FREEPORT MCMORAN Metallurgist II - Leach Optimization in Phoenix, AZ

pin
pin
Apply now »
  • Start apply with LinkedIn
  • Apply Now
  • >/form<
  • Please wait...
Title: Metallurgist II - Leach Optimization
Requisition ID: 144195
Location:

Phoenix, AZ, US, 85040

Category: Scientific Services
Share this Job
Why You Should Apply For This Job:

Why You Should Apply for This Job

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

Our global headquarters is in Phoenix, Arizona. Several hundred employees support global operations in finance, human resources, information technology, planning and more from the main office, satellite offices or online. As a Hybrid employee, you’ll engage in virtual collaboration as well as attend in-person meetings at our Collaboration Hub in Phoenix or at one of our site locations. The Collaboration Hub provides an open, flexible workspace for individuals and teams to come together for various business needs. Amenities at the Hub include a working café, phone booths and meeting rooms with technology tools for virtual and in-person collaboration.In-person attendance may vary based on the position and department requirements.

Phoenix is the capital of the Grand Canyon State and enjoys mostly bright skies throughout the year. It is the perfect place if you enjoy the outdoors, love sports, concerts and other big city amenities or technology. There are great neighborhoods around Phoenix, with easy access to a major city, nature, the arts and many more amenities.

What You Will Do

This role is responsible for identifying, enabling, and expanding side slope leaching opportunities across all leach operations. The position focuses on unlocking additional leachable surface area on existing stockpiles through close collaboration with site teams and technical experts, ensuring all activities are executed safely, compliantly, and in alignment with sound engineering practices. With over 350 million square feet of side slope area across the enterprise—of which only approximately 25% is currently utilized for leaching—this role provides dedicated field-based and technical leadership to unlock incremental areas and drive increased copper recovery.

  • Identify, evaluate, and prioritize side slope leaching opportunities across all operations, with an emphasis on previously unleached or operationally constrained areas.
  • Spend significant time in the field assessing stockpile geometries, side slope conditions, and operational constraints while working directly with site personnel.
  • Collaborate with GMX, operations, environmental, and metallurgy teams to technically evaluate side slope opportunities and support approvals for expanded leaching.
  • Quantify identified opportunities and ensure side slope leaching initiatives are planned, documented, and incorporated into Ramp-Up Curve (RUC) production forecasts.
  • Support and oversee execution of side slope leaching activities to ensure adherence to approved designs, operational best practices, and safety standards.
  • Monitor and evaluate leaching performance, quantify impacts to copper recovery, and communicate results, lessons learned, and best practices to key stakeholders.Perform other duties as required.
What You Bring To Freeport
  • Bachelor’s degree in Metallurgy, Chemistry or related Engineering discipline and three (3) years of experience in Metallurgy or related scientific field OR
  • Master’s degree in Metallurgy, Chemistry or related Engineering discipline and two (2) years of experience in Metallurgy or related scientific field
Preferred Qualifications
  • Metallurgical expertise in heap leaching and additive chemistry — deep understanding of leach kinetics, mineralogy, and reagent interactions.
  • Economic and financial analysis skills — ability to model recovery uplift, cost-benefit scenarios, and ROI for project justification.
  • Process design and engineering knowledge — familiarity with dosing systems, fluid handling, and integration into existing operations.
  • Project management capability — skilled in planning, coordinating, and tracking milestones across multiple stakeholders.
  • Operational readiness and change management — experience driving site engagement, training, and adoption of new technologies.
  • Data analysis and performance monitoring — ability to interpret metallurgical test data, validate KPIs, and compare actual vs. forecasted impact.
  • Strong communication and stakeholder influence — adept at preparing technical reports, presenting business cases, and fostering cross-functional collaboration.
  • High degree of autonomy and time management — proven ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, and deliver results without close supervision.
  • Problem-Solving – Proven ability to troubleshoot operational challenges and implement effective solutions under tight deadlines.
  • Detail-oriented with a focus on data accuracy and process optimization.
  • Commitment to safety, environmental compliance, and operational excellence.

What We Offer You

The estimated annual pay range for this role is currently $93,000-$127,500. 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 auto, home and pet
  • Internal progression opportunities
  • Learn more about our competitive and comprehensive benefits package!

What We Require

Freeport-McMoRan promotes a drug/alcohol-free work environment using mandatory pre-employment drug testing as allowed by applicable laws.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Please be advised 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.


Nearest Major Market: Phoenix

Job Segment: Materials Science, Metallurgy, Engineer, Project Manager, Science, Engineering, Technology

Apply now »
  • Start apply with LinkedIn
  • Apply Now
  • >/form<
  • Please wait...
Apply now » Apply now Start apply with LinkedIn Apply Now Start Please wait... a.dialog. Apply. Btn { display: none; } Title: Metallurgist II - Leach Optimization Requisition ID: 144195 Location: Phoenix, AZ, US, 85040 #job-location.job-location-inline { display: inline; } Category: Scientific Services #mycenteredbuttons { display: flex; justify-content: right; } Share this Job Why You Should Apply For This Job: Why You Should Apply for This Job 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 Our global headquarters is in Phoenix, Arizona. Several hundred employees support global operations in finance, human resources, information technology, planning and more from the main office, satellite offices or online. As a Hybrid employee, you’ll engage in virtual collaboration as well as attend in-person meetings at our Collaboration Hub in Phoenix or at one of our site locations. The Collaboration Hub provides an open, flexible workspace for individuals and teams to come together for various business needs. Amenities at the Hub include a working café, phone booths and meeting rooms with technology tools for virtual and in-person collaboration. In-person attendance may vary based on the position and department requirements. Phoenix is the capital of the Grand Canyon State and enjoys mostly bright skies throughout the year. It is the perfect place if you enjoy the outdoors, love sports, concerts and other big city amenities or technology. There are great neighborhoods around Phoenix, with easy access to a major city, nature, the arts and many more amenities. What You Will Do This role is responsible for identifying, enabling, and expanding side slope leaching opportunities across all leach operations. The position focuses on unlocking additional leachable surface area on existing stockpiles through close collaboration with site teams and technical experts, ensuring all activities are executed safely, compliantly, and in alignment with sound engineering practices. With over 350 million square feet of side slope area across the enterprise—of which only approximately 25% is currently utilized for leaching—this role provides dedicated field-based and technical leadership to unlock incremental areas and drive increased copper recovery. Identify, evaluate, and prioritize side slope leaching opportunities across all operations, with an emphasis on previously unleached or operationally constrained areas. Spend significant time in the field assessing stockpile geometries, side slope conditions, and operational constraints while working directly with site personnel. Collaborate with GMX, operations, environmental, and metallurgy teams to technically evaluate side slope opportunities and support approvals for expanded leaching. Quantify identified opportunities and ensure side slope leaching initiatives are planned, documented, and incorporated into Ramp-Up Curve (RUC) production forecasts. Support and oversee execution of side slope leaching activities to ensure adherence to approved designs, operational best practices, and safety standards. Monitor and evaluate leaching performance, quantify impacts to copper recovery, and communicate results, lessons learned, and best practices to key stakeholders. Perform other duties as required. What You Bring To Freeport Bachelor’s degree in Metallurgy, Chemistry or related Engineering discipline and three (3) years of experience in Metallurgy or related scientific field OR Master’s degree in Metallurgy, Chemistry or related Engineering discipline and two (2) years of experience in Metallurgy or related scientific field Preferred Qualifications Metallurgical expertise in heap leaching and additive chemistry — deep understanding of leach kinetics, mineralogy, and reagent interactions. Economic and financial analysis skills — ability to model recovery uplift, cost-benefit scenarios, and ROI for project justification. Process design and engineering knowledge — familiarity with dosing systems, fluid handling, and integration into existing operations. Project management capability — skilled in planning, coordinating, and tracking milestones across multiple stakeholders. Operational readiness and change management — experience driving site engagement, training, and adoption of new technologies. Data analysis and performance monitoring — ability to interpret metallurgical test data, validate KPIs, and compare actual vs. forecasted impact. Strong communication and stakeholder influence — adept at preparing technical reports, presenting business cases, and fostering cross-functional collaboration. High degree of autonomy and time management — proven ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, and deliver results without close supervision. Problem-Solving – Proven ability to troubleshoot operational challenges and implement effective solutions under tight deadlines. Detail-oriented with a focus on data accuracy and process optimization. Commitment to safety, environmental compliance, and operational excellence. What We Offer You The estimated annual pay range for this role is currently $93,000-$127,500. 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 auto, home and pet Internal progression opportunities Learn more about our competitive and comprehensive benefits package! What We Require Freeport-McMoRan promotes a drug/alcohol-free work environment using mandatory pre-employment drug testing as allowed by applicable laws.
search terms: Metal+Optimization
pin
pin
Local Job Bulletin is an independent Job Search Engine. Local Job Bulletin is not endorsed, sponsored or affiliated with the actual employer of the job. All trademarks, service marks, logos, domain names, and job descriptions are the property of their respective holder.
Upload your Resume - Let Employers find you!
pin
pin
 
 
Local Job Bulletin is an independent Job Search Engine. Local Job Bulletin is not an agent or representative and is not endorsed, sponsored or affiliated with any employer. Local Job Bulletin uses proprietary technology to keep the availability and accuracy of its job listings and their details. All trademarks, service marks, logos, domain names, job descriptions and other company descriptions / details are the property of their respective holder. Local Job Bulletin does not have its users apply for a job on the LocalJobBulletin.com website. Additionally, Local Job Bulletin may provide a list of third-party job listings that may not be affiliated with any employer. Please make sure you understand and agree to the website's Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policies you are applying on as they may differ from ours and are not in our control.;
pin
pin