Senior Operational Excellence Engineer

At Freeport-Mc Mo Ran , we are committed to providing an employment package that recognizes excellence, encourages safe production and a culture supported by our core values. Here, you’ll find a collaborative environment where safety is a top priority, all opinions are valued, and people are empowered to grow in their career.

In operation since 2007, Safford operations is a zero-discharge facility and one of the most sustainable mines in the United States. The operation’s commitment to utilizing advanced technologies and sustainable practices strongly emphasizes safety and environmental stewardship. Located in southeastern Arizona, close to more than 4 million acres of national forest, employees and their families can connect with the great outdoors while fishing, rafting, hiking and more.

Several educational institutions also are nearby, including a Northern Arizona University satellite campus, Eastern Arizona College, and the Gila Institute for Technology.

Under limited supervision, drive and institutionalize data-informed decision making and shape performance optimization at scale while coaching leaders and teams to support high-impact business optimization initiatives and serving as a subject matter expert in transformational methodologies and engineering practices.

• You will coach leaders, teams, and customers to independently run effective problem-solving, engineering analysis, and improvement routines.
• Apply advanced tools and engineering methods to influence decisions, enable action, and sustain improvements.
• As the Sr Operational Excellence Engineer, shape systems that enable scalable innovation beyond individual solutions.
• In this role, proactively shape decisions, address concerns, and coach leaders and teams to apply structured thinking, engineering analysis, and storytelling to drive sustained action.
• Influence and motivate changes in operational behaviors and processes, coaching others to establish structures and routines that sustain operational excellence at scale.
• Facilitate and coach multiple high-performing teams and initiatives.
• Establish and review KPIs using engineering analysis and data evaluation.

• Bachelor’s degree in an appropriate Engineering discipline and five (5) years related experience in engineering or related field, OR
• Master’s degree in an appropriate Engineering discipline and three (3) years related experience in engineering or related field

• Strength in probability, statistical analysis, and reliability engineering
• Experience in report and KPI creation and advanced data analysis using conventional and big-data methods
• Proficiency with SAP, Business Objects, R, Python, SQL, and Excel in a big data environment
• Knowledge of operational processes, costs, schedules, and constraints to improve safety and efficiency
• Strong collaboration skills with proven ability to drive results in team environments
• Knowledge of equipment and associated SOPs at the site level
• Ability to follow safety practices and recognize hazards
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Experience conducting Root Cause Analysis (RCA) and/or Failure Modes & Effects Analysis (FMEA)
• Industry knowledge of mining and processing with strong field credibility
• Experience developing and delivering training and documentation
• Lean/Six Sigma certification or experience
• Persuasive communication and presentation skills

The estimated annual pay range for this role is currently $105,000-$145,000. 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.  

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…