Who We Are

We are a global mining company dedicated to safely delivering nickel, copper, cobalt, and platinum group metals essential for the world's energy transition.

Our mission is to improve lives and shape a better future together.

From utensils to cellphones to satellites, our operations simplify daily life and enhance connectivity. Our metals are integral to life-saving medical equipment and the electric vehicles driving the fight against climate change – our work truly matters.

Join our diverse team of 15,000 talented individuals committed to transforming critical minerals into prosperity and sustainable development in countries like Canada, Brazil, Indonesia, the United Kingdom, and Japan. We invite you to use your skills with us and contribute to something meaningful and enduring.

The Opportunity

We are currently seeking a Principal Engineer/Metallurgist - Projects and Processing to join our Transformation Innovation team in Sudbury.

This is a permanent position in Sudbury.

As a Principal Engineer/Metallurgist - Projects and Processing, aims to lead the research, development and/or implementation of new processes and technologies in response to current and anticipated needs of Vale Base Metals by applying in-depth technical expertise. You will also be responsible for project management and conducting FEL 1 (Preliminary Economic Assessments) studies of processing technologies of interest including proof of concepts through studies, field test work, pilot plants and demonstration plants. The role supports Vale Base Metals across multiple jurisdictions with a focus on mineral processing, pyrometallurgy, hydrometallurgy, vapour metallurgy and projects related to circularity. A key aspect of the role is to collaborate with startups, external partners and internal teams to bring new technologies and transformational concepts to life. Your experience and skill will allow you to develop and/or apply skills aligned with the specific objectives of the VBM Corporate Processing, Research and Innovation department focused on transformational projects. The ideal candidate should have experience in Operations, Project management, processing and metallurgical engineering.

Additionally, in this position you will:

• Lead and oversee R&D and capital project management activities (technical, engineering, design reviews, budgets, schedules, safety, risks contracts, change requests, field work, construction, operations, procurement etc) related to FEL 1 studies, pilot plants and demonstration plants.
• Performs regular field visits to mining/processing sites to determine best way to plan, develop and execute projects along with developing alignment with key stakeholders, site strategies and to develop intimate understanding of the sites where studies are conducted
• Prepare, participate, contribute to scope of work (SOW), proposals, technical memos, reports to support studies (both internally and externally) with input from other disciplines
• Research and propose new technologies and engineering frameworks/methodologies to optimize projects by applying in-depth technical expertise to perform analysis, troubleshooting, optimization, process and engineering data collection, quality monitoring, performance evaluation, mass balance preparation and plant operation coordination/planning in order to provide technical direction to projects.
• Support business development activities through participation in conferences, direct business development activities and strategic client relationship management. This includes interacting with other Technology and Engineering experts and representatives from other business units (e.g., Operating Divisions, Marketing) as well as external experts (technology and equipment vendors, engineering companies, universities).
• Support global Vale Base Metals operations with travel as required.

About You

Education:

• Undergraduate degree in Chemical Engineering, Process Engineer, Metallurgical Engineering or similar.
• P. Eng. or M.Eng. Considerations to non P.Eng/M.Eng candidates based on experience.

Experience:

• A minimum of 12 years of strong technical expertise and experience in two or more disciplines - Project Management, Mineral Processing, Pyrometallurgy, Hydrometallurgy, Vapour metallurgy, Tailings/geotech.
• The ideal candidate will have a background in operating, technical and project management to support the technical and field execution of work.

Skills:

• Autonomy: broad objectives; works with other national experts to set research/policy strategy
• Direction provided: strategic direction to senior business leaders
• Support received: support received through peers.
• Technology management: sets strategic directions on adoption or development of new technology with global implications. Potentially leading to the development of strategic technologies.
• Scope: recognized both within and outside the organization as a leader in their area of expertise; global business expert in their field; recommends operational strategies and plans with a direct impact on results; leads strategic projects that have impacts on business decisions made by leadership; sets strategic policy in their field of expertise; communicates with executive leadership on matters of strategic importance; research relevant to company strategic objectives and is of a quality that could be published in industry journals
• Problem Solving: Problems are very complex and multidimensional; develops new and novel approaches for solving problems; develops short-term and long-term solution for strategic problems; demonstrates a high degree of creativity, foresight and mature judgement in planning, organizing and guiding their decisions and activities of major consequence.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills, with the ability to work effectively with technical and non-technical stakeholders

What We Offer You

• Competitive compensation including a variable annual incentive plan
• Participation in a competitive Defined Contribution Pension package
• Comprehensive benefits package (company paid core coverage, health and dental coverage, flex accounts, disability plans and optional insurances)
• Leave for all of life's reasons (vacation, personal, sick, parental)
• Flexible work arrangements.
• Work culture dedicated to safety, diversity & inclusion, and career growth
• Employee Family Assistance Program
• Virtual Healthcare online
• Online training and career development opportunities.

Why Sudbury

Greater Sudbury is a vibrant city in northeastern Ontario, renowned for its rich mining history and significant role in Canada's mineral production. The city sits atop one of the world's largest and oldest meteorite impact sites, the Sudbury Basin, which is exceptionally rich in nickel, copper, and other critical minerals that are needed for the green economy. The mining sector is a cornerstone of Sudbury's economy, driving both employment and economic growth, and Vale Base Metals plays a pivotal role in this regard. Our commitment to the community is as deep as our mines.

Include to Transform

At Vale Base Metals, we are committed to ensuring an inclusive work environment where people feel comfortable to be themselves. Vale encourages everyone to express their ideas and opinions and values the plurality of individual profiles. We want our people to feel that all voices are heard, all cultures respected and that a variety of perspectives are not only welcome – they are critical to our success. We treat each other fairly and with dignity regardless of race, gender, nationality, ethnic origin, religion, age, sexual orientation, or any other personal consideration that makes us different.

Vale is an equal opportunity employer seeking to increase diversity across our operations and improve equal opportunity at Vale and in the mining industry.

In accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, accommodation is available throughout our recruitment process for applicants with disabilities.

Pay Grade: F1T

Apply by: Thursday, 7th August, 2025

#ValeBaseMetals