2027 Summer Skilled Trades Internship - Heavy Equipment Mechanic

Freeport-McMoRan; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 26,000 - 37,000; Full time

Job summary

Freeport-McMoRan offers a skilled-trade internship for students in associate degree or certification programs, or recent graduates, focusing on heavy equipment maintenance and safe operations. Interns work under supervision across site roles in mining and manufacturing environments.

The program runs May through August, with paid, hourly compensation and on-site duties ranging from inspections to basic repairs and documentation, fostering practical skills in a real-world industrial setting.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in an associate degree or certification program in a mechanical or relevant field.
• Recent graduate within 12 months with an associate degree or certification in a mechanical or relevant field.
• Ability to understand and communicate verbal and written work and safety-related instructions in English.

Responsibilities

• Safely assist with maintenance and repair of heavy equipment such as Haul Trucks, Water Trucks, rubber tire and track dozers, front-end loaders, and motor graders.
• Assist with maintenance activities on transmissions, engines, brakes, differentials, pumps, motors, torque converters, final drives and other heavy equipment systems or components.
• Assist with preventative maintenance activities on heavy equipment.
• Assist with completing work orders and other maintenance documentation.
• May operate equipment such as forklifts, cranes, and small mobile equipment.
• Perform housekeeping duties and work area inspections.
• Perform other duties as required.

Education

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

Recent graduate (within 12 months) with an associate degree or certification in a mechanical or relevant field

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.

Candidates for this position are not eligible for Freeport-McMoRan 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

• Safely assist with maintenance and repair of heavy equipment such as, but not limited to: Haul Trucks, Water Trucks, Rubber Tire and Track Dozers, Front-end Loaders, and Motor Graders.
• Assist with maintenance activities on transmissions, engines, brakes, differentials, pumps, motors, torque converters, final drives and other heavy equipment systems or components.
• Assist with preventative maintenance activities on heavy equipment.
• Assist with completing work orders and other maintenance documentation.
• May operate equipment such as: forklifts, cranes, and small mobile equipment.
• Perform housekeeping duties and work area inspections.
• 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.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, sit, demonstrate manual dexterity, climb stairs and ladders, work on elevated platforms, talk, hear, and see.
• 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 on-going random drug testing as per applicable state laws.

Compensation: The estimated pay range for this role is currently $23.00/hour. Individual pay rates will be based on education and relevant experience.

Safety/Work Conditions

• 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 (for this purpose "motor vehicles" includes Company owned or leased motor vehicles and personal motor vehicles used by employees in furtherance of Company business or while on Company 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