R&D Engineer

R&D Engineer

Join our team as an on‑site R&D Engineer at Aurubis Richmond. As part of a cross‑functional R&D team working closely with R&D Corporate, Production, Supply Chain, Commissioning, Maintenance and Analytical teams, you will develop and design new processes and enhance existing ones, using metallurgical and mathematical models to identify significant improvements in production processes spanning commercial, energy, and other domains.

• Engineering research, process modeling, simulation, data collection and sample testing.
• Writing research reports for strategic initiatives and decision‑making.
• Assist in other projects as assigned.
• Ensure compliance with Aurubis environmental, health and safety standards.
• Develop process flow diagrams, mass and heat balances, phase diagrams and thermodynamic properties.
• Perform mathematical modelling for continuous improvement.
• Plan, control, execute and evaluate experiments and computer simulations.
• Characterise materials using analytical equipment and interpret data for process–structure–property relationships.
• Apply mechanics of materials to assess performance and degradation.
• Collect, compile and analyse data; prepare presentations and technical reports.
• Collaborate with internal and external partners for process development.
• 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.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree in metallurgical engineering or a relevant field.
• MS or PhD is a plus.
• Good understanding of extractive metallurgy, primary and secondary metal production, pyrometallurgical, hydrometallurgical, electrometallurgical processes.
• Experience with process flow and phase diagrams, analytical equipment, materials characterisation, physical metallurgy.
• Mass and heat balances, metallurgical process simulations (HSC, METSIM, Aspen, etc.).
• Knowledge of metallurgical thermodynamics and software such as Factsage, Thermo‑Clac.
• Proficiency in mathematical modelling and optimisation 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, verbal and written.
• Open to constructive feedback.
• Physically able to observe and walk in a smelter environment, work in varying temperatures, lift up to 50 pounds, travel throughout the facility.
• Capable of wearing PPE in protected areas and handling necessary reach/vision tasks.
• Willing to travel domestically and/or internationally if requested.

• 401(k) matching.
• Dental, disability, vision, and health insurance.

Aurubis is dedicated to diversity and equal opportunity, making employment decisions regardless of protected characteristics.