Principal Engineer I - Metallurgy

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental and vision

Company-paid life/disability

401(k) match

Paid time off

Tuition assistance

Employee assistance program

Insurance discounts

Career progression

Job summary

Freeport-McMoRan Inc. in Phoenix, AZ, is seeking a senior metallurgical engineer to provide technical leadership and guide complex projects. The role supports strategic initiatives, reviews engineering challenges, and mentors peers across site and project teams.

Hybrid work arrangement with in-person collaborations at the Phoenix hub and travel as needed. Competitive compensation and benefits align with experience and company plans.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with 7+ years of experience, or Master’s with 5+ years, or PhD with 3+ years.
• 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Communication

Metallurgy knowledge

Technical leadership

Mentoring

Industry events

Education

Bachelors in Metallurgical/Chemical Eng

Masters in Metallurgical/Chemical Eng

PhD in related engineering

Job description

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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.

Preferred Qualifications

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