Principal Specialist Aluminum📣 Job Ad

About Ma'aden and the Opportunity

Ma'aden, established in 1997, is one of the fastest-growing mining companies globally and the largest multi-commodity mining and metals company in the Middle East. The company leads the development of the mining industry to become the third pillar of Saudi Arabia’s economy by building a world-class, fully integrated mining value chain. This full-time position in Riyadh offers an opportunity to contribute to Ma'aden's growth and shape the future of mining in the Kingdom.

Role Purpose

The Principal Specialist, Aluminum is a senior role responsible for driving advanced research, breakthrough technology development, and industrial innovation across the entire aluminum value chain. This encompasses bauxite beneficiation, alumina refining, aluminum smelting, recycling, new products, and value-adding initiatives. The role involves leading high-impact R&D programs, overseeing pilot and scale-up activities, and ensuring innovation translates into measurable operational, financial, and sustainability outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and execute the Aluminum Innovation & R&D roadmap aligned with corporate growth strategy.
• Identify emerging technologies capable of step-change improvements in cost, yield, energy intensity, and carbon footprint.
• Lead technology scouting, benchmarking, and external partnerships with local and global research institutes and technology providers.
• Develop laboratories, pilot, and demonstration-scale test programs.
• Oversee techno-economic evaluation (CAPEX/OPEX, NPV, IRR, payback) for new technologies.
• Evaluate renewable energy integration and inert anode technologies.
• Drive red mud and by-product valorization programs.

Applied Research Focus Areas

The Principal Specialist will lead applied research programs in the following key areas:

• Bayer process optimization.
• Red mud valorization and waste reduction technologies.
• Smelter current efficiency optimization and cell design improvements.
• Advanced anode materials.
• Aluminum recycling.

Qualifications and Experience

Candidates for this senior role are expected to have over 10 years of experience in a relevant field. Key requirements include:

• Demonstrated leadership in pilot testing and industrial-scale technology implementation.
• Strong experience in techno-economic modeling and process optimization.

Employment Details

This is a full-time position based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Ma'aden is committed to developing a world-class mining industry and seeks professionals dedicated to innovation and sustainable growth within the aluminum sector.