Process Automation Engineer I

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. 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. Apply Today!

Where You Will Work

Chino is an open-pit copper mining complex located 15 miles from the historic mining community of Silver City in southwestern New Mexico. The historic Chino mine was among the world's first low-grade, open-pit copper mines. Today, the operation consists of a 36,000-metric-ton-per-day concentrator that produces copper and a 150-million-pound-per-year solvent extraction/electrowinning plant that produces copper cathode from solution generated by run-of-mine leaching.

The community of Silver City boasts various restaurants, arts, entertainment, cliff dwellings, festivals and much more. Residents and visitors enjoy gentle four seasons, with three hundred days of sunshine a year and low humidity. From unique shopping finds in the galleries to everyday groceries, schools and housing, there are numerous amenities for everyone. Visit Silver City to learn more.

What You Will Do

Under close supervision, you collaborate with others within Process Automation to troubleshoot and improve the performance of site Industrial Control Systems. You follow safety and environmental programs and practices, communicate safety implications related to Process Automation, and direct Industrial Control System (ICS) cybersecurity practices and policies. In this role, you collaborate and coordinate on Process Automation engineering topics and projects, participate in engineering project proposals and designs, and apply site Process Automation standards. As the Process Automation Engineer I, you troubleshoot ICS hardware and software, help identify opportunities for process improvement and optimization through automation to enhance operator and operations effectiveness, utilize the Process Control Network while maintaining plant performance, cybersecurity, and historian systems. You develop understanding of advanced instrumentation solutions, support equipment life‑cycle planning with proposals and budget estimates, and perform other duties as required.

What You Bring To Freeport

Bachelor’s degree in an appropriate Engineering discipline with no experience required

Preferred Qualifications

PLC, HMI, Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) and/or Distributed Control Systems (DCS) manufacture training or certification

Experience with plant process historians or similar database storage and retrieval systems

Experience with ICS/PCN network architecture, communication, and security

Experience in or understanding of mining and mineral processing systems

Familiarity with or training in NFPA 70, NEC, or Electrical Journeyman Training

What We Offer You

The estimated annual pay range for this role is currently  $75,000 - $104,000 . 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. Click here 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 pay, parental leave

Tuition assistance

Employee Assistance Program

Discounted insurance plans for pet, auto, home and vehicle

Internal progression opportunities

Learn more about our competitive and comprehensive benefits package!

What We Require

Candidates may be required to pass a medical exam.

Candidates must pass all required training and/or testing.

Employees may be required to work a non-standard schedule, which may include shift work (other than day shift) at a 24/7, 365-day operation.

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.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Please be advised that Freeport-McMoRan will never request payment for job-related expenses from applicants. If you receive any suspicious emails, please disregard them, and report the incident to HRSC@fmi.com .