Principal Engineer

At Freeport-Mc Mo Ran , 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.

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.

Serve as a technical leader and subject matter expert, providing guidance, mentorship, and engineering expertise to support site operations, capital projects, and complex technical challenges. Apply deep knowledge of effluent treatment systems to improve operational performance, project outcomes, and regulatory compliance, while driving the adoption of leading practices across the organization. Lead complex problem‑solving initiatives by translating technical challenges into actionable solutions, leveraging advanced engineering principles, analytical tools, and innovative approaches to optimize effluent treatment processes and enhance overall business performance.

• Review and evaluate effluent treatment plant operations, engineering projects, and complex technical issues, providing actionable recommendations that improve performance, reliability, compliance, and business outcomes.
• Support the development and execution of long‑term technical strategies by aligning engineering initiatives with organizational goals and operational priorities.
• Build strong partnerships with environmental, maintenance, laboratory, operational, and external stakeholders to influence decision‑making and drive effective execution across treatment processes and unit operations.
• Provide advanced technical leadership for complex operational and engineering challenges, including performance monitoring, data analysis, risk identification, troubleshooting, root cause investigations, and the development of corrective actions and improvement plans.
• Maintain expertise in emerging technologies, industry best practices, and regulatory developments by actively participating in professional networks, industry forums, and training programs, recommending innovative solutions to enhance operations.
• Collaborate with site leadership and project teams to shape operational and project strategies, resolve technical issues, and ensure successful implementation of engineering standards and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Lead continuous improvement efforts by developing, implementing, and auditing operational standards, best practices, and system enhancements that drive safety, efficiency, and operational excellence.
• Identify opportunities to optimize effluent treatment operations and provide technical input into strategic planning, capital investment, and budgeting processes across the organization.
• Mentor, coach, and develop technical and operational talent by sharing expertise, strengthening problem‑solving capabilities, and promoting operating discipline and best practices in effluent treatment plant operations and maintenance.
• Perform other duties as required.

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related engineering discipline and seven (7) years of experience in related engineering field; OR
• Master’s degree in Engineering or related engineering discipline and five (5) years of experience in related engineering field; OR
• PhD in Engineering or related engineering discipline and three (3)…