Freeport-McMoRan

Principal Engineer I - Mineral Process

Freeport-McMoRan  •  $116k - $163k/yr  •  Phoenix, AZ (Onsite)  •  2 months ago
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Job Description

Why You Should Apply for This Job

At Freeport-McMoRan, we are committed to providing employment that recognizes excellence and encourages safe production, with a culture supported by our core values. Here, you’ll find a collaborative environment where safety is a top priority. Apply Today!  

Where You Will Work  

Our global headquarters is in Phoenix, Arizona. Several hundred employees support our operations in finance, human resources, health and safety, information technology, planning, and more. Our flexible work program allows employees to work virtually as well as come together in person when needed at our Collaboration Hub in Phoenix and/or one of our site locations. Employees can work remotely from most states in the U.S., with the exception of California, Connecticut, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma and South Carolina. Additional states may be excluded from remote work based on business factors. Should the position shift to in-person (office/site) work in the future, the company will offer relocation benefits at that time, so long as the position meets the established eligibility for these benefits.

What You Will Do

This role serves as a key technical leader focused on mineral processing simulation and modeling. The successful candidate will develop advanced models using real plant data and ore characterization results to drive process optimization, flowsheet development, production forecasting, plant debottlenecking, and strategic planning. Core responsibilities include simulation modeling, plant data analysis and optimization, and integration of ore characterization insights. This position will work closely with operations, engineering, and corporate teams to support process design studies, feasibility evaluations, and project development initiatives.

  • Develop, calibrate, and validate mineral processing simulation models, including comminution and flotation circuits.
  • Analyze and interpret plant operating data and ore characterization results to build accurate, predictive simulation models.
  • Apply simulation principles to evaluate circuit performance, run scenario analyses, and support process design and optimization decisions.
  • Maintain and enhance the organization’s internal simulation capabilities, progressing toward subject‑matter‑expert proficiency.
  • Extract, clean, and analyze real-time and historical plant data to ensure high‑quality inputs for modeling and decision‑making.
  • Leverage simulation and data analytics to identify opportunities to improve throughput, recovery, efficiency, and process stability.
  • Integrate ore characterization data—such as grindability, mineralogy, liberation, density, and hardness—into simulation models.
  • Collaborate with metallurgy, geology, and laboratory teams to ensure reliable, representative ore characterization inputs.
  • Clearly communicate complex modeling insights and recommendations to stakeholders across all levels of the organization.
  • Perform other duties as required.

What You Bring To Freeport

  • Bachelor’s degree in Metallurgical Engineering or Chemical engineering and seven (7) years of experience in related engineering field OR
  • Master’s degree in Metallurgical Engineering or Chemical engineering and five (5) years of experience in related engineering field; OR
  • PhD in Metallurgical Engineering or Chemical engineering and three (3) years of experience in related engineering field
  • Advanced knowledge of the principles and practices of engineering
  • Able to research and analyze information of considerable difficulty and draw valid conclusion
  • Ability to develop and maintain awareness of occupational hazards and safety precautions
  • Ability to communicate complex technical concepts clearly and effectively to both technical and non-technical stakeholders, both verbally and in writing

Preferred Qualifications

  • Advanced understanding of simulation modeling theory
  • Demonstrated ability to work with plant operational data
  • Experience integrating ore characterization test work into models
  • Advanced knowledge of the principles and practices of Extractive Metallurgical engineering and/or Mineral Processing engineering

What We Offer You

The estimated annual pay range for this role is currently  $116,000-$162,500 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.  Click here to view a sample of Total Rewards Estimate for this role. 

  • 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

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 HRSC@fmi.com.

Freeport-McMoRan

About Freeport-McMoRan

Freeport-McMoRan Inc. (Freeport) is a leading international metals company with the objective of being foremost in copper. Headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, Freeport operates large, long-lived, geographically diverse assets with significant proven and probable mineral reserves of copper, gold and molybdenum. Freeport’s portfolio of assets includes the Grasberg minerals district in Indonesia, one of the world’s largest copper and gold deposits; and significant operations in North America and South America, including the large-scale Morenci minerals district in Arizona and the Cerro Verde operation in Peru.

Freeport has a strong commitment to safety performance, environmental management and the communities where it operates. As a founding member of the International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM), Freeport is committed to implementing ICMM’s Mining Principles, which serve as a best practice framework on sustainable development for the global mining and metals industry. Freeport has also achieved the Copper Mark, a comprehensive assurance framework designed to demonstrate the copper industry’s responsible production practices, at all of its copper-producing sites globally.

By supplying responsibly produced copper, Freeport is proud to be a positive contributor to the world well beyond its operational boundaries. Additional information is available at fcx.com

Industry
Oil, Gas & Mining
Company Size
5,001-10,000 employees
Headquarters
Phoenix, AZ
Year Founded
1834
Website
fcx.com
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