Process Automation Engineer I
Freeport-McMoRan · Bayard, NM
- Level
- Engineer
- Team
- Controls
- Base pay
- $75k–$104k
- Degree
- Required
- Industry
- Metals
- Posted
- 6 days ago
The role in 30 seconds
An engineer-level controls role at Freeport-McMoRan (metals) in Bayard, NM. 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.
- They ask for
- degree required
- Tools it names
- PLC, Automation
- Base pay
- $75k–$104k
- 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 the US: typical posted base $97k–$140k. This one lists $75k–$104k.
Median of the low and high ends of 300 live postings that list pay, out of 875 controls engineer openings in the US, read from manufacturers' own careers sites.
New Mexico plant jobs report →Pay by team and state →What moves pay →
How this role compares
Against 874 other live controls postings in the US.
- Base pay
- About 24% below similar roles
- Experience asked
- Not stated
Typical $97k–$140k, from 294 postings that list pay.
Similar roles usually ask 5+ years.
Skills these teams ask for most
- ✓ Automation 73%
- ✓ PLC 68%
- Robotics 40%
- Validation (IQ/OQ/PQ) 26%
- Root cause 24%
✓ = 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 4 people at this company and state: 4 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 Edgar → (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 Bayard
4 other open roles at this site · 4 people we found in controls roles at Freeport-McMoRan.
- Senior Operational Excellence Specialist or Engineer · Lean / CI · Senior
- Senior Process Automation Technician · Controls · Technician
- Process Automation Technician II · Controls · Technician
- Process Automation Technician Helper · Controls · Technician
Full description from Freeport-McMoRanAs posted on their careers site.ShowHide
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.
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!
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
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 Bring To Freeport
- •Bachelor’s degree in an appropriate Engineering discipline with no experience required
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 .