Chemical Engineer

Chemical Engineer - Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

About Saudi Gold Refinery

Saudi Gold Refinery (SGR) is a Saudi mining and precious-metals company specialized in the refining of gold and precious metals, bullion production, and value-added precious-metal services. Operating within the Kingdom's mining value chain, SGR is aligned to the Vision 2030 mining pillar and to the regulatory framework set by the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources (MIM) and applicable Saudi and international standards. We produce responsibly sourced, traceable, and certified bullion, operate to LBMA Good Delivery and ISO-aligned quality standards, and invest in the people, processes, and controls behind every bar we produce.

Role Overview

Saudi Gold Refinery (SGR) is seeking a Chemical Engineer in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia to optimize wet chemical refining processes and ensure technical accuracy in our assay laboratory. The role focuses on maximizing metal recovery rates from dore bars and recyclable feedstocks while maintaining strict adherence to safety and environmental regulations. This position supports SGR's contribution to the Kingdom's mining value chain by ensuring the production of LBMA-grade bullion through rigorous chemical control.

The Chemical Engineer will report directly to the Lab Manager and will play a key role in troubleshooting process deviations and validating analytical methods. This position requires a proactive approach to process safety, chemical inventory management, and continuous improvement in refining efficiency.

Key Responsibilities

The Chemical Engineer will execute the following responsibilities to ensure operational excellence and compliance:

Process Optimization

The role analyzes daily refining data to adjust acid ratios and temperature controls, ensuring maximum gold and silver recovery yields.

Laboratory Support

This position provides technical guidance to lab technicians on wet chemical analyses and troubleshoots instrumental calibration issues.

Safety Compliance

The engineer conducts regular audits of chemical storage and fume extraction systems to ensure adherence to PTW and LOTO standards.

Environmental Monitoring

The role monitors effluent pH and heavy metal content to ensure discharge limits meet national environmental permits and regulations.

Documentation Control

This position maintains up-to-date Standard Operating Procedures for all chemical handling and refining processes in the document control system.

Incident Investigation

The engineer leads root cause analysis for chemical spills or exposure events and implements preventive measures to avoid recurrence.

Training Delivery

The role delivers technical training sessions to operators and lab staff on safe chemical handling and emergency response protocols.

Inventory Management

This position ensures all chemical inventory records are accurate and reconciled monthly to support supply chain planning and security.

Audit Preparation

The engineer prepares technical reports for internal audits and external regulatory inspections by MIM and SASO officials.

Cost Reduction

The role identifies opportunities to reduce chemical consumption costs per kilogram of refined metal through process efficiency improvements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or Chemistry from an accredited university recognized by the Saudi Ministry of Education.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in hydrometallurgy, precious metal refining, or industrial chemical processing.
• Proven knowledge of wet chemical analysis techniques including titration, gravimetric analysis, and spectroscopy.
• Strong understanding of process safety principles including HAZOP, LOTO, and hazardous material handling regulations.
• Experience with ISO 9001 and ISO 17025 quality management systems in a laboratory or manufacturing environment.
• Proficiency in data analysis tools and ability to interpret complex process data for decision-making.
• Fluency in English for technical documentation and reporting, with working proficiency in Arabic for local regulatory interactions.
• Ability to work in a plant environment involving shift rotations and exposure to chemical hazards with appropriate PPE.

Preferred / Nice-to-have

• Master's degree in Metallurgical Engineering, Analytical Chemistry, or a related field.
• Experience with LBMA Good Delivery standards and responsible sourcing due diligence protocols.
• Prior work experience in a gold refinery or precious metals trading environment in the GCC region.
• Certification in Six Sigma Green Belt or similar process improvement methodologies.
• Membership in the Saudi Council of Engineers with a valid professional classification.

Success Metrics

• Achieves a measurable increase in overall gold and silver recovery rates through optimized chemical dosing strategies.
• Reduces chemical consumption costs per kilogram of refined metal by at least 5% without compromising quality.
• Successfully leads the closure of all open non-conformities related to chemical handling in the latest ISO 17025 audit.
• Implements an updated suite of SOPs for wet chemical processes that reduces operator error rates by 10%.
• Completes a comprehensive HAZOP review for the refining line and implements all critical safety recommendations.
• Trains and certifies 100% of lab technicians on new analytical methods introduced during the year.
• Maintains zero recordable incidents related to chemical handling or exposure throughout the performance period.

Equal Opportunity Statement:

Saudi Gold Refinery welcomes applications from all qualified candidates. Hiring decisions are made based on role requirements, skills, experience, and alignment with Saudization and Vision 2030 priorities.