Principal Engineer I - Process Engineering

Overview

Principal Engineer I - Process Engineering

Requisition ID:

Location: Phoenix, AZ, US, 85040

Category: Engineering Services

What You Will Do

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

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 (Corp Virtual (Grades 7-8)) 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.

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