Senior Metallurgist (Process Improvement & Analytics)

Hudbay Minerals U.S. Business Unit; Sahuarita (AZ); On-site; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual performance bonuses

Affordable medical, dental and vision

Company-paid life insurance, AD&D, LD

401(k) plan with employer contribution

Employee share purchase plan

Employee assistance programme

Paid time off, sick time and holidays

Job summary

Hudbay Minerals U.S. Business Unit seeks a Senior Metallurgist to drive process improvement, analytics and value creation across the Copper World Project. You will own metallurgical accounting, mine‑to‑mill optimization and economic assessments.

Responsibilities include leading OPEX/CAPEX evaluations, benchmarking, and developing dashboards and KPIs. You will collaborate with process control and operations to enable digital transformation and operational readiness.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in metallurgical engineering, chemical engineering, mining engineering, mineral processing or related discipline.
• 8+ years experience in mineral processing, metallurgy or business improvement functions.
• Experience in large-scale copper, molybdenum, gold or polymetallic operations.
• Preferred: Master’s degree in metallurgy, mining, data analytics, MBA or related discipline.
• Experience with metallurgical accounting systems and OPEX/CAPEX business cases.

Responsibilities

• Own and maintain the Processing OPEX Model, including operating cost assumptions, benchmarking, forecasting, scenario analysis and updates.
• Lead process improvement initiatives focused on throughput, recovery, operating costs, energy efficiency and water utilisation.
• Develop operational dashboards, KPIs and performance monitoring systems.
• Lead benchmarking activities against peer copper operations and support business-improvement frameworks.
• Mentor engineers and metallurgists in process improvement methodologies; prepare technical reports and recommendations.

Skills

Metallurgy

Data analytics

Process improvement

OPEX & CAPEX modelling

Education

Bachelor's degree in metallurgical/chemical/mining engineering

Master's degree (preferred) in metallurgy, mining, data analytics or MBA

Tools

Metallurgical accounting systems

Job description

Role Title: Senior Metallurgist – Process Improvement & Analytics

Reports To: Metallurgist Manager

Job Type: Full-time Regular

Location: Helvetia, AZ

About Hudbay

Hudbay (TSX, NYSE: HBM) is a copper‑focused mining company with operations in Canada, Peru and the United States. The company’s portfolio includes the Constancia mine in Cusco, the Snow Lake operations in Manitoba, the Copper Mountain mine in British Columbia and the Copper World Project in Arizona. Hudbay’s mission is to create sustainable value and strong returns by leveraging community relations, focused exploration, mine development and efficient operations.

Purpose Of Role

The Senior Metallurgist – Process Improvement & Analytics is responsible for driving operational excellence, metallurgical performance, business improvement and value creation across the Copper World Project and associated operations. The position serves as the focal point for metallurgical accounting, mine‑to‑mill optimization, process improvement initiatives, operational analytics, OPEX model management, CAPEX project evaluation and economic assessments.

Role Accountabilities

• Financial Management & Economic Evaluation
  • Own and maintain the Processing OPEX Model, including operating cost assumptions, benchmarking, forecasting, scenario analysis and continuous updates through project development and future operations.
  • Support development and management of processing‑related CAPEX initiatives, including scope development, business cases, economic justification, implementation planning and post‑audit evaluations.
  • Conduct economic evaluations, including NPV, IRR, payback analysis, sensitivity analysis, trade‑off studies and value improvement assessments.
• Process Optimization & Geometallurgy
  • Lead process improvement initiatives focused on throughput, recovery, operating costs, energy efficiency, reagent consumption and water utilisation.
  • Support mine‑to‑mill optimisation programs through integration of geology, ore control, mine planning, blasting, crushing, grinding and flotation performance.
  • Conduct geometallurgical evaluations, ore variability assessments and recovery forecasting studies.
  • Participate in metallurgical testwork programmes, engineering reviews, technical due diligence and process design evaluations.
• Data Analytics, Systems & Digital Transformation
  • Lead development, implementation and governance of the Copper World Metallurgical Accounting System.
  • Develop operational dashboards, KPIs and performance monitoring systems using modern analytics platforms.
  • Analyse metallurgical, operational, maintenance and business performance data to identify opportunities for value creation.
  • Support business improvement initiatives through the application of statistical analysis, data science, predictive analytics and continuous improvement methodologies.
  • Collaborate with Process Control personnel on advanced process control, digital transformation and optimisation initiatives.
  • Support implementation of digital transformation and innovation initiatives.
• Business Improvement & Operational Readiness
  • Lead benchmarking activities against peer copper operations.
  • Support development of business improvement frameworks and value‑tracking systems.
  • Participate in operational readiness workshops and project reviews.
  • Support operational readiness planning, commissioning preparation, startup readiness and ramp‑up activities.
  • Support Reliability Engineering initiatives through asset performance analysis and operational improvement opportunities.
• Leadership, Strategy & General Duties
  • Mentor engineers, metallurgists and technical personnel in process improvement methodologies.
  • Support corporate technical services initiatives as required.
  • Prepare technical reports, management presentations, business cases and executive recommendations.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications And Education

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in metallurgical engineering, chemical engineering, mining engineering, mineral processing or a related discipline.
• Minimum eight (8) years of experience in mineral processing, metallurgy, technical services, process improvement, operational excellence or business improvement functions.
• Experience in large‑scale copper, molybdenum, gold or polymetallic operations.

Preferred

• Master’s degree in metallurgy, mining engineering, business analytics, data analytics, MBA or a related discipline.
• Experience managing metallurgical accounting systems.
• Experience developing OPEX and CAPEX business cases.
• Experience supporting project development, feasibility studies, commissioning, startup and operational readiness programmes.
• Experience with geometallurgy, mine‑to‑mill optimisation and business improvement initiatives.

Other Requirements

Physical Demands: The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, frequently up to 25 pounds and occasionally up to 50 pounds. The role requires standing, walking, sitting, manual handling and reaching. Reasonable accommodation may be made for individuals with disabilities.

Work Environment: The work will involve moving mechanical parts and varying weather conditions, including hot and dry environments. Noise, fumes, dust, toxic or caustic chemicals and vibration may be present. A current and valid driver’s licence is required.

Benefits

• Annual performance bonuses
• Affordable medical, dental and vision benefits for employees and families.
• Company‑paid life insurance, AD&D, short‑ and long‑term disability.
• 401(k) plan with employer contribution/match.
• Employee share purchase plan with contribution matching.
• Employee assistance programme.
• Paid time off, paid sick time and holiday pay.

Hudbay is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Candidates may be required to undergo educational and criminal background checks. Chosen candidates will be required to successfully pass a physical and drug screening.