Principal Engineer I - Heat Studies

Freeport-McMoRan•Phoenix, AZ

1d•$116,000 - $162,000•Hybrid

About The Position

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. What You Will Do You will analyze metallurgical data from all heat projects and incorporate information into the heat model, PAU model, and related Leach to the Last Drop models. You will collect and analyze data from heat‑addition trials across multiple sites and ensure high‑quality data management and interpretation. You will calibrate the stockpile heat model to determine temperature uplifts across stockpiles and injection methods. The role will also provide metallurgical calculations of potential recoverable copper generated by pile based on the heat uplift. You will apply learnings from trial outcomes to future projects, integrate best practices, and develop strategies that enhance efficiency and reduce operational risks. You will track project impacts by monitoring performance metrics and preparing reports for leadership on results, challenges, and continuous‑improvement recommendations. You will maintain and improve the PAU Full Potential model to align initiatives with the highest‑value opportunities and perform other assigned duties.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in metallurgical, chemical, or process engineering and 7 years of experience in a related engineering field
Master’s degree in metallurgical, chemical, or process engineering and 5 years of experience in a related engineering field
PhD in metallurgical, chemical, or process engineering and 3 years of experience in a related engineering field

Nice To Haves

Experience modeling and analyzing large complex data sets
Experience with statistical analysis
Experience converting Excel models into user‑friendly integrated models
Familiarity with metallurgical processes, data management, and analysis
Strong ability to communicate across organizational levels and motivate change
Experience in supervision, operations, and project management

Responsibilities

Analyze metallurgical data from all heat projects and incorporate information into the heat model, PAU model, and related Leach to the Last Drop models.
Collect and analyze data from heat‑addition trials across multiple sites and ensure high‑quality data management and interpretation.
Calibrate the stockpile heat model to determine temperature uplifts across stockpiles and injection methods.
Provide metallurgical calculations of potential recoverable copper generated by pile based on the heat uplift.
Apply learnings from trial outcomes to future projects, integrate best practices, and develop strategies that enhance efficiency and reduce operational risks.
Track project impacts by monitoring performance metrics and preparing reports for leadership on results, challenges, and continuous‑improvement recommendations.
Maintain and improve the PAU Full Potential model to align initiatives with the highest‑value opportunities and perform other assigned duties.