Senior Process Automation Engineer

Freeport-McMoRan; Morenci (AZ); On-site; USD 98,000 - 138,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plan with employer match

On-site housing allowance

Job summary

Freeport-McMoRan is seeking a Senior Process Automation Engineer for Morenci, AZ to lead Process Automation engineering, enhance site ICS performance, and drive safety and cybersecurity initiatives for a 24/7 open-pit mining operation.

You will mentor engineers, review proposals, and guide automation projects from conception to budgeted execution, ensuring compliance with site standards and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering with related experience in Process Automation or regulatory and advanced control systems.
• Master’s degree in Engineering with related experience in Process Automation or regulatory and advanced control systems.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and direction for Process Automation and improve site Industrial Control Systems performance.
• Lead safety and environmental programs and ensure cybersecurity practices for ICS.
• Direct implementation and maintenance of the Process Control Network and manage automation life-cycle planning.

Skills

Process Automation

ICS cybersecurity

Safety leadership

Technical direction

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering

Master’s degree in Engineering

Job description

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

Located approximately 50 miles northeast of Safford, Arizona on U.S. Highway 191, Morenci operations (an open-pit copper mining complex) has been in continuous operation since 1939. The operation consists of two concentrators, crushed-ore leach pad and stacking system, a low-grade run-of-mine (ROM) leaching system; four SX plants; and three EW tank houses that produce copper cathode.

Morenci is a unique company town where our employees and their families can reconnect with nature through hiking, fishing, camping, hunting and numerous parks. The company offers several amenities, including company housing OR employees who are required to work on-site are eligible for a $750 monthly housing allowance, provided they meet program guidelines, a newly constructed daycare and community center, library, health-care facilities, state-of-the-art fitness centers, a movie theater and a skate park. Our dedicated Parks and Recreation Division plans activities for people of all ages, making sure there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Visit the Morenci town website to learn more.

What You Will Do

You provide leadership, management, direction, and advanced problem solving for Process Automation while reviewing and improving the performance of site Industrial Control Systems. You lead and promote safety and environmental programs, communicate safety implications related to Process Automation, and direct Industrial Control System cybersecurity practices. In this role, you lead and manage others by providing technical direction and guidance to direct reports on Process Automation Engineering topics, review engineering project proposals and designs to ensure work meets site Process Automation standards, and guide performance of ics hardware and software to identify automation‑driven improvements that enhance operator and operations effectiveness. As the Senior Process Automation Engineer, you direct implementation and maintenance of the Process Control Network while maintaining plant performance, cybersecurity, and historian systems. You approve specialized analytical and advanced instrumentation solutions, manage automation equipment life‑cycle planning, proposals, and budget estimates, and perform other duties as required.

What You Bring To Freeport

• Bachelor’s degree in an Engineering discipline and five (5) years of related experience in engineering relevant to Process Automation or a related field including three (3) years of experience with regulatory and advanced control systems
• Master’s degree in an appropriate Engineering discipline and three (3) years of related experience in engineering relevant to Process Automation or a related field including three (3) years of experience with regulatory and advanced control systems

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous supervision and leadership experience
• PLC, HMI, Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) and/or Distributed Control Systems (DCS) manufacture training or certification
• Experience with plant process historians or similar database storage and retrieval systems
• Experience with ics/pcn network architecture, communication, and security
• Experience in or understanding of mining and mineral processing systems
• Familiarity with or training in NFPA 70, NEC, or Electrical Journeyman Training

What We Offer You

The estimated annual pay range for this role is currently $97,500-$138,000. 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 discretionary and incentive payment considerations based on company and individual performance. More details will be shared during the hiring process. Click here to view a sample of Total Rewards Estimate for this role.

• Employees who are required to work on-site are eligible for a $750 monthly housing allowance, provided they meet program guidelines
• 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 pet, auto, home and vehicle
• Internal progression opportunities
• Learn more about our competitive and comprehensive benefits package!

What We Require

• Candidates may be required to pass a medical exam.
• Candidates must pass all required training and/or testing.
• Employees may be required to work a non-standard schedule, which may include shift work (other than day shift) at a 24/7, 365-day operation.
• Freeport-McMoRan promotes a drug/alcohol-free work environment using mandatory pre-employment drug testing and on-going drug and alcohol testing, as allowed by applicable laws.