Sr. Process Control Engineer

Capstone Copper Pinto Valley; Miami (AZ); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Capstone Copper Pinto Valley is seeking a Senior Process Control Engineer to lead the design, implementation, and optimization of plant automation across concentrator operations.

You will collaborate with Operations, Maintenance, and Engineering to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient control systems from concept through startup.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Mining, Metallurgical, Chemical, Civil or related engineering.
• Minimum eight years designing, implementing and supporting industrial control systems.
• Experience with mining/concentrator processes and safety/regulatory awareness.
• Strong knowledge of PLC/SCADA, control networks, and automation standards.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, modify, and maintain PLC, HMI, and SCADA applications for concentrator operations.
• Develop control strategies for crushing, milling, flotation, and filtration to improve reliability and efficiency.
• Provide engineering support during planning, commissioning, and startup of projects.
• Mentor Control Room Technicians and plant personnel on process control systems.

Skills

PLC programming

HMI development

SCADA systems

Industrial networking

Cybersecurity basics

Leadership

Troubleshooting

English proficiency

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Tools

Allen-Bradley PLC

GE control systems

Wonderware

Wonderware Historian

Job description

What We Offer

Your journey with Capstone Copper starts here. At Capstone, our people are the heart of our organization. We are focused on growth and are committed to unlocking the full potential of ourselves, our teams and our resources. We invest in our people to develop a skilled and engaged workforce, not only for today, but for the future. If you are looking for a purposeful, performance‑driven and dynamic work environment, join us!

Location and Community

Pinto Valley is an open‑pit copper mine located at the west end of the historic Globe‑Miami mining district of central Arizona, approximately 80 miles east of Phoenix. Pinto Valley has been in operation since 1972 and has produced more than four billion pounds of copper. Acquired by Capstone from BHP in 2013, the mine is fully permitted through 2039 and a study is underway to potentially extend the mine life through 2050. Our proximity to the Greater Phoenix metro area provides prospective employees with the option to live in communities such as Mesa, Apache Junction, Gilbert, Chandler, San Tan Valley, or Florence, offering a unique work‑life balance.

Employee Benefits

Capstone Employees Are Eligible For An Extensive Total Rewards Package, Designed To Support Your Physical, Mental, Financial, And Emotional Well‑being. This Package Includes, But Is Not Limited To:

• 401(k) Savings Plan – Eligible from day one, contribute up to 90% of your salary with a dollar‑for‑dollar company match up to 6%, fully vested immediately.
• Retirement Boost – The company contributes 8.5% of your salary, increasing to 14.2%, with 100% immediate vesting.
• Employee Share Purchase Plan – After three months, contribute 2% to 7% of your salary (max $5,000/year) to buy company shares, with a 50% company match, fully vested upon grant.
• Annual Short Term Incentive Bonus – Up to 20%.
• 4-day, 10-hour work schedule.
• Affordable Medical, Dental, and Vision benefits (effective on start date), including Telehealth options and additional supplemental insurances.
• Disability and Life Insurance (effective on start date).
• Paid time‑off, including vacation, holidays, sick leave, and parental leave.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Internal progression opportunities.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Discounted insurance plans for pets, automobiles, and homes.

Position Overview

The Senior Process Control Engineer is responsible for the design, implementation, optimization, and support of process control and automation systems across concentrator operations. This role provides engineering support throughout the project lifecycle—from conceptual design and system development through commissioning and startup—ensuring reliable, safe, and efficient operation of plant control systems. Working closely with Operations, Maintenance, Engineering, and Control Room personnel, the engineer serves as the technical lead for process automation, control strategies, and industrial network infrastructure.

Position Responsibilities

• Promote a strong safety culture and ensure compliance with MSHA regulations, site safety standards, and company policies.
• Support safe work practices by verifying employees and contractors are properly trained, qualified, and following established procedures.
• Design, develop, modify, and maintain PLC, HMI, and SCADA applications supporting concentrator operations.
• Develop control strategies for crushing, milling, flotation, filtration, and other mineral processing systems to improve reliability, efficiency, and production performance.
• Develop and implement advanced control algorithms and determine the appropriate application of advanced versus conventional control strategies.
• Develop equipment control modules, control philosophies, technical standards, engineering documentation, and implementation guidelines using industry best practices.
• Design and maintain process control system architecture, including industrial networks, wireless communications, firewalls, and supporting infrastructure.
• Evaluate emerging automation technologies and develop long‑term technology roadmaps to support future operational requirements.
• Develop project scopes, cost estimates, schedules, and technical specifications for capital and operating projects.
• Provide engineering support during project planning, installation, commissioning, startup, and system optimization activities.
• Diagnose and resolve process control, automation, and network issues while supporting continuous improvement initiatives throughout plant operations.
• Provide technical guidance and mentoring to Control Room Technicians and plant personnel on process control systems and automation technologies.
• Work closely with Operations, Maintenance, Engineering, and contractors to improve plant reliability, equipment performance, and operational efficiency.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Position Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mining Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• Minimum eight years of experience designing, implementing, and supporting industrial control systems within mining or heavy industrial operations.
• Minimum eight years of experience with the design and safe installation of process control systems in mining environments.
• Strong knowledge of Allen‑Bradley PLC platforms, GE control systems, Wonderware, and Wonderware Historian.
• Experience programming and supporting PLC, HMI, SCADA, and industrial control systems.
• Experience with concentrator processes, including crushing, milling, flotation, and filtration operations.
• Strong understanding of industrial networking, wireless communication systems, and cybersecurity fundamentals for process control environments.
• Ability to develop process control architectures and automation strategies based on operational requirements.
• Ability to develop advanced control algorithms and determine appropriate application of advanced versus conventional control strategies.
• Experience developing technical standards, implementation guidelines, and engineering documentation.
• Experience developing project cost estimates, scopes of work, and project schedules.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Outlook, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Strong troubleshooting, analytical, and problem‑solving skills.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and leadership skills.
• Valid driver’s license or ability to obtain a valid Arizona driver’s license.
• Ability to read, write, speak, and understand English.

Work Environment / Physical Demands

• Combination of office and field work in an active mining and mineral processing environment.
• Approximately 50% office work and 50% field work.
• Frequent exposure to noise, dust, vibration, moving equipment, and varying weather conditions.
• Walk and work on uneven ground and throughout operating plant areas.
• Climb stairs, ladders, and access elevated work areas.
• Kneel, crawl, stoop, bend, and squat while performing inspections and troubleshooting activities.
• Work in confined spaces when required.
• Wear all required personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Safely work around operating process equipment, electrical systems, and mobile equipment.

All candidates will be required to complete a pre‑employment medical exam, drug and alcohol test, and background check. All positions require a pre‑placement physical examination to ensure candidates are fit for duty. Additional training and/or testing may be required. Capstone maintains a drug and alcohol‑free workplace.

CAPSTONE COPPER IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.