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Chief Metallurgist - Smelting & Refining

Freeport-McMoRan
Phoenix, AZ Full Time
POSTED ON 9/8/2025 CLOSED ON 11/2/2025

What are the responsibilities and job description for the Chief Metallurgist - Smelting & Refining position at Freeport-McMoRan?

Why You Should Apply for This Job  

At Freeport-McMoRan, we are committed to providing an employment package that recognizes excellence, encourages safe production and a culture supported by our core values. Here, you’ll find a collaborative environment where safety is a top priority, all opinions are valued, and people are empowered to grow in their career. Apply Today!

Where You Will Work    

Our global headquarters is in Phoenix, Arizona. Several hundred employees support global operations in finance, human resources, information technology, planning and more from the main office, satellite offices or online. As a Hybrid employee, you’ll engage in virtual collaboration as well as attend in-person meetings at our Collaboration Hub in Phoenix or at one of our site locations. The Collaboration Hub provides an open, flexible workspace for individuals and teams to come together for various business needs. Amenities at the Hub include a working café, phone booths and meeting rooms with technology tools for virtual and in-person collaboration. In-person attendance may vary based on the position and department requirements. 

Phoenix is the capital of the Grand Canyon State and enjoys mostly bright skies throughout the year. It is the perfect place if you enjoy the outdoors, love sports, concerts and other big city amenities or technology. There are great neighborhoods around Phoenix, with easy access to a major city, nature, the arts and many more amenities.  

Description

Provide technical expertise in support of our centralized, global support function in copper smelting, electrorefining and sulfuric acid production. Drive technical excellence and operational efficiency across our global operations with expertise in chemistry, metallurgy and process engineering.

  • Lead the development of technical expertise within the support team and at operational sites, done through application of first principles and in-depth analysis of problems including, but not limited to electrorefining, sulfuric acid production, smelting, precious metals recovery
  • Provide technical guidelines, recommendations and support for operational site’s metallurgical processes and practices. Maintain technical literature database relevant to site operations
  • Conduct comprehensive evaluations of production processes to identify opportunities for improved cost, efficiency, capacity or quality
  • Review site’s key process indicators to track performance and proposes actions on a continual improvement basis
  • Evaluates and/or administers contracts with vendors for the provision of services and equipment in support of site metallurgical studies or testing.
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with key vendors and technology providers to stay abreast of competition and industry advancements and innovations that could help enhance safety, cost or efficiency in FCX’s operations
  • Leads or participates in risk assessments (HAZOP, Management of Change, etc) in support of site projects. Enhance site’s understanding of Process Safety/PSM and support process safety improvements and implementation
  • Lead educational seminars, conferences and training sessions to disseminate knowledge and promote best practices within the organization
  • Conduct routine surveillance to ensure compliance with industry standards, current or upcoming regulatory threats or changes, and makes recommendations as appropriate
  • Perform other duties as requested

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry or related engineering discipline and seven (7) years’ experience in metallurgy or closely related scientific field, including lead or supervisory experience, OR
  • Master’s degree in Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry or related engineering discipline and five (5) years’ experience in metallurgy or closely related scientific field, including lead or supervisory experience
  • Ability to mentor and lead others in company safety and environmental initiatives, culture and values. Drives action in existing programs and makes process changes with a safety & environmental focus.  
  • Understands technical and operational aspects of the unit operations assigned
  • Demonstrated ability to predict and make production forecasts for the assigned unit process.
  • Demonstrated ability to communicate complex technical information in clear and concise form.
  • Demonstrated ability to research, recognize and identify interdependence of complex process variables within scope to anticipate issues, draw valid conclusions and make recommendations.
  • Demonstrated ability to be lead and manage large projects, and provide timely and quality results.
  • Demonstrated ability to anticipate technical needs, drive and optimize complex metallurgical test work based on complex data analysis and make recommendations for process improvement changes.
  • Experience effectively leading or being involved in multi-disciplinary groups and demonstrate accountability of work to self and other team members
  • Skill in supervising, evaluating, training and motivating employees.
  • Skill in preparing, defending, and monitoring budgets
  • Demonstrated ability to supervise, mentor, engage, lead and empower internal or external resources to solve problems.  Adapts management style.

 

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience in copper smelting, electrorefining and sulfuric acid production

 

Criteria/Conditions:

  • Personal protective equipment is required when performing work in a mine, outdoor, manufacturing or plant environment, including hard hat, hearing protection, safety glasses, safety footwear, and as needed, respirator, rubber steel-toe boots, protective clothing, gloves and any other protective equipment as required 
  • Up to 75% travel (international and domestic)

What We Offer You 

The estimated annual pay range for this role is currently $116,000-$162,500. 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. Click here to view a sample of Total Rewards Estimate for this role.   

  • 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  

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 HRSC@fmi.com. 

Salary : $116,000 - $162,500

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