About this opportunity
Freeport McMoRan Inc. lists this Principal Engineer I - Process Engineering opportunity in phoenix, Arizona. Review the employer’s description below for duties, qualifications and application requirements.
Job description
Principal Engineer I - Process Engineering
Requisition ID:
Location: Phoenix, AZ, US 85040
What You Will Do
As a technical leader, this role focuses on large‑scale growth projects and strategic initiatives, providing process engineering expertise, engineering leadership, and high‑level guidance throughout the project development cycle while collaborating across the organization to deliver sound engineering judgment and strategic insight.
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.
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.
Support long‑range technical planning, capital budgeting, and strategic project evaluation as the Principal Engineer I – Process Engineering.
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 OR
Master’s degree in Metallurgical Engineering or Chemical Engineering and five (5) years of experience in a related engineering field OR
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 You
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 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.
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
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Worksite address
phoenix, AZ, 85003, US
Who can apply
Review the original listing for work authorization, qualifications and employer requirements.