R&D Engineer

Aurubis – metallurgy is our passion. We are a leading global multi-metal company and one of the largest copper recyclers worldwide. We process complex metal concentrates, scrap metals, and metal-bearing recycling materials into metals of the highest purity. These metals serve as the basis for key megatrends such as digitalization, renewable energies, e‑mobility, and urbanization. Aurubis has about 7,000 employees, production sites in Europe and the US, and an extensive worldwide distribution system.

Join our team and promote progress together with us!

As the on‑site R&D 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.

• 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 metallurgy
• Develop process flow diagrams for existing and new metallurgical and chemical processes
• Develop, analyze, and optimize mass and heat balances of metallurgical and chemical processes
• Calculate phase diagrams, chemical equilibrium, and thermodynamic properties of materials under various conditions
• Perform mathematical modeling for process development and continuous improvement
• Scientifically plan, control, execute, and evaluate experiments and computer simulations
• Conduct materials characterization using analytical equipment and interpret data for process‑structure–property relationships
• Apply principles of mechanics of materials to assess material performance and degradation in metallurgical processes
• Collect and compile data, analyze results, and prepare presentations and technical reports
• Collaborate with production, commissioning, maintenance, analytical, and other internal teams
• Partner with external institutions and suppliers for process or product development and optimization
• Prepare work instructions, user manuals, and technical training materials
• Draft patent applications, funding proposals, research proposals, and technical articles
• Support procurement activities by preparing and reviewing technical specifications of plant equipment and processes
• Perform other duties as assigned

Bachelor’s degree in metallurgical engineering or relevant field.

MS or PhD can be a plus.

A good understanding of the following:

• Extractive metallurgy and primary and secondary metal production
• Pyrometallurgical, hydrometallurgical, and electrometallurgical processes
• Process flow diagrams and phase diagrams
• Analytical equipment and materials characterization
• Physical metallurgy and mechanics of materials
• Mass and heat balances and metallurgical process simulations (using HSC, METSIM, Aspen, etc.)
• Metallurgical thermodynamics and Factsage, Thermo‑Clac, etc.
• Mathematical modeling and optimization using AIMMS, MATLAB, Python, C++, or comparable languages.
• Environmental and occupational health and safety compliance.

Strong work ethic and integrity

Passion for research and continuous learning

Creative problem solver with an analytical mindset

Self‑motivated and proactive

Detail‑oriented with a focus on quality and accuracy

Thrives in a fast‑paced environment and meets tight deadlines

Effective communicator, both verbal and written

Open to and appreciative of constructive feedback

Must be willing and physically able to observe and walk in a smelter environment.

Must be willing and physically able to work in varying cold and heat situations.

Could have times that are prolonged periods of…