
Strong communication and people skills, with the ability to build trust and collaborate effectively with operations and cross‑functional partners
Strong time‑management skills and flexibility to balance day‑to‑day plant support with longer‑term improvement work
Ability to work independently, take initiative, and contribute effectively in a fast‑moving operating environment
Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without current or future visa sponsorship.
What we offer
A work environment where safety is always the number one priority
Competitive base salary reflective of your skills and experience with an annual incentive bonus
Access to top-tier family-friendly health programs including medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, life insurance coverage, and various voluntary benefits
Excellent retirement plan including up to 6% defined company contribution and a generous 401k matching program
Attractive share ownership plan
Comprehensive leave policies covering all the moments that matter in life, including PTO (paid time off), paid holidays, and paid bereavement leave
A generous parental leave policy, ensuring time to focus on your growing family
Discount programs for leisure purposes and access to Virgin Pulse with incentives supporting your wellbeing
Access to our Employee Assistance Program (EAP), providing confidential counselling and expert guidance for you and your family
Where you'll be working
Our Kennecott mine is a world‑class, fully integrated copper mining operation, including a concentrator, smelter, and refinery, located just outside Salt Lake City, Utah, in the United States. We produce copper, precious metals including gold and silver, molybdenum, and sulfuric acid. Kennecott has been mining and processing minerals from the rich ore body of the Bingham Canyon Mine since 1903 and is one of the top producing mines in the world, comprising approximately 11 percent of U.S. annual copper production.
Rio Tinto reserves the right to remove the advert prior to the expiry date
About Rio Tinto
Rio Tinto is a leading global mining and materials company. We operate in 35 countries where we produce iron ore, copper, aluminium, critical minerals, and other materials needed for the global energy transition and for people, communities, and nations to thrive.
We have been mining for 150 years and operate with knowledge built up across generations and continents. Our purpose is finding better ways to provide the materials the world needs – striving for innovation and continuous improvement to produce materials with low emissions and to the right environmental, social and governance standards. But we can’t do it on our own, so we’re focused on creating partnerships to solve problems, create win-win situations and meet opportunities.
Respect and Inclusion
Rio Tinto is committed to equal employment opportunity. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, sex, age, religion, national origin, disability, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.
We are committed to an inclusive environment where people feel safe, respected and valued. We want our people to feel that all voices are heard and that a variety of perspectives are not only welcome but are essential to our success. We treat all our people fairly and with dignity.
Rio Tinto participates in E- Verify to confirm work authorization. Please visit http://www.ucis.gov/ for more information.