Principal Engineer I - Process Engineering

Freeport-McMoRan; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 120,000 - 167,500; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Affordable medical, dental and vision benefits

401(k) plan with employer contribution/match

Paid time off and sick time

Job summary

Freeport-McMoRan is seeking a Principal Engineer I - Process Engineering located in Phoenix, AZ. The role involves reviewing engineering documents and collaborating with various stakeholders to deliver high-quality solutions while mentoring engineers.

The ideal candidate holds a degree in Metallurgical or Chemical Engineering, with significant relevant experience. This position offers a competitive salary range of $120,000 to $167,500, alongside comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in a related engineering field with a Bachelor's degree.
• 5+ years of experience with a Master's degree.
• 3+ years of experience with a PhD.

Responsibilities

• Review and approve engineering documents.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure high-quality execution.
• Mentor and coach engineers to build internal capability.

Skills

Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities

Collaboration skills

Ability to communicate complex technical concepts

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Metallurgical Engineering or Chemical Engineering

Master’s degree in Metallurgical Engineering or Chemical Engineering

PhD in Metallurgical Engineering or Chemical Engineering

Tools

Process modeling tools (e.g., Metsim, HSC, JKSimMet)

Job description

Overview

Principal Engineer I - Process Engineering

Requisition ID: 144318

Location: Phoenix, AZ, US, 85040

Category: Engineering Services

What You Will Do

• Review, verify, and approve engineering documents including PFDs, P&IDs, design criteria, mass/energy balances, equipment specifications, and metallurgical test work scopes.
• Ensure engineering deliverables conform to internal standards, project requirements, and best practices.
• In this role you investigate complex technical challenges and recommend practical, cost‑effective solutions grounded in engineering fundamentals
• Collaborate with discipline engineers, site teams, EPC partners, and stakeholders to ensure high‑quality execution
• Recommend improvements to engineering standards, workflows, tools, and design methodologies.
• As the Principal Engineer I – Process Engineering you support long‑range technical planning, capital budgeting, and strategic project evaluation
• Work closely with operations, geology, maintenance, project management, and corporate technical groups to deliver integrated solutions
• Ensure project and site teams implement engineering improvements and design recommendations
• Mentor and coach engineers and technical specialists to build internal capability, and contribute to internal technical guidelines, knowledge libraries, and best‑practice documents

What You Bring To Freeport

• Bachelor’s degree in Metallurgical Engineering or Chemical Engineering and seven (7) years of experience in a related engineering field
• Master’s degree in Metallurgical Engineering or Chemical Engineering and five (5) years of experience in a related engineering field
• PhD in Metallurgical Engineering or Chemical Engineering and three (3) years of experience in a related engineering field
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving capabilities
• Ability to translate complex technical issues into actionable recommendations
• High degree of professional judgment with the ability to influence at multiple organizational levels
• Strong collaboration skills
• Ability to research and analyze complex information and draw valid conclusions
• Ability to develop and maintain awareness of occupational hazards and safety precautions
• Ability to communicate complex technical concepts clearly and effectively to technical and non‑technical stakeholders, verbally and in writing

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting prefeasibility, feasibility, and FEL design stages.
• Experience with major capital project environments (EPC/EPCM experience advantageous).
• Familiarity with process modeling and mass/energy balance tools (e.g., Metsim, HSC, JKSimMet).
• Postgraduate degree or specialized training in extractive metallurgy or process design.

What We Offer

The estimated annual pay range for this role is currently $120,000-$167,500. 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 (Corp Virtual (Grades 7-8)) about our competitive and comprehensive benefits package!

What We Require

This position will require international travel up to two times per year for two weeks at a time.

Freeport-McMoRan promotes a drug/alcohol-free work environment using mandatory pre-employment drug testing as allowed by applicable laws.

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].