Research Engineer – Hydrometallurgy to LKAB Special Products

Job Description

Join LKAB Special Products and help shape the future of sustainable mining. As a Research Engineer in hydrometallurgy, you will play a key role in developing innovative processes that unlock critical metals for tomorrow’s technologies.

Shaping the future

At LKAB, we are leading the transformation of our industry toward a sustainable future. Just as we aim to reshape the world, we are committed to developing every individual on our team, both personally and professionally. Are you ready to help shape the future of the mining and mineral industry?

LKAB Special Products

The Special Products business area delivers strategic services and products. The business area consists of five companies operating within industrial minerals, mining and construction services, mechanical services, drilling technology, and explosives.

Your role

As a Research Engineer, you will work together with a team of professionals in hydrometallurgy and laboratory operations. You will be responsible for developing processes from lab scale to full industrial implementation, focusing on extracting phosphoric acid and rare earth elements from LKAB’s mining by-product streams. Your work will involve applying and refining techniques such as leaching, solvent extraction, precipitation, and to achieve efficient and scalable solutions.

Key responsibilities:

• Drive process development related to hydrometallurgical processes.
• Carry out laboratory and pilot-scale studies, including experiments, campaign planning and evaluation.
• Contribution to design of full-scale processes, including design criteria and technical support to the project team.
• Act as a mentor or supervisor for junior engineers, supporting them in planning, executing, and evaluating experiments.
• Liaise with suppliers and external consultants.

This position offers the opportunity to be part of research and development initiatives at LKAB’s new research centre and demonstration plant for critical metals in Luleå. You will work in an innovative environment alongside experts and specialists in critical minerals, within a team that is expected to grow in the future.

What you bring

You combine a strong sense of responsibility with a collaborative approach. You work independently when needed, but also actively engaging with your team and mentoring young co-workers to achieve shared goals. You communicate clearly, adapt to changing circumstances, and bring creative, solution-focused thinking to challenges. You value respect and inclusion, helping to create an environment where ideas are welcomed and everyone works towards common objectives.

Must have:

• At least a university degree in a relevant field (such as Chemical Engineering, Technical Chemistry, Process Engineering, or Metallurgy), combined with a strong industrial background. A PhD or higher qualification is considered an advantage.
• Extensive practical experience in hydrometallurgical processes, either within industry or in a development environment such as academia or a research institute.
• Strong communication skills in English, both written and spoken.
• Driving license, equivalent to Swedish Class B.

Desirable, but not essential:

• Knowledge of simulation tools such as HSC, laboratory tools like LIMS, and experience with ABB control systems.
• Experience of plant operations, process development and greenfield/expansion projects within industry.
• Experience of work in advanced laboratory environments.
• Previous experience as a supervisor or project lead in R&D activities.
• Swedish language skills are highly desirable.

What we offer

In addition to the general benefits we offer — which you can find a bit further down — we can also offer you, who currently do not live in Sweden, the following:

• Relocation support for you and your family.
• Excellent conditions for settling in. We guide you through the official procedures necessary to settle in the country if you come from outside Sweden. We also provide temporary accommodation for a reasonable period and help you find a permanent place to live according to your personal needs.
• LKAB helps you learn Swedish, a tool for a better understanding of Swedish culture.
• The Swedish vacation law entitles all employees to five weeks of vacation per year, and four consecutive weeks during June, July, or August. Your contract may include extra vacation days.

Additional information

We strive for a fair and objective recruitment process. Therefore, we usually do not request cover letters. Instead, we ask you to answer questions related to the specific position you are applying for. Your responses help us understand your skills and experience, so please take the time to answer as clearly and thoroughly as possible.

Location: Luleå

Type of Employment: Permanent, full-time

Contact: For more information about the position, please contact our hiring manager Anders Sand, anders.sand@lkab.com.

Union representatives Luleå:

• Unionen Södra Katarina Paganus, +46 970-762 98
• SACO-klubben Södra – Annika Taavoniku, +46 970-795 32
• Ledarna Södra – Johanna Dahlin, +46 10-144 50 16