R&D Process Development Engineer

Join the Woodsmith team as the  R&D Process Development Engineer  supporting the Woodsmith Project and its R&D Plant Operations to develop the technology for POLY4 granule production by executing process trials and providing technical problem-solving capability, establishing contacts with suppliers and consultants, and providing expert knowledge into the Crop Nutrients Business Unit.

• Consistently apply Safety & Health principles in all team interactions and take personal responsibility for safety of self and others to ensure zero harm and elimination of fatalities.
• Ensure individual and team SHE standards are maintained, act as a role model and reinforce a workplace culture where safety and health for the site is paramount.
• Identify specific risks within working area and implement plans/system to mitigate or eliminate these risks.
• Devise trials to establish operating parameters for key elements of the process including granulation, screening, drying and coating in accordance with established processes and procedures.
• Identify, clearly define and recommend suitable trials based on research and previous results.
• Coordinate allocation of suitable skilled resources and equipment to meet requirements of the trial program and provide support to team as required.
• Set out sampling regimes and define QA/QC expectations for each trial.
• Ensure accurate and timeous data collection, analysis and compilation of relevant internal and external reports.
• Responsible for technical liaisons with 3rd party manufacturer and other technical consultants supporting the project.
• Support Plant Operations by identifying opportunities for continuous improvement, suggesting potential solutions and supporting implementation of identified solutions to increase the performance of the plant or a section of it.
• Manage compliance of the teams within work area with external (legislative, regulatory, permitting) local requirements as a minimum level of site performance.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Mineral Engineering, Chemical & Process Engineering

Technical Knowledge

• Experience in a mineral processing plant, operational environment engineering house, consultancy or R&D environment
• Knowledge of fertilisers, mineral surface chemistry, product blending and formulation would be desirable
• Experimental design (DoE)
• Process data analysis
• Mass and energy balances
• Pilot plant operations
• Statistical analysis
• Equipment commissioning
• Process control
• Process modelling
• Scale-up from pilot to commercial operation

Attributes & Behaviours

•   Strong hands‑on mindset — comfortable working around equipment and getting involved on the plant floor.
• Analytical, curious, and evidence‑driven.
• Clear communicator able to summarise findings for technical and non‑technical audiences.
• Proactive, self‑starting attitude with desire to take ownership of work.
• Adaptable and comfortable in a fast‑moving R&D environment.
• Ambition to develop technical leadership skills and progress into management.
• Team‑oriented and collaborative.

Who we are :  We aim to lead the industry by pursuing ever safer and more responsible ways of working, demonstrating integrity and showing care and respect for people and the planet. That means we are constantly seeking new opportunities to mine and process our products sustainably, using less water, less energy and more precise extraction technologies. As the custodians of coal and other precious natural resources – diamonds (through De Beers), copper, platinum and other precious metals, iron ore and nickel – our extraordinary teams work safely and collaboratively, with the utmost consideration for local communities, our customers and the world at large.  

What we Offer:  When you join Anglo American, you can expect to enjoy a competitive salary and benefits package. But more than this, you’ll find yourself in an environment where the opportunities for learning and growth are second to none. From technical training to leadership programs, we bring out the best in our people. There are plenty of opportunities to move onwards and upwards too. We’re a large, successful multinational company – and we’re still growing all the time. 

How we are committed to your safety:  Nothing is more important to us than ensuring you return home safely after a day’s work. To make that happen, we have the most rigorous safety standards in the industry. Not only that, we’re also continually investing in new technologies – from drones to data analytics – that are helping to make mining safer.  

Inclusion and Diversity:   Anglo American is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to promoting an inclusive and diverse workplace where we value and respect every colleague for who they are and provide equality of opportunity so that everyone can fulfil their potential.