Demo

Senior Metallurgist - Smelting & Refining

Freeport-McMoRan
Phoenix, AZ Full Time
POSTED ON 10/31/2025
AVAILABLE BEFORE 11/30/2025

Why You Should Apply for This Job  

At Freeport-McMoRan, we are committed to providing employment that recognizes excellence and encourages safe production, with a culture supported by our core values. Here, you’ll find a collaborative environment where safety is a top priority. Apply Today!      

 

Where You Will Work    

Our global headquarters is in Phoenix, Arizona. Several hundred employees support our operations in finance, human resources, health and safety, information technology, planning, and more. Our flexible work program allows employees to work virtually as well as come together in person when needed at our Collaboration Hub in Phoenix and/or one of our site locations. Employees can work remotely from most states in the U.S., with the exception of California, Connecticut, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma and South Carolina. Additional states may be excluded from remote work based on business factors. Should the position shift to in-person (office/site) work in the future, the company will offer relocation benefits at that time, so long as the position meets the established eligibility for these benefits. 

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.

  • Support the development of technical expertise 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
  • Gathers information to provide recommendation on technical guidelines in support of operational site’s metallurgical processes and practices. Maintain technical literature database relevant to site operations
  • Evaluates 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.
  • Engages 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
  • 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
  • Contributes to 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 five (5) years’ experience in metallurgy or closely related scientific field, OR
  • Master’s degree in Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry or related engineering discipline and three (3) years’ experience in metallurgy or closely related scientific field
  • Ability to mentor, lead and influence 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 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 mentor, engage, lead and empower internal or external resources to solve problems.  Adapts influencing and/or management style.

 

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience in copper smelting, electrorefining and sulfuric acid production

 

Criteria/Conditions:

  • Work is in a mine or manufacturing plant setting, which may include exposure to extremes in temperature and humidity, moving mechanical parts, risk of electrical shock, toxic chemicals, explosives, fumes or airborne particles.
  • Up to 75% travel (international and domestic)
  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, sit, demonstrate manual dexterity, climb stairs and ladders, work on elevated platforms, talk, hear and see.
  • Occasionally may be required to lift moderately heavy objects (up to 30 pounds) during the course of the workday.
  • Personal protective equipment is required when performing work in a mine, outdoor, manufacturing or plant environment, including hard hat, hearing protection,

What We Offer You 

The estimated annual pay range for this role is currently $101,000-$141,000. 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 discretionary and incentive payment considerations based on company and individual performance. 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 : $101,000 - $141,000

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