Senior Process Automation Engineer

At Freeport-McMoRan, we offer a collaborative environment where safety is a top priority, all opinions are valued, and people are empowered to grow in their career.

About the Location

Located approximately 50 miles northeast of Safford, Arizona on U.S. Highway 191, Morenci operations (an open-pit copper mining complex) has been in continuous operation since 1939. The operation includes two concentrators, a crushed-ore leach pad and stacking system, a low-grade run-of-mine (ROM) leaching system, four SX plants, and three EW tank houses that produce copper cathode.

Morenci is a unique company town where employees and their families can reconnect with nature through hiking, fishing, camping, hunting, and numerous parks. The company offers several amenities, including:

• Company housing or a $750 monthly housing allowance for on-site employees who meet program guidelines
• A newly constructed daycare and community center
• Library and health-care facilities
• State-of-the-art fitness centers
• A movie theater and skate park

Our dedicated Parks and Recreation Division plans activities for people of all ages.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership, management, direction, and advanced problem-solving for Process Automation while reviewing and improving the performance of site Industrial Control Systems
• Lead and promote safety and environmental programs, communicate safety implications related to Process Automation, and direct Industrial Control System cybersecurity practices
• Lead and manage others by providing technical direction and guidance to direct reports on Process Automation Engineering topics
• Review engineering project proposals and designs to ensure work meets site Process Automation standards
• Guide performance of ICS hardware and software to identify automation-driven improvements that enhance operator and operations effectiveness
• Direct implementation and maintenance of the Process Control Network while maintaining plant performance, cybersecurity, and historian systems
• Approve specialized analytical and advanced instrumentation solutions
• Manage automation equipment life-cycle planning, proposals, and budget estimates
• Perform other duties as required

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in an Engineering discipline and five (5) years of related experience in engineering relevant to Process Automation or a related field, including three (3) years of experience with regulatory and advanced control systems
• OR Master’s degree in an appropriate Engineering discipline and three (3) years of related experience in engineering relevant to Process Automation or a related field, including three (3) years of experience with regulatory and advanced control systems
• Candidates may be required to pass a medical exam
• Candidates must pass all required training and/or testing
• Employees may be required to work a non-standard schedule, which may include shift work (other than day shift) at a 24/7, 365-day operation

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous supervision and leadership experience
• PLC, HMI, Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA), and/or Distributed Control Systems (DCS) manufacture training or certification
• Experience with plant process historians or similar database storage and retrieval systems
• Experience with ICS/PCN network architecture, communication, and security
• Experience in or understanding of mining and mineral processing systems
• Familiarity with or training in NFPA 70, NEC, or Electrical Journeyman Training

Benefits

• 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 pet, auto, home, and vehicle
• Internal progression opportunities

Pay

The estimated annual pay range for this role is $97,500–$138,000 (base salary only). This range reflects base salary 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 discretionary and incentive payment considerations based on company and individual performance.

Employees who are required to work on-site are eligible for a $750 monthly housing allowance, provided they meet program guidelines.