Chemist R&D

About Us

Fortescue is both a proud West Australian company and a global green solutions business. We are recognised for our culture, innovation and industry-leading development of infrastructure, mining assets and green energy initiatives.

Our Opportunity

Work Location: Balcatta, Perth – Fortescue’s green iron research & development facility is located on the traditional lands of the Whadjuk Noongar people

Roster: Monday to Friday  

6-month fixed term or secondment

Reporting to the Senior Chemist, we are looking for a Chemist to join the Research and Development team with strong experience in orebody mineralogy and refining process. Candidate must be able to bring a flexible mindset, challenge traditional thinking, and be prepared to work outside of their comfort zone.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and conduct lab-scale hydrometallurgical experiments, including developing flowsheets and refining process conditions for leaching, settling, crystallization and precipitation
• Compile, analyse, interpret, and summarize metallurgical data, translating it into technical reports, proposals, or presentations
• Operate analytical instruments such as XRD, XRF, ICP-OES, auto-titrator and ion chromatography to measure different species in the process
• Ensure compliance with laboratory safety, environmental regulations, and risk management practices
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams—engineering, geology, operations and external clients —communicating findings and aligning on project goals
• Maintain detailed lab records for reproducibility; identify data gaps and recommend follow-up investigation
• Perform general duties as required: lab organization, training and equipment calibration.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, Bachelor of Engineering or the equivalent in Chemical or Process Engineering or Metallurgy
• Minimum 5 years industry experience
• Industry experience in either metallurgy and mineral processing or industrial chemical processing
• Experience in hydrometallurgy highly regarded
• Experience in R&D, commissioning / startup, and pilot plant operation would be highly regarded
• Enthusiastic in creating new and unique ideas and strategies
• Ability to work autonomously and collaboratively in a dynamic team Well-developed interpersonal skills in building rapport and maintaining stakeholder relationships.

Our Commitment

Fortescue is deeply committed to providing a safe culture that builds respect, fosters inclusiveness, and values diversity. We celebrate individual strengths and team members from all backgrounds are encouraged to bring their whole selves to work. Our global workforce drives and promotes an inclusive culture, both within our organisation and throughout the communities we interact with across the world. Diverse backgrounds include First Nations Peoples, people with differing abilities, LGBTIQ+ community, gender, neurodiverse, cultural diversity, all age groups, and those with an intersectional or multiple diverse characteristics. We encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply.

https://fortescue.com/careers 

Internal Candidates / Current Contractors please apply via Success Factors Careers Portal. For further information on how to apply please visit the Fortescue Hub. 

Fortescue reserves the right to close applications early should a suitable pool of candidates be identified. Fortescue will never contact you to ask for payment of any kind, whether directly or through a third party.