Principal Engineer I - Metallurgy

About the role

Freeport‑McMoRan offers a collaborative environment where safety is a top priority, all opinions are valued, and employees are empowered to grow in their careers. The position is hybrid, combining virtual collaboration with in‑person meetings at the Collaboration Hub in Phoenix, Arizona, or at site locations. The Hub provides an open, flexible workspace with a working café, phone booths, and meeting rooms equipped for virtual and in‑person collaboration. Phoenix, the capital of Arizona, offers bright skies, outdoor activities, sports, concerts, and a vibrant city life.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert guidance and technical leadership in metallurgical engineering to support complex projects, programs, and strategic initiatives.
• Review, investigate, and recommend solutions for engineering projects and technical challenges.
• Align engineering efforts with long‑term organizational goals and strategies.
• Influence project execution and strategy through effective communication and collaboration.
• Apply advanced technical skills to solve complex problems and contribute to high‑value initiatives.
• Stay current with industry trends and recommend improvements based on emerging practices.
• Collaborate with site and project teams to ensure standards are met and improvements implemented.
• Drive innovation and continuous improvement in engineering processes and systems.
• Support strategic planning and budgeting for engineering areas.
• Mentor and coach peers and junior engineers to build technical capability.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Metallurgical or Chemical Engineering with 7 years of experience, or Master’s degree with 5 years of experience, or PhD with 3 years of experience in a related engineering field.
• Advanced knowledge of extractive metallurgy and/or mineral processing engineering.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to communicate complex technical concepts clearly to diverse audiences.
• Awareness of occupational hazards and safety practices.
• Ability to travel domestically approximately once per month for up to five consecutive days.
• Ability to travel internationally up to two times per year for periods of up to two consecutive weeks.
• Regular attendance and participation in monthly meetings.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in technical leadership and mentoring.
• Participation in industry events and a commitment to continuous learning.

Pay

The estimated annual base salary range for this role is $112,000 – $160,000. Actual base pay is determined by experience, qualifications, skills, and other job‑related factors. The role is eligible for additional incentive compensation based on company and individual performance, as well as annual long‑term incentive consideration subject to plan approval.

Benefits

• Affordable medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Company‑paid life and disability insurance
• 401(k) plan with employer contribution/match
• Paid time off, paid sick time, holiday pay, and parental leave
• Tuition assistance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Discounted insurance plans for auto, home, and pet
• Internal progression opportunities