Principal Engineer I

Freeport McMoRan Inc.

Phoenix (AZ)

Hybrid

USD 112,000 - 160,000

Full time

4 days ago

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Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision benefits

401(k) with employer match

Paid time off and holidays

Tuition assistance

Employee Assistance Program

Life and disability insurance

Discounted insurance plans

Job summary

Freeport‑McMoRan is seeking a senior engineer to lead effluent treatment initiatives at our Phoenix headquarters, guiding complex projects and applying advanced engineering principles.

You will mentor teams, ensure regulatory compliance, optimize treatment processes, and drive continuous improvement across site operations. Travel domestically up to 20% and internationally up to 50% may be required.

Qualifications

Advanced knowledge of effluent treatment plant principles and practices.
Ability to research and analyze information of considerable difficulty.
Ability to communicate complex technical concepts clearly to technical and non‑technical stakeholders.

Responsibilities

Review and evaluate effluent treatment plant operations and projects to provide actionable recommendations.
Support development of long‑term technical strategies aligned with organizational goals.
Build partnerships with environmental, maintenance, laboratory, and operations teams to drive execution.

Skills

Effluent treatment expertise

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering

Master’s degree in Engineering

PhD in Engineering

Job description

At Freeport-McMoRan, we are committed to providing employment that recognizes excellence and encourages safe production, with a culture supported by our core values. Here, you’ll find a collaborative environment where safety is a top priority.

Where You Will Work

Our global headquarters is in Phoenix, Arizona. Several hundred employees support our operations in finance, human resources, health and safety, information technology, planning, and more. Our flexible work program allows employees to work virtually as well as come together in person when needed at our Collaboration Hub in Phoenix and/or one of our site locations. Employees can work remotely from most states in the U.S., with the exception of California, Connecticut, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma and South Carolina. Additional states may be excluded from remote work based on business factors. Should the position shift to in‑person (office/site) work in the future, the company will offer relocation benefits at that time, so long as the position meets the established eligibility for these benefits.

What You’ll Do

Serve as a technical leader and subject matter expert, providing guidance, mentorship, and engineering expertise to support site operations, capital projects, and complex technical challenges. Apply deep knowledge of effluent treatment systems to improve operational performance, project outcomes, and regulatory compliance, while driving the adoption of leading practices across the organization. Lead complex problem‑solving initiatives by translating technical challenges into actionable solutions, leveraging advanced engineering principles, analytical tools, and innovative approaches to optimize effluent treatment processes and enhance overall business performance.

Review and evaluate effluent treatment plant operations, engineering projects, and complex technical issues, providing actionable recommendations that improve performance, reliability, compliance, and business outcomes.
Support the development and execution of long‑term technical strategies by aligning engineering initiatives with organizational goals and operational priorities.
Build strong partnerships with environmental, maintenance, laboratory, operational, and external stakeholders to influence decision‑making and drive effective execution across treatment processes and unit operations.
Provide advanced technical leadership for complex operational and engineering challenges, including performance monitoring, data analysis, risk identification, troubleshooting, root cause investigations, and the development of corrective actions and improvement plans.
Maintain expertise in emerging technologies, industry best practices, and regulatory developments by actively participating in professional networks, industry forums, and training programs, recommending innovative solutions to enhance operations.
Collaborate with site leadership and project teams to shape operational and project strategies, resolve technical issues, and ensure successful implementation of engineering standards and continuous improvement initiatives.
Lead continuous improvement efforts by developing, implementing, and auditing operational standards, best practices, and system enhancements that drive safety, efficiency, and operational excellence.
Identify opportunities to optimize effluent treatment operations and provide technical input into strategic planning, capital investment, and budgeting processes across the organization.
Mentor, coach, and develop technical and operational talent by sharing expertise, strengthening problem‑solving capabilities, and promoting operating discipline and best practices in effluent treatment plant operations and maintenance.
Perform other duties as required.

What You Bring

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related engineering discipline and seven (7) years of experience in related engineering field; OR
Master’s degree in Engineering or related engineering discipline and five (5) years of experience in related engineering field; OR
PhD in Engineering or related engineering discipline and three (3) years of experience in related engineering field.
Advanced knowledge of the principles and practices of effluent treatment plants
Able to research and analyze information of considerable difficulty and draw valid conclusion
Ability to develop and maintain awareness of occupational hazards and safety precautions
Ability to communicate complex technical concepts clearly and effectively to both technical and non‑technical stakeholders, both verbally and in writing

Preferred Qualifications

Experience working in commercial or industrial scale effluent treatment plants
Experience in multiple unit operations within effluent treatment plants including process stability, chemical dosing, solids handling, sludge management, reagent performance and understanding of discharge requirements.

What We Offer You

The estimated annual pay range for this role is currently $112,000-$160,000. This range reflects base salary only and does not include bonus payments, benefits or retirement contributions. 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.