Director Process Engineering, Automation, & Instrumentation

Director Process Engineering, Automation, & Instrumentation

Location: Phoenix, AZ, US, 85040 Category: Engineering Services

Lead project engineering outcomes across a portfolio of capital projects, providing technical leadership in Process Engineering, Process Automation, and Instrumentation disciplines. Oversee the delivery lifecycle from concept and design through commissioning and operational ramp-up, ensuring projects achieve performance targets and reach nameplate capacity. Coordinate and align cross-functional teams, strategically deploy technical talent to maximize project execution success, and foster collaboration across operations, project delivery teams, and external engineering partners. Drive engineering consistency, innovation, and continuous improvement while ensuring safe, reliable, and efficient project delivery. Develop and execute enterprise-wide Process Engineering, Automation, and Instrumentation strategies that support business objectives and operational excellence. Prioritize project portfolio investments and strategically allocate engineering resources based on project risk, complexity, and stage of development. Lead, coach, and develop multidisciplinary engineering teams, fostering a culture of safety, accountability, collaboration, and timely decision-making. Provide oversight of process design activities, including flowsheets, mass and energy balances, while driving improvements in plant performance, recovery, throughput, and efficiency. Lead Process Safety Management (PSM) programs and hazard assessment activities throughout engineering, construction, commissioning, start-up, and operational phases. Establish continuous improvement processes that leverage operational feedback to optimize designs, enhance reliability, and prevent recurring issues. Develop and standardize instrumentation strategies, ensuring effective specification, implementation, commissioning, start-up, and operational readiness across projects. Define process control philosophies, oversee integration of DCS, PLC, and SCADA systems, and champion advanced digital technologies, including APC and predictive analytics, through strong IT/OT partnerships. Provide technical leadership across the full project lifecycle, ensuring compliance with engineering standards and regulatory requirements while achieving safety, cost, schedule, and performance objectives while performing other duties as required.

What You Bring To Freeport Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related discipline and fifteen (15) years experience in process engineering, controls, or automation within industrial environments (mining, metals, oil & gas, or chemical processing); including Five (5) years of leadership experience managing engineering teams Demonstrated experience supporting capital project delivery in the technical functions Strong leadership and organizational skills with the ability to influence across functions Excellent communication and stakeholder management capabilities Strategic thinker with strong problem-solving abilities Ability to build and lead cross-functional teams where engineers report by process area, not discipline Experience scaling engineering teams across multiple concurrent mega-projects Ability to operate effectively in a complex, matrixed organization Commitment to safety, continuous improvement, and operational excellence Preferred Qualifications Master's degree in Engineering or related field Deep expertise in process control systems (DCS, PLC, SCADA) and instrumentation design Experience with advanced process control, optimization, and digital transformation initiatives Strong knowledge of process safety and risk management practices Experience working with EPC/EPCM contractors on large-scale projects Experience scaling engineering teams across multiple concurrent mega-projects

What We Offer You 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. 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!