2026 Summer Skilled Trades Internship - Fixed Plant Mechanic at Freeport-McMoRan Phoenix, AZ

Freeport-McMoRan; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 25,571 - 36,420; Full time

Job summary

Freeport-McMoRan is looking for interns for their skilled trade internship program based in Arizona. This full-time position is designed for students enrolled in a mechanical field associate degree or certification program. Interns will engage in hands-on activities including maintenance, inspections, and operations of machinery.

The estimated pay is $22.50/hour, and applicants should be able to meet physical demands and work safely in various environments. This internship runs from May through August annually.

Qualifications

• Must be able to multi-task, work under pressure, and meet time-sensitive deadlines.
• Work may include exposure to temperature extremes, mechanical parts, and toxic chemicals.
• Occasionally may be required to lift moderately heavy objects up to 50 pounds.

Responsibilities

• Assist with maintenance activities including component removal and installation.
• May perform welding and fabrication as required.
• Complete work orders and perform job safety analyses.

Skills

Ability to communicate verbal and written instructions

Multi-tasking

Manual dexterity

Education

Currently enrolled in an associate degree or certification program in a mechanical or relevant field

Recent graduate with an associate degree or certification

Job description

Why You Should Apply for This Internship

At Freeport‑McMoRan, we are committed to providing internship opportunities that recognize excellence and encourage safe production with a culture supported by our core values. You'll be part of a collaborative environment, gaining the skills and experience to set you on the path to a successful future.

Our skilled trade internship program is designed for students currently enrolled in an associate degree or certification program and recent graduates in North America. These are temporary, full‑time paid positions that usually run from May through August.

Applicants are not eligible for immigration work visa sponsorship.

Where You Will Work

Interns are placed at sites across Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Texas, where they contribute to our business in various fields based on organizational needs.

Description

What You Will Do

• Assist with maintenance activities including component removal, repair and installation of various crushers, vibratory screens, mills, pumps, conveyor systems, etc.
• Assist with and perform mechanical and lubrication preventive maintenance such as changing filters, checking screens, oil levels, and lubrication systems.
• Assist with completing work orders, work area inspections, and job safety analysis.
• May perform welding and fabrication.
• May operate equipment such as forklifts, skid steers, and overhead cranes.
• Perform housekeeping duties.
• Perform other duties as required.

Qualifications

What You Bring to Freeport

• Currently enrolled in an associate degree or certification program in a mechanical or relevant field, or
• Recent graduate (within 12 months prior to internship start date) with an associate degree or certification in a mechanical or relevant field.

What We Require

• Ability to understand, apply, and communicate verbal and written work and safety-related instructions, procedures, job assignments, and applicable safety standards in English.
• Must be able to multi‑task, work under pressure, and meet time‑sensitive deadlines.
• Work is in an office, mine, or manufacturing plant setting, which may include exposure to extremes in temperature and humidity, moving mechanical parts, risk of electrical shock, toxic chemicals, explosives, fumes or airborne particles.
• Work requires standing, sitting, demonstrating manual dexterity, climbing stairs and ladders, working on elevated platforms, talking, hearing, and seeing.
• Occasionally may be required to lift moderately heavy objects up to fifty (50) pounds during the workday.
• Personal protective equipment is required when performing work in a mine, outdoor, manufacturing or plant environment, including hard hat, hearing protection, safety glasses, safety footwear, and as needed, respirator, rubber steel‑toe boots, protective clothing, gloves, and any other protective equipment as required.
• Freeport‑McMoRan promotes a drug/alcohol free work environment through the use of mandatory pre‑employment drug testing and ongoing random drug testing as per applicable state laws.

Compensation

The estimated pay range for this role is currently $22.50/hour. Individual pay rates will be based on education and relevant experience.

Safety / Work Conditions

• Many of these jobs require employees to perform essential job functions that pose a direct threat to the safety or health of the employees performing these tasks or others. Accordingly, the Company has designated the following positions as safety‑sensitive:
• Site‑based positions, or positions which require unescorted access to site‑based operational areas, which are held by employees who are required to receive MSHA, OSHA, DOT, HAZWOPER and/or Hazard Recognition Training; or
• Positions which are held by employees who operate equipment, machinery, or motor vehicles in furtherance of performing the essential functions of their job duties, including operating motor vehicles while on Company business or travel; or
• Positions which Freeport‑McMoRan has designated as safety‑sensitive positions in the applicable job or position description and which upon further review continue to be designated as safety‑sensitive based on an individualized assessment of the actual duties performed by a specifically identified employee.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Protected Veteran / Disability

Freeport‑McMoRan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status. We are committed to providing a drug/alcohol free work environment and take all precautions to assure a safe workplace for all employees.