Senior Process Automation Engineering Specialist

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

Tyrone is an open-pit copper mining complex located in Grant County, New Mexico – just 10 miles south of the historic mining community of Silver City. The copper processing facilities currently consist of a solvent extraction/electrowinning operation with an annual maximum capacity of approximately 100 million pounds of copper.

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.

Description

Lead, manage and provide direction and advanced problem solving for Process Automation. Review and improve the performance of site Industrial Controls Systems.

- Leads and promotes Freeport-McMoRan safety and environmental programs and practices, communicates safety implications related to Process Automation and directs Industrial Control System (ICS) cybersecurity practices and policies.

- Leads and manages others including giving direction and guidance to direct reports on Process Automation Engineering topics and projects.

- Reviews and provides guidance on engineering project proposals, and engineering designs, and verifies the quality of project work meets site Process Automation standards.

- Reviews and provides guidance on the performance of ICS hardware and software. Identifies opportunities to implement process improvement and optimization through automation while improving Operator and Operations effectiveness.

- Directs the implementation and maintenance of the Process Control Network (PCN) while maintaining plant performance, cyber security, and plant historian systems.

- Identifies and approves specialized analytical and advanced instrumentation solutions to be integrated into the site ICS.

- Manages Process Automation equipment life cycle management and develops plans proposals, and budgetary estimates to ensure equipment remains current and up to date.

- Perform other duties as required.

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements:

- High School diploma or GED and nine (9) years of technical experience in an area or areas relevant to Process Automation, including 3 years of experience with regulatory and advanced control systems OR

- Associate’s Degree and seven (7) years of technical experience in an area or areas relevant to Process Automation including 3 years of experience with regulatory and advanced control systems OR

- Bachelor’s degree in an appropriate scientific discipline and five (5) years related experience in engineering relevant to Process Automation or related field including 3 years of experience with regulatory and advanced control systems, OR

- Master’s degree in an appropriate scientific discipline and three (3) years related experience in engineering relevant to Process Automation or related field including 3 years of experience with regulatory and advanced control systems

Preferred Qualifications:

- Previous supervision and leadership experience; ability to lead technical training and collaborate across Operations, E&I, and MIS; competence in project planning tools (e.g., Gantt).

- PLC, HMI, SCADA, and/or DCS manufacturer training or certification, preferably in ABB 800xA and Rockwell Studio 5000.

- Experience with plant process historians or similar database systems; competence in data integration (OPC, PI, analytics).

- Knowledge of ICS/PCN network architecture, communications, and security; hands-on skills in virtualization, lab environments, and FAT/SAT procedures.

- Experience or understanding of mining and mineral processing expert systems, including APC platforms (Metso OCT / KnowledgeScape) and loop tuning strategies.

- Familiarity with or training in NFPA 70, NEC, Electrical Journeyman standards, ISA/IEC 62443 cybersecurity, and alarm management (ISA 18.2).

Criteria/Conditions:

- Personal protective equipment is required when performing work in a mine, outdoor, manufacturing or plant environment, including hard hat, hearing protection, safety glasses, safety footwear, and as needed, respirator, rubber steel-toe boots, protective clothing, gloves and any other protective equipment as required.

- Freeport-McMoRan promotes a drug/alcohol-free work environment through the use of mandatory pre-employment drug testing and on-going random drug testing as allowed by applicable state laws

What We Offer You

The estimated annual pay range for this role is currently $101,000-$141,000. 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.