Operations Readiness Lead - Autonomous Haulage Systems

ASARCO; Kearny (AZ); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

ASARCO is seeking an Operations Readiness Lead for Autonomous Haulage Systems to ensure seamless transitions from design to operations. You will prepare systems, processes, and teams for production while upholding safety and regulatory standards.

You will collaborate with operations, maintenance, and construction teams, track readiness metrics, and support training, documentation, and testing activities to enable a safe, efficient handover to operations in a mining environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree plus 2+ years in operations or mining roles.
• PM methodologies knowledge (Agile, Waterfall, Scrum).
• Experience with ERP systems (SAP) and data integration.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.
• Ability to work in fast-paced, industrial environments and conduct site visits.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute operations readiness plans for transitions.
• Collaborate with ops, maintenance, and construction teams.
• Identify process improvements during readiness activities.
• Track readiness metrics and prepare reports.
• Support creation of procedures, workflows, and handover docs.
• Coordinate and facilitate training for new systems and equipment.
• Assist in safety and environmental compliance during readiness.
• Support testing, commissioning, and validation pre-production.
• Contribute to incident investigations and corrective actions.

Skills

Enterprise systems (SAP)

Data integration

Automation / digital transformation

Project coordination

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering/Operations/Business or related field

Tools

MS Office

Jira

Trello

MS Project

Job description

ASARCO is a leading integrated copper mining, smelting, and refining company with approximately $1.0 billion in annual revenue and 1,400 employees across the United States. As a proud member of Grupo México Mining, ASARCO operates large-scale mining and metallurgical facilities driven by a strong commitment to operational excellence, safety, financial discipline, and long-term sustainability.

Position Summary

The Operations Readiness Lead - Autonomous Haulage Systems is responsible for supporting the smooth transition of projects from construction and design into operational phases. This role focuses on preparing systems, processes, and teams to ensure readiness for production, while maintaining a strong commitment to safety, compliance, and operational goals. Reporting to the Automation Tech Project Manager or a similar leader, the Operations Readiness Lead works collaboratively with cross-functional teams to achieve readiness objectives.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Readiness Support: Assist in the development and execution of operations readiness plans, ensuring tasks and milestones are completed on schedule.
• Collaboration: Work with operations, maintenance, and construction teams to align activities and address operational needs during project transitions.
• Continuous Improvement: Identify opportunities for process improvements during readiness activities and provide input on potential solutions.
• Performance Tracking: Assist in tracking key readiness metrics and preparing reports for project leaders and stakeholders.
• Documentation: Support the creation and management of operational procedures, workflows, and handover documentation.
• Training Coordination: Help organize and facilitate training programs for employees to ensure they are prepared to operate new systems and equipment.
• Safety Compliance: Assist in the implementation of safety and environmental procedures during the readiness phase, ensuring alignment with company and regulatory standards.
• Risk Monitoring: Identify and communicate potential risks related to the transition to operations and support the development of mitigation strategies.
• Testing and Validation: Support pre-operational testing, commissioning, and validation of systems and equipment to ensure readiness for production.
• Participate in incident investigations during pre-operational activities and assist in implementing corrective actions.
• Responsible for executing, supporting, and enforcing the Company's Environmental, Health and Safety program as required by OIS policy, directives, and principles.

Qualifications

• Education & Experience: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Business, or a related field (or equivalent experience), plus 2+ years of experience in operations, project coordination, or heavy industry/mining roles.
• Project & Operations Knowledge: Strong understanding of project management methodologies (Agile, Waterfall, Scrum), operational readiness concepts, and the project lifecycle.
• Technical & Digital Skills: Proficiency with enterprise systems/ERPs (e.g., SAP), data integration, automation, digital transformation trends, and standard productivity tools (MS Office, Jira, Trello, MS Project).
• Process Improvement: Hands-on experience applying continuous improvement tools and methodologies.
• Communication & Collaboration: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills; demonstrated ability to collaborate, lead, and mentor across multidisciplinary teams.
• Problem Solving & Organization: Strong analytical skills, keen attention to detail, and proven ability to manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines.
• Work Environment Adaptability: Willingness to adapt to fast-paced environments, work flexible hours as needed, and conduct site visits in challenging industrial conditions (e.g., extreme temperatures, noise, confined spaces).

Preferred Qualifications

• Industry Expertise: Experience with autonomous haulage systems (AHS) or industrial mine sites.
• Specialized Experience: Exposure to commissioning, testing, process improvements, or operational readiness activities.
• EHS Compliance: Familiarity with health, safety, and environmental regulations.

ASARCO LLC provides equal opportunity for all individuals without regard to race, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, actual or perceived disability, military status, veteran status, marital status, familial status, or any other characteristic(s) protected by local, state, or federal law(s).

Candidates must possess a current and valid driver’s license. Offers of employment are contingent upon a successful criminal background check and pre-employment physical including a drug screen.

What We Offer

Join a stabilized, industry-leading team where your work directly impacts the sustainable future of mining and the well-being of our local communities. ASARCO offers a competitive compensation package and a collaborative, safety-first work environment.