New Graduate/Metallurgist I

Promotion Opportunities

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 30% 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% after reaching the Social Security wage base, 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

Work Environment

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. Our location offers a unique work-life balance, blending the rewarding opportunities of the mining industry with easy access to the vibrant energy of Downtown Phoenix, making it an ideal choice for both individuals and their families.

Position Overview

The Graduate Metallurgist / Metallurgist I provides technical support to concentrator operations through metallurgical analysis, process monitoring, laboratory testing, and continuous improvement initiatives. This entry-level role works closely with Metallurgists, Operations, Maintenance, Process Control, Mine Engineering, and Laboratory personnel to optimize plant performance, improve metal recoveries, and ensure safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible processing operations. The role offers hands-on experience across crushing, grinding, flotation, filtration, dewatering, metallurgical accounting, and plant optimization while developing technical expertise under the guidance of experienced metallurgical professionals.

Position Responsibilities

• Monitor daily plant performance and assist with tracking key metallurgical performance indicators (KPIs), including recovery, grade, throughput, and reagent consumption.
• Collect, validate, analyze, and interpret metallurgical and operating data to support process improvements.
• Maintain accurate metallurgical balances, production reporting, and process documentation.
• Support laboratory test work, sample preparation, pilot plant testing, and metallurgical investigations.
• Absorb and execute metallurgical test work to evaluate plant performance and process improvements.
• Support troubleshooting processing issues affecting crushing, grinding, flotation, filtration, and dewatering circuits.
• Support metallurgical optimization projects focused on improving recoveries, concentrate quality, plant stability, and operating costs.
• Work with technicians and operations personnel to collect representative plant samples and verify analytical results.
• Assist in monitoring and validating plant analytical equipment including automated samplers, particle size analyzers, and on-stream analyzers.
• Conduct routine inspections of processing equipment during planned shutdowns and report observations to senior metallurgical staff.
• Prepare technical reports, presentations, and summaries of metallurgical test work and operating results.
• Work closely with Mine Engineering to understand ore characteristics and support processing strategies.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives and operational problem-solving activities.
• Collaborate effectively with Operations, Maintenance, Laboratory, Process Control, Mine Engineering, contractors, and technical consultants.
• Maintain compliance with company safety standards, MSHA regulations, environmental requirements, and standard operating procedures.
• Participate in professional development and technical training opportunities.
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Metallurgical Engineering, Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering, Mineral Processing, or a related engineering discipline.
• 0–2 years of experience in mineral processing, concentrator operations, or metallurgical laboratory work (internships and co-op experience considered).
• Basic understanding of mineral processing principles including crushing, grinding, flotation, filtration, and dewatering.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail.
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks in a fast-paced operating environment.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Valid driver's license or ability to obtain one.

Preferred

• Internship or co-op experience in mining or mineral processing.
• Exposure to copper and/or molybdenum concentrator operations.
• Experience with laboratory testing and metallurgical sampling techniques.
• Familiarity with statistical analysis and process data interpretation.
• Experience with SAP, PI System, or other industrial data management systems.
• Techical report writing experience.