Director Process Engineering, Automation, & Instrumentation

Freeport-McMoRan; Phoenix (AZ); Hybrid; USD 210,000 - 260,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental and vision

Company-paid life and disability

401(k) with match

Paid time off

Tuition assistance

Employee Assistance Program

Discounted insurance plans

Internal progression

Comprehensive benefits

Job summary

Freeport-McMoRan seeks a Director of Process Engineering, Automation, and Instrumentation to lead a portfolio of capital projects from concept to ramp‑up. The role requires directing multidisciplinary teams, advancing process safety, and integrating DCS/PLC/SCADA systems across sites, with strong IT/OT collaboration.

Based in Phoenix with hybrid work and up to 15% international travel, you will drive technical excellence, safety, and cost/schedule performance while delivering value across the

Qualifications

• B.S. in Chemical or Electrical Engineering with 15 years in process engineering or automation.
• Proven leadership of engineering teams across multi-project environments.
• Experience delivering capital projects and safety programs.

Responsibilities

• Lead project engineering across capital projects from concept to ramp-up.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams to ensure on-time delivery.
• Drive process safety programs and continuous improvement.
• Define control philosophies and oversee DCS/PLC/SCADA integration.

Skills

Leadership

Process engineering

Process automation

Instrumentation design

Project management

Cross-functional collaboration

Safety culture

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Chemical or Electrical Engineering

Master’s degree in Engineering preferred

Tools

DCS

PLC

SCADA

APC

Job description

Title: Director Process Engineering, Automation, & Instrumentation

Requisition ID: 146209

Location: Phoenix, AZ, US, 85040

Category: Engineering Services

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Why You Should Apply For This Job

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].

Nearest Major Market

Phoenix

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