Senior Process Engineer, Mechanical Engineering

We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Senior Process Engineer to lead the planning, design, and execution of complex industrial process systems for mining, minerals processing, material handling, and heavy industrial facilities. This role is responsible for developing process solutions that improve operational performance, safety, reliability, and efficiency while collaborating closely with multidisciplinary engineering teams and clients.

The ideal candidate possesses extensive experience designing and evaluating industrial process facilities, including process piping systems, slurry transport systems, bulk material handling equipment, pumping systems, and plant utility infrastructure. The Senior Process Engineer serves as a technical leader and trusted advisor throughout project planning, design, construction, and commissioning activities.

Under our “Seller-Doer” approach to business development, you will collaborate with the Vice President of Mining, Market Managers, and other Group Managers to develop and implement a marketing plan, track prospective business opportunities, make strategic decisions for project pursuits, lead proposal development efforts, and represent TKDA at project interviews. You will also be expected to cultivate and maintain relations with key decision makers and representatives of current and prospective clients by attending local and regional conferences and networking events.

Location and Work Arrangement

Geography isn’t a limiting factor for this position, which is why we are open to remote candidates whose experience and qualifications align with this position and market development initiatives. Preference may be given to candidates who reside within the Southwest (Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, or Utah) due to proximity to existing and target client operations. Regular travel to TKDA offices, project locations, and team events will be expected to foster collaboration, strengthen relationships, and support project success.

What You'll Do

Process Engineering & Design

 Lead process engineering efforts for mining, mineral processing, aggregate, metals, and heavy industrial projects.

• Develop process flow diagrams (PFDs), piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs), mass and energy balances, and process design criteria.
• Design and specify industrial process systems including: process piping systems, slurry transport systems, pumping and dewatering systems, bulk solids handling systems, conveying systems, ore handling and crushing facilities, material storage and transfer systems, dust collection and ventilation systems, water treatment and process water systems, or utility systems supporting industrial operations.
• Perform hydraulic calculations, equipment sizing, process analyses, and system evaluations.
• Develop equipment specifications and technical procurement packages for pumps, conveyors, tanks, crushers, screens, piping systems, and related process equipment.
• Evaluate facility bottlenecks and recommend process improvements that enhance safety, reliability, throughput, and operational efficiency.

Project Leadership

 Serve as Lead Process Engineer on multidisciplinary industrial projects.

• Develop project scope, budgets, schedules, and engineering work plans.
• Coordinate activities with mechanical, structural, electrical, instrumentation, civil, and environmental disciplines.
• Provide technical oversight and quality review of engineering deliverables.
• Support project managers in managing technical scope and client expectations.
• Participate in design reviews, hazard assessments, constructability reviews, and operational readiness activities.

 Client Management & Business Development

• Work directly with clients to understand operational challenges and identify engineering solutions.
• Participate in client meetings, site visits, and facility assessments.
• Support proposal development, scope definition, and fee estimates.
• Assist in the development of long-term client relationships and identification of future opportunities.
• Represent the firm at client presentations, industry conferences, and professional organizations.

 Technical Leadership

• Mentor junior and mid-level engineers.
• Establish engineering standards, design practices, and quality procedures.
• Contribute to process engineering best practices across the organization.
• Promote innovation, continuous improvement, and knowledge sharing within the engineering team.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, metallurgical engineering, mining engineering, or related engineering discipline.
• Experience serving as a lead engineer on multidisciplinary industrial projects.
• Strong understanding of: process design methodologies, hydraulic systems, process piping design, industrial pumping systems, bulk solids handling, industrial equipment selection, and process safety principles.
• Experience with PFDs, P&IDs, process calculations, and engineering specifications.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and project coordination skills.
• Ability to travel periodically to active industrial facilities and project sites.

Advantageous Qualifications

• Professional Engineer (PE) with twelve or more years of progressive engineering experience in mining, mineral processing, bulk materials handling, industrial manufacturing, or similar heavy industrial environments.
• Experience designing facilities for: mining and mineral processing, aggregate operations, metals processing, cement manufacturing, industrial manufacturing, or material handling and transportation systems.
• Experience with slurry pipelines and abrasive process systems.
• Knowledge of process simulation and modeling software.
• Familiarity with industrial control systems and instrumentation.
• Experience supporting commissioning and startup activities.
• Previous consulting engineering experience.
• Leadership experience managing engineering teams or large project scopes.