Process Engineering Intern (6 Month Contract)

East Rand, South Africa Posted on 09/03/2026

Are you a graduate process engineer looking to gain hands-on experience in pilot plant testing, laboratory work, and process engineering within a global engineering environment? This is an exciting 6-month contract opportunity to launch your career with an internationally recognized mineral processing and engineering solutions provider.

Our client, a well-established engineering company specializing in mineral processing technologies and engineering solutions, is seeking a Process Engineer Intern on a 6-month fixed-term contract to support laboratory and pilot plant operations while developing practical process engineering skills under the guidance of experienced senior engineers.

This role offers exposure to process test work, pilot plant operations, equipment commissioning, and process design support, providing an excellent platform for graduates looking to gain valuable industry experience within the mining, minerals processing, and engineering consulting sectors during this contract internship period.

• Assist with the control, maintenance, and preparation of laboratory and pilot plant equipment.
• Support the assembly and preparation of pilot plants prior to testing campaigns.
• Assist with laboratory and pilot plant test work, including sample collection, analysis and results collation.
• Ensure testing activities are conducted in accordance with approved engineering procedures and safety standards.

• Assist with basic process engineering calculations under supervision.
• Support equipment sizing and equipment selection activities.
• Assist in the development of process flowsheets and P&IDs.
• Support the compilation of laboratory and pilot plant test reports.
• Assist with the preparation of equipment checklists, punch lists and completion certificates.
• Support commissioning activities at client sites when required.
• Assist with compiling commissioning reports for review by senior engineers.

• Ensure all safety measures are implemented before energizing equipment in laboratory, warehouse or site environments.
• Verify that test equipment is operational and properly calibrated prior to use.
• Ensure compliance with the company's Quality Management System (QMS) and relevant industry standards.
• Provide administrative support to the process engineering and sales teams where required.
• Assist with technical documentation, reporting and internal coordination.
• Support occasional marketing or technical campaign initiatives.

Bachelor's Degree or Diploma in:

• Chemical Engineering
• Metallurgical Engineering
• Environmental Engineering

Basic understanding of:

• Process engineering fundamentals
• Process calculations
• Engineering drawings such as PFDs and P&IDs

Proficiency in Microsoft Office.

• 0-6 months practical training, vacation work, or internship experience within an engineering, processing, or laboratory environment.
• Exposure to process simulation software.
• Basic understanding of quality management systems (QMS) and engineering safety principles.

• A motivated graduate eager to build hands-on engineering experience.
• Detail-oriented with strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Comfortable working in laboratory, pilot plant and engineering environments.
• Strong willingness to learn from senior engineers and develop technical expertise.
• Able to work collaboratively within multidisciplinary engineering teams.
• Hybrid working environment with exposure to laboratory and engineering facilities.
• Occasional travel to client sites for commissioning support may be required

If you are a motivated graduate engineer looking to gain practical experience in process engineering, pilot plant testing, and mineral processing technologies, we would love to hear from you.

Submit your CV to SQ1 Recruitment to be considered for this exciting opportunity.

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