Innovation Engineer II

Freeport-McMoRan • Morenci, AZ

6h • Onsite

About The Position

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. The Morenci operations, an open-pit copper mining complex located approximately 50 miles northeast of Safford, Arizona, has been in continuous operation since 1939. The operation consists of 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, a newly constructed daycare and community center, library, health-care facilities, state-of-the-art fitness centers, a movie theater, and a skate park. The dedicated Parks and Recreation Division plans activities for people of all ages. As an Innovation Engineer II, under general supervision, you will provide tracking and monitoring of the reliability and production of the plant or fleet and offer technical advice and guidance for executing methods, engineering solutions, tactics, and strategies to enhance overall reliability and production. In this role, you will form and test operational improvement hypotheses using engineering principles and methodologies, while monitoring new processes to identify outliers and recommend further improvements. You will also lead department-wide innovation rollouts using advanced engineering techniques and project management.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in an appropriate Engineering discipline from an accredited engineering program, and three (3) years related experience in engineering OR Bachelor’s degree in a Scientific discipline and Professional Engineering Certificate, and three (3) years related experience in engineering OR Master’s degree in an appropriate Engineering discipline and two (2) years related experience in engineering.
• Knowledge in probability, statistical analysis, and reliability engineering.
• Ability to research and analyze information of considerable complexity and draw valid conclusions.
• Experience with software tools including SAP, Business Objects, R, Python, SQL, and Excel in a big data environment.
• Knowledge of processes, costs, schedules, constraints, and deliverables of assigned departments to improve safety, efficiency, production rates, cost controls, and environmental protection.
• Knowledge of equipment and associated SOPs at a department level.
• Skilled in following safety practices and recognizing hazards.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Experience conducting Root Cause Analysis (RCA) and/or Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA).
• Basic industry knowledge of mining and processing, familiarity with mining terminology, and credibility with the field.
• Experience developing and delivering training and technical documentation.
• Leadership and interpersonal skills, including mentoring junior engineers.
• Candidates may be required to pass a medical exam.
• Candidates must pass all required training and/or testing.
• Freeport-McMoRan promotes a drug/alcohol-free work environment using mandatory pre-employment drug testing and on-going drug and alcohol testing, as allowed by applicable laws.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in a related engineering discipline.
• Mining Operations, Crushing and Convey and Concentrating Operations.
• Six Sigma experience or certification.
• Persuasive speaking skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide tracking and monitoring of the reliability and production of the plant or fleet.
• Provide technical advice and guidance for execution of methods, engineering solutions, tactics, and strategies for enhancing overall reliability and production.
• Form and test operational improvement hypotheses using engineering principles and methodologies.
• Monitor new processes to identify outliers and recommend further improvements.
• Lead department‑wide innovation rollouts using advanced engineering techniques and project management.
• Review and establish Key Performance Indicators for equipment and processes based on engineering analysis and data evaluation.
• Review, investigate, and develop recommendations for assigned engineering projects by applying technical expertise and structured problem‑solving.
• Lead brainstorming and fact‑finding sessions at the department level.
• Research proven external solutions.
• Implement lessons learned and best practices from other sites and external parties.
• Influence and motivate change in operational behavior and processes.
• Make observations, reports, and root cause analyses to the Senior Innovation Engineer regarding continuous improvement opportunities on assigned departments.
• Perform other duties as required.

Benefits

• Estimated annual pay range for this role is currently $93,000-$127,500.
• 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.
• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level