Principal Engineer I - Process Engineering

Freeport McMoRan Inc.; 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, paid sick time, holiday pay, parental leave

Job summary

Freeport McMoRan Inc. is seeking a Principal Engineer I in Phoenix, AZ to provide process engineering expertise for large-scale growth projects. The ideal candidate has strong analytical skills, a bachelor's degree with 7+ years of experience, or a master's with 5+ years, or a PhD with 3+ years in a related field.

The role involves mentoring junior engineers and ensuring high-quality engineering deliverables. Benefits include competitive salary, medical, 401(k) plan, and paid time off.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of engineering experience with a bachelor's degree, or 5+ years with a master's, or 3+ years with a PhD.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Ability to translate complex issues into actionable recommendations.

Responsibilities

• Lead process engineering for growth projects.
• Review and approve engineering documents.
• Collaborate with teams for high-quality execution.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving abilities

Collaboration skills

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

Job description

Principal Engineer I - Process Engineering

Requisition ID: 144318

Location: Phoenix, AZ, US 85040

What You Will Do

As a technical leader, this role focuses on large‑scale growth projects and strategic initiatives, providing process engineering expertise, engineering leadership, and high‑level guidance throughout the project development cycle while collaborating across the organization to deliver sound engineering judgment and strategic insight.

• 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.
• 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.
• Support long‑range technical planning, capital budgeting, and strategic project evaluation as the Principal Engineer I – Process Engineering.
• 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 OR
• Master’s degree in Metallurgical Engineering or Chemical Engineering and five (5) years of experience in a related engineering field OR
• 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 You

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 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.

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].