Director Process Engineering, Automation, & Instrumentation

Freeport-McMoRan; Phoenix (AZ); Hybrid; USD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Life and disability insurance

401(k) plan with employer contribution

Paid time off

Tuition Assistance

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

Freeport-McMoRan in Phoenix is seeking a seasoned Process/Chemical Engineer to lead project engineering across a portfolio of capital projects, delivering safe, reliable and efficient plant upgrades. You will guide cross-functional engineering teams, develop process control strategies, and partner with EPC/EPCM contractors to ensure performance targets and regulatory standards are met.

This hybrid role requires 15+ years of experience, strong leadership, and a commitment to safety and continuous

Qualifications

• 15+ years in process engineering, controls, or automation in industrial environments.
• Experience leading engineering teams and capital project delivery.
• Ability to influence across functions and manage stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead project engineering outcomes across a portfolio of capital projects.
• Develop enterprise‑wide process engineering, automation, and instrumentation strategies.
• Prioritize portfolio investments and allocate engineering resources.
• Lead, coach, and develop multidisciplinary engineering teams.
• Provide oversight of process design activities and drive plant performance improvements.
• Lead Process Safety Management programs across engineering milestones.
• Define process control philosophies and integrate DCS/PLC/SCADA systems.

Skills

Leadership

Cross-functional

Strategic thinking

Communication

Problem solving

Safety culture

Stakeholder management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

DCS/PLC/SCADA

Instrumentation design

Job description

Why You Should Apply for This Job

At Freeport-McMoRan, we are committed to providing an employment package that recognizes excellence, encourages safe production and a culture supported by our core values. Here, you’ll find a collaborative environment where safety is a top priority, all opinions are valued, and people are empowered to grow in their career.

Where You Will Work

Our global headquarters is in Phoenix, Arizona. Several hundred employees support global operations in finance, human resources, information technology, planning and more from the main office, satellite offices or online. As a Hybrid employee, you’ll engage in virtual collaboration as well as attend in-person meetings at our Collaboration Hub in Phoenix or at one of our site locations. The Collaboration Hub provides an open, flexible workspace for individuals and teams to come together for various business needs. Amenities at the Hub include a working café, phone booths and meeting rooms with technology tools for virtual and in-person collaboration. In-person attendance may vary based on the position and department requirements. Phoenix is the capital of the Grand Canyon State and enjoys mostly bright skies throughout the year. It is the perfect place if you enjoy the outdoors, love sports, concerts and other big city amenities or technology. There are great neighborhoods around Phoenix, with easy access to a major city, nature, the arts and many more amenities.

What You Will Do

• Lead project engineering outcomes across a portfolio of capital projects, providing technical leadership in Process Engineering, Process Automation, and Instrumentation disciplines. Oversee the delivery lifecycle from concept and design through commissioning and operational ramp-up, ensuring projects achieve performance targets and reach nameplate capacity. Coordinate and align cross‑functional teams, strategically deploy technical talent to maximize project execution success, and foster collaboration across operations, project delivery teams, and external engineering partners. Drive engineering consistency, innovation, and continuous improvement while ensuring safe, reliable, and efficient project delivery.
• Develop and execute enterprise-wide Process Engineering, Automation, and Instrumentation strategies that support business objectives and operational excellence.
• Prioritize project portfolio investments and strategically allocate engineering resources based on project risk, complexity, and stage of development.
• Lead, coach, and develop multidisciplinary engineering teams, fostering a culture of safety, accountability, collaboration, and timely decision‑making.
• Provide oversight of process design activities, including flowsheets, mass and energy balances, while driving improvements in plant performance, recovery, throughput, and efficiency.
• Lead Process Safety Management (PSM) programs and hazard assessment activities throughout engineering, construction, commissioning, start‑up, and operational phases.
• Establish continuous improvement processes that leverage operational feedback to optimize designs, enhance reliability, and prevent recurring issues.
• Develop and standardize instrumentation strategies, ensuring effective specification, implementation, commissioning, start‑up, and operational readiness across projects.
• Define process control philosophies, oversee integration of DCS, PLC, and SCADA systems, and champion advanced digital technologies, including APC and predictive analytics, through strong IT/OT partnerships.
• Provide technical leadership across the full project lifecycle, ensuring compliance with engineering standards and regulatory requirements while achieving safety, cost, schedule, and performance objectives.
• Perform other duties as required.

What You Bring To Freeport

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related discipline and fifteen (15) years experience in process engineering, controls, or automation within industrial environments (mining, metals, oil & gas, or chemical processing); including
• Five (5) years of leadership experience managing engineering teams
• Demonstrated experience supporting capital project delivery in the technical functions
• Strong leadership and organizational skills with the ability to influence across functions
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management capabilities
• Strategic thinker with strong problem‑solving abilities
• Ability to build and lead cross‑functional teams where engineers report by process area, not discipline
• Experience scaling engineering teams across multiple concurrent mega‑projects
• Ability to operate effectively in a complex, matrixed organization
• Commitment to safety, continuous improvement, and operational excellence.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Engineering or related field
• Deep expertise in process control systems (DCS, PLC, SCADA) and instrumentation design
• Experience with advanced process control, optimization, and digital transformation initiatives
• Strong knowledge of process safety and risk management practices
• Experience working with EPC/EPCM contractors on large‑scale projects
• Experience scaling engineering teams across multiple concurrent mega‑projects.

What We Offer You

Actual base pay is determined by experience, qualifications, skills and other job‑related factors. This role is eligible for additional incentive compensation considerations based on company and individual performance. Additionally, this position is currently eligible for annual long‑term incentive consideration. Long‑term incentives are contingent upon authorized approval under the terms and conditions of the Company’s plan and award agreements. More details will be shared during the hiring process.

• Affordable medical, dental and vision benefits
• Company‑paid life and disability insurance
• 401(k) plan with employer contribution/match
• Paid time off, paid sick time, holiday pay, parental leave
• Tuition Assistance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Discounted insurance plans for auto, home and pet
• Internal progression opportunities
• Learn more about our competitive and comprehensive benefits package!

What We Require

Freeport‑McMoRan promotes a drug/alcohol‑free work environment using mandatory pre‑employment drug testing as allowed by applicable laws.

This position requires working on‑site approximately 50% of the time (work will be from the Phoenix HUB and at sites).
Up to 15% international travel is required for this position (for at least 2 weeks at a time).

Equal Opportunity Employer

Please be advised Freeport‑McMoRan will never request payment for job‑related expenses from applicants. If you receive any suspicious emails, please disregard them, and report the incident to [e-mail].