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Chief Metallurgist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Chief Metallurgist Job Summary: As we continue to grow, we are seeking a Chief Metallurgist to join our team. The purpose of this role is to lead, develop, and optimize the metallurgical aspects of ...

Chief Metallurgist Job Summary: As we continue to grow, we are seeking a Chief Metallurgist to join our team. The purpose of this role is to lead, develop, and optimize the metallurgical aspects of ...

The OpportunityThe Chief Metallurgist is responsible for providing technical leadership and strategic oversight of metallurgical performance at Jerritt Canyon. This role partners closely with site ...

The Opportunity The Chief Metallurgist is responsible for providing technical leadership and strategic oversight of metallurgical performance at Jerritt Canyon. This role partners closely with site ...

The Opportunity The Chief Metallurgist is responsible for providing technical leadership and strategic oversight of metallurgical performance at Jerritt Canyon. This role partners closely with site ...

Chief Metallurgist Job Summary: As we continue to grow, we are seeking a Chief Metallurgist to join our team. The purpose of this role is to lead, develop, and optimize the metallurgical aspects of ...

Responsibilities • Provide leadership and technical direction for all metallurgical and processing activities across the site. • Manages team performance by aligning individual goals with ...

Lead metallurgical troubleshooting efforts to resolve process inefficiencies, bottlenecks, and recovery challenges. Oversee metallurgical testing programs, including design, execution, and ...

Lead metallurgical troubleshooting efforts to resolve process inefficiencies, bottlenecks, and recovery challenges. Oversee metallurgical testing programs, including design, execution, and ...

Senior Metallurgist

Ruth, NV · On-site

$78K - $96K/yr

Chief Metallurgist ROTATING SHIFT: No EXEMPT Purpose & Scope of The Position: The Sr Metallurgist interacts with sample prep, analytical lab, metallurgical lab, operations, accounting, purchasing ...

Metallurgist II

Bagdad, AZ · On-site

$87K - $120K/yr

Report on Metallurgical or process issues and make recommendation to Chief Metallurgist on how to resolve/correct the issues. * Review and recommend new or enhanced Metallurgical testing equipment or ...

Metallurgist II

Bagdad, AZ · On-site

$87K - $120K/yr

Report on Metallurgical or process issues and make recommendation to Chief Metallurgist on how to resolve/correct the issues. * Review and recommend new or enhanced Metallurgical testing equipment or ...

Metallurgist II

Bagdad, AZ · On-site

$87K - $120K/yr

Report on Metallurgical or process issues and make recommendation to Chief Metallurgist on how to resolve/correct the issues. * Review and recommend new or enhanced Metallurgical testing equipment or ...

What You Will Do Assist in Metallurgical study, development, testing and analyses of designs, processes, or procedures Report on Metallurgical or process issues and make recommendation to Chief ...

Senior Metallurgist

Ruth, NV · On-site

$78K - $96K/yr

Chief Metallurgist ROTATING SHIFT: No ◼ EXEMPT ◼ Purpose & Scope of The Position: The Sr Metallurgist interacts with sample prep, analytical lab, metallurgical lab, operations, accounting ...

The Metallurgist applies technical expertise in crushing, grinding, flotation, filtration, and dewatering while ensuring safe, reliable, and cost-effective production. The role also supports ...

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Chief Metallurgist information

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$56K

$123.8K

$179K

How much do chief metallurgist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for chief metallurgist in the United States is $123,772.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $103,500.00 and $146,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the chief metallurgist position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Chief Metallurgist, you need extensive experience in metallurgy, materials science, and process optimization, typically supported by a bachelor's or master's degree in metallurgical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with metallurgical testing methods, simulation software (such as Thermo-Calc), and industry certifications like Professional Engineer (PE) licensing is often required. Strong leadership, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills are essential to coordinate multidisciplinary teams and present complex findings to stakeholders. These skills and qualifications are vital for driving process improvements, ensuring product quality, and managing strategic technical initiatives in industrial settings.

What is a chief metallurgist?

A Chief Metallurgist is a senior engineering professional responsible for overseeing all metallurgical processes, materials testing, and quality control in a manufacturing or mining operation. They develop, implement, and improve metal extraction, refining, and fabrication methods to enhance product performance and efficiency. Additionally, they ensure compliance with industry regulations, lead research initiatives, and manage a team of metallurgists and engineers. Their expertise helps organizations optimize production, reduce costs, and maintain material integrity in various applications.

What are the main challenges a chief metallurgist faces in day-to-day operations?

Chief Metallurgists often encounter the challenge of balancing production efficiency with stringent quality and safety standards. They must troubleshoot unexpected technical issues, oversee process improvements, and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements. Managing cross-functional teams and coordinating with departments such as engineering, production, and quality control is a crucial part of the role. This dynamic environment requires adaptability and strong decision-making skills, making the position both demanding and rewarding for those passionate about advancing metallurgical processes.

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What are the most commonly searched types of Chief Metallurgist jobs?

The most popular types of Chief Metallurgist jobs are:

What states have the most Chief Metallurgist jobs?

States with the most job openings for Chief Metallurgist jobs include:

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For Chief Metallurgist jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Chief Metallurgist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 91% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $123,772 per year, or $59.5 per hour.

Chief Metallurgist

Orla Mining Ltd

Elko, NV • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 11 days ago


Job description

Are you looking to make your mark and grow your career with a company on the rise? We'd love to have you on our team!
Equinox Gold is a growth-focused gold producer headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia, operating a diversified portfolio of high-quality, long-life mines across the Canada, United States, Mexico and Nicaragua. Guided by our core values of
integrity, excellence, accountability, and teamwork, we foster a safe, inclusive, and rewarding workplace where a talented, experienced team works together to deliver reliable operations, responsible mining, and long-term value to its shareholders and host communities.
Get in at the ground floor with our South Railroad Project, a construction-ready, open-pit heap leach project located on the world-class Carlin Trend in Nevada, one of the most prolific gold-producing regions on the planet. The project is backed by a completed feasibility study outlining an average of 130,000 ounces of gold per year over the first five years and an initial 10-year mine life. Join us at this pivotal stage and help bring Nevada's next gold mine to life.
Job Title: Chief Metallurgist
Job Summary:
As we continue to grow, we are seeking a Chief Metallurgist to join our team. The purpose of this role is to lead, develop, and optimize the metallurgical aspects of our gold recovery processes to ensure the operation delivers safe, efficient, and cost-effective production.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Collaborate with senior management in the development and execution of site-wide metallurgical strategies that maximize gold recovery and align with business objectives.
  • Lead metallurgical input into feasibility studies, detailed engineering, commissioning, and operational ramp-up to reach steady state operations.
  • Provide expert guidance on process design, flowsheet optimization, and technology implementation.
  • Serve as technical advisor on comminution, heap leach, gold recovery, and refinery performance.
  • Monitor KPIs including recovery, grade reconciliation, leach kinetics, reagent consumption, and refinery performance.
  • Implement metallurgical accounting and reconciliation systems.
  • Lead continuous improvement initiatives to maximize throughput, recovery, plant availability, and reagent efficiency.
  • Conduct metallurgical balancing, performance modeling, troubleshooting, and root cause analysis to ensure stable operation and predictable production.
  • Validate and optimize crushing, stacking, leaching, adsorption, elution, electrowinning, and refining circuits.
  • Validate and optimize crushing, stacking, leaching, adsorption, electrowinning, and refining circuits.
  • Ensure all metallurgical deliverables are completed safely, on time, and within budget.
  • Oversee assay laboratory and metallurgical laboratory operations to ensure accuracy, precision, and data integrity.
  • Implement robust QA/AC systems and best practices in the lab.
  • Lead, mentor, and develop metallurgical engineers, laboratory staff, and technical personnel to build a high-performance, safety-focused team.
  • Support regulatory compliance, environmental performance, and sustainability initiatives.
  • Collaborate with vendors, consultants, and technology providers.

Required Experience & Skills:
  • A minimum of 10 years of extractive metallurgy and mineral processing experience required.
  • Five or more years of assay and metallurgical laboratory management experience required.
  • Experience in heap leach operations, cyanide-based recovery systems, gold and silver recovery circuits and mine-to-mill integration preferred.
  • Metallurgical accounting and reconciliation expertise preferred.
  • Must be authorized to work in the U.S. for any employer.
  • Must possess a valid driver's license.

Education:
  • Bachelor's degree in metallurgical engineering, chemical engineering or similar field required.

At Equinox Gold, our commitment to teamwork means building a workforce that is as diverse as the communities in which we operate. We are committed to an accessible and inclusive recruitment process and welcome applications from all qualified candidates.