Geotechnical Engineer I

Full-time - Entry Level

Morenci, AZ

Mining (except Oil and Gas)

About the position

The Geotechnical Engineer I position at Freeport-McMoRan involves supporting geotechnical instrumentation monitoring, data collection, and inspections of structures within the Morenci operations. The role emphasizes quality control and assurance in construction activities related to tailings embankments and ore leach stockpiles, while also ensuring compliance with engineering recommendations. The engineer will communicate geotechnical information to management, liaise with corporate teams, and assist in enhancing slope stability programs.

Responsibilities

• Support Geotechnical instrumentation monitoring and data collection.
• Support the operation Geotechnical data inventory effort.
• Support regular geotechnical inspections of active and inactive structures.
• Support construction Quality Control (QC) and Quality Assurance (QA) activities for construction of tailings embankments, ore leach stockpiles, and/or Engineer-of-Record (EOR)'s QA activities as appropriate.
• Support or supervise drilling and Geotechnical instrumentation installation by contractors and EOR.
• Support the contract management and coordination with the EOR for ore leach pads, tailings storage facilities, storm water ponds, etc.
• Communicate accurate, timely and relevant Geotechnical information to operational management team and staff.
• Liaise with the FCX corporate Tailings & Crushed Leach Stewardship Team by tracking all recommendations and ensuring compliance.
• Liaise with the FMMC corporate Tailings & Water Group to develop scopes of work as required.
• Proactively seek improvements to the safe and Geotechnically stable construction and operation of ore leach pads, tailings storage facilities, storm water ponds, etc.
• Assist with the development, maintenance, and implementations of strategic plans to enhance the operation's slope stability program.
• Assist with the preparation of annual sustaining capital, operational budget and capital funding.
• May represent the site on company sponsored steering teams related to Geotechnical efforts.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering from an accredited curriculum, with courses in Soil Mechanics and Foundation Engineering.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing to a diversely educated audience.
• Knowledge in the principles and practices of Civil, Geologic, Geotechnical, or Hydrologic Engineering or a related field of Science or Engineering.
• Knowledge of appropriate software (MS Office, AutoCAD) and Geotechnical analysis.
• Ability to develop and maintain awareness of occupational hazards and safety of yourself and others.
• Skilled in following safety practices and recognizing hazards.

Nice-to-haves

• Certification of Engineer in Training (EIT) and/or equivalent relevant certification or Professional Engineer (PE) Certification.
• Experience with tailings storage facilities design, construction and operations.
• Experience with project scheduling and project controls.
• Experience with geotechnical slope stability instrumentation and monitoring programs, data management, and analysis.
• Experience reviewing and editing geotechnical engineering reports and documents for a variety of applications.
• Engineering experience in geotechnical analyses including field investigations, lab testing, soil characterization, slope stability, seismic analysis.
• Superior interpersonal as well as written and oral communication skills with diverse teams of technical and non-technical staff.
• Skilled in related Engineering software (AutoCAD/Civil 3D, ArcGIS, Muk3D), programming languages.

Benefits

• $750 monthly housing allowance for on-site employees who 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.