Process Automation Engineer II
Freeport-McMoRan · Morenci, AZ
- Level
- Engineer
- Team
- Controls
- Base pay
- $88k–$120k
- Degree
- Required
- Industry
- Metals
- Posted
- 17 days ago
The role in 30 seconds
An engineer-level controls role at Freeport-McMoRan (metals) in Morenci, AZ. In this role, you give direction on Process Automation engineering topics and projects, develop and participate in engineering project proposals and designs, and verify that project work meets site Process Automation standards.
- They ask for
- degree required
- Tools it names
- PLC, Automation
- Base pay
- $88k–$120k
- Day to day
- some off-shift / weekend coverage
Read from the posting. The full description is below.
From the plant jobs report · week of November 2, 2026
Controls Engineer roles in Arizona: typical posted base $98k–$138k. This one lists $88k–$120k.
Median of the low and high ends of 6 live postings that list pay, out of 13 controls engineer openings in Arizona, read from manufacturers' own careers sites.
Arizona plant jobs report →Pay by team and state →What moves pay →
How this role compares
Against 12 other live controls postings in Arizona.
- Base pay
- About 12% below similar roles
Typical $98k–$138k, from 5 postings that list pay.
Skills these teams ask for most
- ✓ Automation 69%
- ✓ PLC 54%
- ✓ Team leadership 38%
- Validation (IQ/OQ/PQ) 23%
✓ = this posting asks for it too. % = share of similar postings that mention it.
At a glance
Pulled from the posting text. If it's not listed here, the posting didn't say.
How to get in at this plant
Five moves over a week or two. The first one takes ten minutes.
- 1
Pick 2–3 people on the Controls team at Freeport-McMoRan
We found 3 people at this company and state: 3 in this kind of role. Engineers who joined in the last year or two reply the most. See them ↓
- 2
Send a short, curious note
One real question about their work. No favors yet. Each person gets a different note, written for this role.
Write to David → (free) - 3
Turn a reply into a short call
Questions worth asking about this team:
- What does a normal week look like on your team?
- How does off-shift and weekend coverage work?
- How did you land the job? What stood out in your interviews?
- 4
Apply with someone vouching for you
If the call went well, ask whether they’d pass your résumé to the hiring manager. Send your résumé link, apply that day, and let them know.
- 5
Bring proof to the interview
One page of before-and-after numbers from projects you led: scrap, OEE, cycle time, cost. Plant managers hire on results.
This plant: Freeport-McMoRan in Morenci
5 other open roles at this site · 3 people we found in controls roles at Freeport-McMoRan.
- Fixed Plant Maintenance - Industrial Mechanic (or) Repair · Reliability · Technician
- Reliability Engineer II - Planning Maintenance · Reliability
- Operational Excellence Engineer II · Lean / CI
- Power Automation Technician · Controls · Technician
- Senior Process Automation Engineer · Controls · Senior
Full description from Freeport-McMoRanAs posted on their careers site.ShowHide
What You Will Do
Under general supervision, you collaborate with others to give direction on and improve the performance of site Industrial Control Systems. You follow and promote safety and environmental programs and practices, communicate safety implications related to Process Automation, and support Industrial Control System cybersecurity practices and policies. In this role, you give direction on Process Automation engineering topics and projects, develop and participate in engineering project proposals and designs, and verify that project work meets site Process Automation standards. As the Process Automation Engineer II, you maintain the performance of ICS hardware and software, identify opportunities for process improvement and optimization through automation to enhance operator and operations effectiveness, participate in implementation and maintenance of the Process Control Network while supporting plant performance, cybersecurity, and historian systems, specify and review advanced instrumentation solutions, implement equipment life‑cycle management with plans, proposals, and budgetary estimates, and perform other duties as 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 and systems
- ✓Familiarity with or training in NFPA 70 and NEC or Electrical Journeyman Training
- ✓Process control systems experience
- ✓What We Offer You
The estimated annual pay range for this role is currently $87,500-$120,000 . 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.
- ✓Employees who are required to work on-site are eligible for a $750 monthly housing allowance, provided they meet program guidelines
- ✓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!
Show full description ↓Show less ↑
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 OR employees who are required to work on-site are eligible for a $750 monthly housing allowance, provided they meet program guidelines, 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 Bring To Freeport
- •Bachelor’s degree in an appropriate Engineering discipline and three (3) years related experience in engineering relevant to Process Automation
OR
- •Master’s degree in an appropriate Engineering discipline and two (2) years related experience in engineering relevant to Process Automation
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.
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 .