Principal Specialist, Aluminum

About Maaden

Maaden, established in 1997, is one of the fastest-growing mining companies in the world and the largest multi-commodity mining and metals company in the Middle East. We are leading the development of the mining industry to become the third pillar of Saudi Arabia’s economy by building a world-class, unique, and fully integrated mining value chain. We are pleased to share an exciting opportunity for the below mentioned position. This role offers a chance to contribute to our ambitious growth and play a key part in shaping the future of mining in the Kingdom.

Job purpose

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

Key Accountabilities

• 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.

• Lead applied research programs in:

• Bayer process optimization

• Red mud valorization and waste reduction technologies

• Smelter current efficiency optimization and cell design improvements

• Advanced anode materials

• Aluminum recycling

• 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.

Minimum Qualification, Experience and Competencies

Minimum Qualification

• Master’s or PhD in Chemical Engineering, Mining Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, or related discipline.

Minimum Experience

• Minimum 10 years of progressive experience in aluminum refining, smelting, or aluminum R&D.

• Demonstrated leadership in pilot testing and industrial-scale technology implementation.

• Strong experience in techno-economic modeling and process optimization.

Maaden High Performance Competencies

• Leadership

• Achievement drive and results orientated

• Communication

• Developing others

• Teamwork & collaboration

• Analytical thinking