Chief Metallurgist - Smelting & Refining

Freeport-McMoRan•Phoenix, AZ

4d•$116,000 - $162,500•Hybrid

About The Position

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

Requirements

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.

Nice To Haves

Experience in copper smelting, electrorefining and sulfuric acid production

Responsibilities

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