Quality Engineer - Saudi Arabia

About Saudi Gold Refinery

Saudi Gold Refinery (SGR) is a Saudi mining and precious-metals company specialized in the refining of gold and precious metals, bullion production, and value-added precious-metal services. Operating within the Kingdom's mining value chain, SGR is aligned to the Vision 2030 mining pillar and to the regulatory framework set by the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources (MIM) and applicable Saudi and international standards. We produce responsibly sourced, traceable, and certified bullion, operate to LBMA Good Delivery and ISO-aligned quality standards, and invest in the people, processes, and controls behind every bar we produce.

Role Overview

Saudi Gold Refinery (SGR) is seeking a Quality Engineer in Saudi Arabia to oversee quality assurance and control across our refining operations and CIL plant construction projects. This role ensures compliance with LBMA Good Delivery standards, ISO 9001, and Saudi regulatory requirements for precious metals production. The engineer will manage quality protocols for dore processing, bullion certification, and industrial construction activities.

The Quality Engineer will report directly to the Engineering & Projects Manager and will play a key role in maintaining product integrity and operational excellence. This position drives continuous improvement in refining yield and product consistency while supporting the company's strategic contribution to Vision 2030 mining goals.

Key Responsibilities

The Quality Engineer will be responsible for the following key areas:

Quality System Management

The role maintains and updates the ISO 9001 quality management system to ensure alignment with LBMA and SASO standards. This includes conducting internal audits and managing documentation for external regulatory inspections.

Process Quality Control

This position monitors critical refining parameters during dore melting and electrolytic processing to guarantee 99.99% bullion purity. The engineer validates sampling methods and assay results to prevent off-specification production.

Non-Conformance Management

The role investigates quality deviations and physical defects using root cause analysis tools to identify systemic issues. It issues non-conformance reports and tracks corrective actions to closure within agreed timelines.

Project Quality Assurance

This position inspects materials and equipment for CIL plant construction to verify compliance with engineering specifications. The engineer participates in pre-startup safety reviews and validates contractor quality plans.

Regulatory Compliance

The role prepares quality reports for the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources (MIM) and facilitates audits by LBMA assessors. It maintains chain-of-custody records to support responsible sourcing and anti-money-laundering compliance.

Supplier Quality Evaluation

This position evaluates the quality of incoming dore bars and recyclable feed materials against established acceptance criteria. The engineer collaborates with supply chain teams to address quality issues with external suppliers.

Training and Competency

The role develops and delivers training programs on quality protocols and sampling techniques for plant operators and lab technicians. It ensures that all staff maintain the necessary competency levels for quality-critical tasks.

Data Analysis and Reporting

This position analyzes quality data trends to identify opportunities for process improvement and yield optimization. The engineer generates monthly quality reports for senior management highlighting key performance indicators.

Equipment Calibration Oversight

The role manages the calibration schedule for critical measurement instruments including scales, spectrometers, and assay equipment. It ensures that all testing devices meet ISO 17025 standards for accuracy and traceability.

Continuous Improvement Initiatives

This position leads quality improvement projects using Six Sigma or Lean methodologies to enhance operational efficiency. The engineer collaborates with cross-functional teams to implement best-in-class quality controls.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical, Metallurgical, or Industrial Engineering from an accredited institution.
• Minimum of 5 years of quality engineering experience in mining, refining, or heavy industrial manufacturing.
• Strong knowledge of ISO 9001 quality management systems and internal audit procedures.
• Understanding of precious metals refining processes, including fire assay and electrolytic refining.
• Proficiency in statistical process control and root cause analysis methodologies.
• Familiarity with Saudi industrial regulations and SASO standards.
• Excellent command of English for technical reporting and audit communication.
• Ability to work in an industrial plant environment with exposure to chemical handling areas.

Preferred / Nice-to-have

• Experience with LBMA Good Delivery List accreditation and responsible gold supply chain due diligence.
• Previous work in a gold refinery or precious metals trading environment.
• Knowledge of CIL plant operations and hydrometallurgical processing.
• ISO 9001 Lead Auditor certification.
• Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification.

Success Metrics

• Zero major non-conformities in ISO 9001 and LBMA external audits.
• 10% reduction in off-specification bullion production rates within the first year.
• 20% reduction in average time to close non-conformance reports.
• 100% completion of quality assurance checks for CIL plant construction milestones.
• 100% of plant operators and lab technicians trained on updated quality protocols.
• Implementation of a digital non-conformance tracking system.
• Establishment of a robust supplier quality evaluation process for incoming feed materials.

Equal Opportunity Statement:

Saudi Gold Refinery welcomes applications from all qualified candidates. Hiring decisions are made based on role requirements, skills, experience, and alignment with Saudization and Vision 2030 priorities.