Project Metallurgist

Brunel is seeking a Project Metallurgist for a direct‑hire opportunity with our client in Tucson, Arizona. Reporting to the Chief Metallurgist, this role will support pre‑feasibility and project development studies by coordinating metallurgical test work programs, managing external laboratories and consultants, and ensuring testing is completed safely, on schedule, and within budget. Regular travel to metallurgical testing facilities and occasional domestic/international travel (up to 25%) is required.

This position is offered as a hybrid wfh/office and site visits
, and must be local to the Tucson area.

• Manage and coordinate metallurgical test work programs supporting PFS and project development activities.
• Act as the primary liaison between project teams, laboratories, consultants, and engineering contractors.
• Oversee testing scopes, schedules, budgets, sample selection, and shipments.
• Monitor laboratory performance, QA/QC compliance, and testing progress.
• Review results, identify risks and opportunities, and provide technical recommendations.
• Prepare technical reports, presentations, and management updates.
• Support planning, budgeting, forecasting, and tracking of metallurgical programs.
• Promote safe work practices and ensure compliance with safety, environmental, and quality standards.

• Bachelor’s degree in Metallurgical Engineering, Mineral Processing, Chemical Engineering, or related discipline.
• Experience managing metallurgical test work programs for mining projects or operating assets.
• Strong knowledge of copper heap leach testing and operations, including column leaching, bottle rolls, agglomeration, acid consumption, ore characterization, and recovery optimization.
• Understanding of SX/EW and hydrometallurgical processes; copper flotation experience is a plus.
• Experience working with commercial laboratories, engineering firms, and consultants.
• Strong project management, budgeting, scheduling, organizational, and stakeholder management skills.
• Excellent analytical, communication, and problem‑solving abilities.
• Experience supporting PFS, FS, or other project development studies preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and technical reporting tools.
• Willingness to travel up to 25%.
• MUST be eligible to work in the U.S. for any employer without the need for sponsorship.

A hands‑on metallurgical professional with strong project management skills and experience driving test work programs from planning through execution while maintaining quality, budget, and schedule commitments.

This opportunity offers a competitive base salary along with a comprehensive benefits package, participation in a company‑sponsored 401(k) plan, paid time off, potential relocation assistance, and additional employee benefits.

Our client is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

This position will include time spent at laboratories and active mining operations and requires the ability to work safely in a physically demanding industrial environment. Employees must be able to regularly walk, stand, climb stairs and ladders, and navigate uneven terrain, rocky surfaces, and varying weather conditions. The role may require prolonged periods of standing or walking, as well as occasional lifting, bending, kneeling, reaching, and working in confined or elevated areas.

Employees may be exposed to dust, noise, vibration, heavy equipment, moving machinery, and other typical mining and processing conditions. The ability to wear and properly use required personal protective equipment (PPE) and comply with all site safety requirements is essential.