Mining Processing Lead

AECOM is seeking an experienced and talented Mineral Processing Lead to drive the growth, technical excellence, and market leadership of our mineral processing business in Santiago de Chile. This is a high-impact, senior leadership role for a recognized mineral processing expert who combines technical depth, commercial acumen, and a passion for developing people and practices. The role offers global reach, significant autonomy, and the opportunity to shape the future of mineral processing within a leading mining and minerals practice. Responsibilities and scope include:

• Lead the growth, technical excellence, and strategic direction of the Mineral Processing practice.
• Define technical vision and lead a multidisciplinary team of engineers and metallurgists.
• Drive business development across base metals, precious metals, critical minerals, and industrial minerals markets globally.
• Act as a recognized subject matter expert and thought leader, commanding client confidence at the executive level and mentoring the next generation of processing engineers.

Commodity Coverage

• Base metals (copper, zinc, nickel, lead)
• Precious metals (gold, silver, PGMs)
• Critical minerals (lithium, cobalt, rare earths)
• Industrial minerals and bulk commodities

Delivery Modes

• Feasibility & scoping studies (PEA to FS)
• Trade-off and optimization studies
• Basic & detailed engineering design
• Owner's engineer & EPCM support
• Operational reviews & troubleshooting

Technical Disciplines

• Comminution (crushing, grinding, classification)
• Gravity, flotation & magnetic separation
• Hydrometallurgy & leaching circuits
• Tailings management & water recovery
• Process simulation & modelling (MMIMS, JKSimMet)

Project Types

• Greenfield plant design (500 tpd – 100,000 tpd)
• Brownfield expansions & retrofits
• Process audits & performance benchmarking
• Technology selection & vendor evaluation

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mining Engineering or related discipline and 8+ years of experience in Metallurgical, Chemical, or Mineral Processing Engineering (or related field)
• English/Spanish Fluency

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s or PhD in Metallurgical or Chemical Engineering preferred or demonstrated equivalency of experience and/or education.
• 15+ years of progressive experience in mineral processing design and engineering

At AECOM, we are committed to maintaining a secure and trustworthy recruitment process and take any fraudulent hiring activity seriously. To support this commitment, all newly hired employees are required to attend an in-person Day 1 onboarding at an AECOM office location as a condition of employment.

About AECOM

AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status, AECOM benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absences, voluntary benefits, perks, flexible work options, well-being resources, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, service recognition awards, retirement savings plan, and employee stock purchase plan.

AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients’ complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle – from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025. Learn more at aecom.com.

What makes AECOM a great place to work

You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects - both in your local community and on a global scale - that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cutting-edge technology and a network of experts, you’ll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award-winning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills, helping you build the career you’ve always envisioned. Here, you’ll find a welcoming workplace built on respect, collaboration and community - where you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.