Lead Engineering Technician - Leach Process Optimization
Location: Phoenix, AZ USA 85040
Department: Engineering Services
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
Located approximately 50 miles northeast of Safford, Arizona on U.S. Highway 191, Morenci operations (an open-pit copper mining complex) has been in continuous operation since 1939. The operation consists of two concentrators, crushed-ore leach pad and stacking system, a low-grade run-of-mine (ROM) leaching system; four SX plants; and three EW tank houses that produce copper cathode.
Morenci is a unique company town where our employees and their families can reconnect with nature through hiking, fishing, camping, hunting and numerous parks. The company offers several amenities, including company housing, a newly constructed daycare and community center, library, health-care facilities, state-of-the-art fitness centers, a movie theater and a skate park. Our dedicated Parks and Recreation Division plans activities for people of all ages, making sure there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Visit the Morenci town website to learn more.
What You Will Do
This position will be based out of our Morenci, AZ mine site location.
This role is primarily responsible for managing and overseeing in-field activities related to recipe development and optimization test work and trials. The Senior Technician ensures the successful implementation and operation of field arrays, supports planning and execution of additive, heat, and raffinate injection trials, and facilitates timely sample collection and processing to generate actionable test results. The position requires significant site presence, especially at Morenci, and regular coordination with contractors and operators to ensure operational continuity. Manage and oversee in-field activities for recipe development and optimization test work and trials, including Field Array trials to evaluate leaching uplift and technical aspects of additive development. Implement and operate field arrays and associated units, ensuring 24/7 operational readiness and troubleshooting as needed. Liaise with contractors and operators responsible for mixing/dosing additives, monitoring field array operations, and ensuring compliance with protocols. Collect, process, and analyze samples to ensure expeditious generation of test results and support technical evaluations. Participate in planning phases of field test work to provide practical support during execution, including weekend standby as required. Perform additional duties as requested/required.
What You Bring To Freeport
- Minimum of 7 years of experience in an engineering or technical area relevant to the assignment or mining industry
- Experience with field test work, sample collection, and basic analytical techniques
- Familiarity with leaching processes, additive mixing/dosing, and operation of field arrays or similar equipment
- Strong troubleshooting and problem‑solving skills in operational environments
- Ability to coordinate with contractors and site personnel, ensuring compliance and operational continuity
- Effective communication and organizational skills with strong time‑management ability
- Commitment to safety, environmental compliance, and operational excellence
- Willingness to work weekends and maintain required site presence
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with recipe development, optimization trials, and technical support for mining or chemical processing operations
- Prior involvement in heat or raffinate injection trials
- Basic data analysis skills and familiarity with reporting protocols
- Leach Operations Experience
What We Offer You
The estimated annual pay range for this role is currently $31.00-$42.00/hour. 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 [email protected].
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