Operational Excellence Engineer Opportunity - Morenci, AZ
Location: Morenci, AZ 85540 (open to relocation assistance)
Work Arrangement: On-site
Position Type: Direct Hire
Compensation: 87K-110K, depending on experience
Visas: Open to visas, candidates will be evaluated individually
Position Overview
We are seeking an Operational Excellence Engineer II to support business improvement, performance optimization, and operational excellence at a large-scale open-pit copper mining operation in Morenci, Arizona.
Under general supervision, this role interprets data and translates findings into actionable business recommendations, leads performance optimization initiatives, and supports the execution and adoption of sustainable solutions. The successful candidate will apply engineering principles, business improvement methodologies, data analysis, and problem-solving techniques to deliver measurable operational improvements.
This position will also facilitate collaboration and problem-solving sessions, mentor and coach team members, develop performance metrics, and help drive process improvements that can be sustained and scaled across the operation.
Work Location
This position is required to work on-site in Morenci, Arizona.
Morenci is located approximately 50 miles northeast of Safford, Arizona, along U.S. Highway 191. The operation is a large open-pit copper mining complex with concentrators, crushed-ore leach and stacking systems, run-of-mine leaching, solvent extraction facilities, and electrowinning tank houses producing copper cathode.
Morenci is a unique company community surrounded by opportunities for outdoor recreation, including hiking, fishing, camping, hunting, and numerous parks. Community amenities include company housing or a $750 monthly housing allowance for eligible employees required to work on-site, a daycare and community center, library, healthcare facilities, fitness centers, movie theater, and skate park.
Key Responsibilities
- Interpret operational data and synthesize findings into clear, actionable business recommendations.
- Lead performance optimization initiatives focused on measurable improvements in safety, productivity, cost, quality, and operational efficiency.
- Apply engineering principles, business improvement methodologies, and structured problem-solving techniques to complex operational challenges.
- Facilitate collaborative sessions involving brainstorming, fact-finding, design thinking, and problem solving.
- Select and adapt appropriate analytical and problem-solving techniques to support business decisions.
- Design and implement solutions using a minimum viable product mindset, incorporating customer and stakeholder feedback to continuously improve outcomes.
- Develop clear narratives connecting organizational purpose, strategy, operational priorities, and required actions.
- Support change management and influence operational behaviors needed to sustain process improvements.
- Coach teams in developing effective structures, routines, and processes that support continuous improvement.
- Establish and review key performance indicators (KPIs) using engineering analysis and data evaluation.
- Analyze processes and identify opportunities to improve safety, production rates, efficiency, cost controls, and environmental performance.
- Provide leadership, mentoring, and coaching to engineers, specialists, and operational teams.
- Develop and deliver training materials and operational documentation.
- Conduct Root Cause Analysis (RCA), Failure Modes & Effects Analysis (FMEA), and other structured improvement methodologies.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive implementation and sustainment of improvement initiatives.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in an appropriate Engineering discipline and at least 3 years of engineering or related experience.
- OR
- Master's degree in an appropriate Engineering discipline and at least 1 year of engineering or related experience.
Preferred Qualifications
- Knowledge of probability, statistical analysis, and reliability engineering.
- Strong analytical and research skills, with the ability to evaluate complex information and draw valid conclusions.
- Experience with software and data-analysis tools such as SAP, Business Objects, R, Python, SQL, and Excel, particularly in a large-data environment.
- Knowledge of operational processes, costs, schedules, constraints, and deliverables within industrial or manufacturing environments.
- Experience improving safety, process efficiency, production rates, cost controls, and environmental performance.
- Strong collaboration skills and demonstrated ability to achieve results in a team environment.
- Knowledge of industrial equipment and associated standard operating procedures.
- Strong understanding of workplace safety practices and hazard recognition.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Experience conducting Root Cause Analysis (RCA) and/or Failure Modes & Effects Analysis (FMEA).
- Basic knowledge of the mining and processing industry, including familiarity with mining terminology.
- Experience developing and delivering training and technical/operational documentation.
- Leadership and interpersonal skills, including experience mentoring junior engineers or specialists.
- Lean/Six Sigma experience or certification.
- Strong presentation and persuasive communication skills
Compensation & Benefits
The estimated annual base salary range for this role is $87,500–$110,000, depending on experience, qualifications, skills, and other job-related factors.
Additional compensation and benefits may include:
- Potential discretionary and incentive compensation based on company and individual performance
- $750 monthly housing allowance for eligible employees required to work on-site
- Affordable medical, dental, and vision insurance
- 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 pet, auto, home, and vehicle insurance
- Internal career progression opportunities
- Comprehensive employee benefits and rewards programs