Chief Underground Geomechanical Engineer

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.  

Under general supervision, oversee underground excavation stability management functions including underground excavation support design and stability monitoring and serve as resource for Geomechanical information and analysis.

• Perform critical review of technical reports, analyses, design plans, specifications, cost estimates and develop appropriate recommendations. Stay abreast of the state of the practice in geotechnical engineering to fulfill this role.
• Manage projects and serve as subject matter expert (SME) on large/complex site planning/construction, expansion, or modifications. Provide guidance to site managers and engineers on applicable programs, practices, and regulations.
• Develop and review ground support designs for underground excavations to ensure a safe working environment based on relevant geological and stress conditions using empirical (Q or RMR), kinematic (unWedge) and stress (RS3, phase 2) based analysis methods.
• Manage and review underground excavation stability data collection, analysis and remedial work including underground excavation monitoring, data processing, rock strength parameters, and geologic structures.
• Proactively seek improvements to the safe mining of mine reserves relating to underground excavation monitoring, underground excavation maintenance, underground excavation support designs, Geomechanical data acquisition and analyses.
• Develop, maintain, and implement strategic plans to enhance the mine's underground excavation stability program.
• Manage and provide Geomechanical project oversight and review relating to outside consultants.
• Evaluate and administer contracts with vendors for the provision of services and equipment
• Represent the site on company sponsored steering committees, task forces, or teams.
• Perform other duties as requested.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Geological/Geotechnical Engineering or related engineering discipline from an accredited curriculum, with courses in rock mechanics and geotechnical engineering and seven (7) years of experience in applicable field of expertise, including lead or supervisory experience; OR
• Master's degree in Geological/Geotechnical Engineering or related engineering discipline from an accredited curriculum, with courses in rock mechanics and geotechnical engineering and five (5) years of experience in applicable field of expertise, including lead or supervisory experience
• Knowledge in the principles and practices of mining, rock mechanics, geological, and/or geotechnical engineering or a related field of science or engineering
• Expertise in modeling and numerical approaches to solving engineering challenges.
• Knowledge of appropriate software (MS Office, AutoCAD, and geotechnical analysis)
• Registered Professional Engineer
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing to a diversely educated audience
• Ability to develop and maintain awareness of occupational hazards and safety of yourself and others
• Skilled in following safety practices and recognizing hazards

Preferred Qualifications:

• Field experience gained at an underground caving operation
• Experience in rockmass characterization, interpretation of geotechnical lab tests, and engineering analysis
• Project Management experience
• Proficiency in using geotechnical software

What We Offer You 

The estimated annual pay range for this role is currently $116,000-$162,500. 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 incentive compensation considerations based on company and individual performance.  Additionally, this position is currently eligible for annual long-term incentive consideration.  Long-term incentives are contingent upon authorized approval under the terms and conditions of the Company's plan and award agreements.  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  

• Ability and willingness to travel internationally for at least 2 weeks every quarter
• Work is in a mine setting, which may include exposure to extremes in temperature and humidity, moving mechanical parts, risk of electrical shock, toxic chemicals, explosives, fumes or airborne particles
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, sit, demonstrate manual dexterity, climb stairs and ladders, work on elevated platforms, talk, hear and see
• Occasionally may be required to lift moderately heavy objects up to thirty (30) pounds during the course of the workday
• Personal protective equipment is required when performing work in a mine, outdoor, manufacturing or plant environment, including hart 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 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