Principal Engineer I - Metallurgy

Freeport-McMoRan; Phoenix (AZ); Hybrid; USD 112,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

401(k) with company match

Paid time off & holidays

Tuition assistance

Employee assistance program

Career growth opportunities

Job summary

Freeport‑McMoRan is seeking a senior metallurgical engineer to lead technical efforts across complex projects from our Phoenix operations. The role blends strategy, research and hands-on engineering, with hybrid work arrangements and in-person collaboration at the Phoenix Collaboration Hub.

You will guide technical decisions, mentor peers, and drive safer, more efficient processes. The position requires advanced metallurgy expertise, strong communication skills and a track record in leadership.

Qualifications

• Advanced knowledge of extractive metallurgy/mineral processing.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to communicate complex technical concepts clearly.

Responsibilities

• Review and investigate engineering projects and technical challenges.
• Align engineering efforts with long-term goals and strategies.
• Influence project execution through collaboration and communication.
• Apply advanced technical skills to solve complex problems.
• Stay current with industry trends and recommend improvements.
• Collaborate with site and project teams to ensure standards are met.
• Drive innovation and continuous improvement in processes and systems.
• Support strategic planning and budgeting for engineering areas.
• Mentor and coach peers and junior engineers.

Skills

Advanced metallurgy knowledge

Analytical thinking

Communication to diverse audiences

Safety awareness

Technical leadership

Industry participation

Education

Bachelor in Metallurgical/Chemical Eng

Master’s with 5+ years

PhD with 3+ years

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

Provide expert guidance and technical leadership in metallurgical engineering to support complex projects, programs, and strategic initiatives. In this role, you will:

• Review, investigate, and recommend solutions for engineering projects and technical challenges.
• Align engineering efforts with long-term organizational goals and strategies.
• Influence project execution and strategy through effective communication and collaboration.
• Apply advanced technical skills to solve complex problems and contribute to high-value initiatives.
• Stay current with industry trends and recommend improvements based on emerging practices.
• Collaborate with site and project teams to ensure standards are met and improvements implemented.
• Drive innovation and continuous improvement in engineering processes and systems.
• Support strategic planning and budgeting for engineering areas.
• Mentor and coach peers and junior engineers to build technical capability.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What You Bring To Freeport

• Bachelor’s degree in Metallurgical or Chemical Engineering with 7 years of experience, OR
• Master’s degree with 5 years of experience, OR
• PhD with 3 years of experience in a related engineering field.
• Advanced knowledge of extractive metallurgy and/or mineral processing engineering.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to communicate complex technical concepts clearly to diverse audiences.
• Awareness of occupational hazards and safety practices.
• Experience in technical leadership and mentoring preferred.
• Participation in industry events and continuous learning preferred.

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.

• 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.

• Ability to travel domestically approximately once per month for up to five (5) consecutive days as business needs require.
• Ability to travel internationally up to two (2) times per year for periods of up to two (2) consecutive weeks.
• Regular attendance and participation in monthly meetings is required.

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].