Chief Reliability Engineer

The Chief Reliability Engineer at Freeport-McMoRan is responsible for planning, organizing, and managing engineering projects to ensure successful completion. This includes supervising engineering practices, addressing environmental compliance issues, and serving as a project manager for complex constructions. Additionally, you will evaluate vendor services, contribute to budgeting efforts, and represent the site in company-sponsored teams.

To qualify for the Chief Reliability Engineer position at Freeport-McMoRan, candidates must have a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering coupled with seven years of relevant experience, or a Master’s degree with five years of experience. Experience in lead or supervisory roles is essential, along with advanced project management skills and a deep understanding of engineering principles.

Freeport-McMoRan provides a collaborative work environment where safety is paramount. The Miami smelter and rod plant in Claypool, Arizona, fosters teamwork, values diverse opinions, and encourages personal growth, making it an excellent place for professional development as a Chief Reliability Engineer.

A Chief Reliability Engineer at Freeport-McMoRan can face challenges such as managing large engineering projects under budget constraints while ensuring safety and compliance with regulations. Additionally, adapting to evolving standards and addressing environmental concerns are critical aspects of the role, requiring strong problem-solving and strategic thinking skills.

In addition to a competitive salary range of $116,000 to $162,500, Freeport-McMoRan offers extensive benefits for Chief Reliability Engineers, including affordable medical, dental, and vision coverage, a robust 401(k) with employer matching, paid time off, tuition assistance, and various internal progression opportunities to support career growth.

When addressing your experience, focus on a specific project you led, detailing its scope, challenges faced, how you addressed them, and the successful outcome. It’s also beneficial to mention tools or methodologies you employed, such as agile or project management software, that contributed to the project's success.

Highlight your approach to safety, including regular training programs for your team, conducting safety audits, and fostering an open dialogue about safety concerns. Explain how you've implemented safety protocols in past projects and any relevant certifications that reinforce your commitment to workplace safety.

Discuss specific leadership techniques, such as setting clear goals, providing regular feedback, and recognizing individual contributions. Share examples of how you’ve inspired your team, fostered collaboration, and addressed conflicts to maintain a positive and productive work environment.

Be ready to share a detailed account of an engineering challenge you've faced, explaining the context, your role, the actions you took to resolve it, and the results. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your response effectively.

Discuss specific instances where you identified compliance issues and successfully implemented solutions. Highlight your understanding of local, state, and federal regulations, and explain how your actions positively impacted the project and the environment.

Illustrate your time management skills by describing techniques like task prioritization, using tools to track deadlines, and delegating appropriately. Offer examples of high-pressure situations where your prioritization led to efficient project completion.

Emphasize the importance of effective communication in engineering, not just within your team, but also with stakeholders. Share how you have utilized varied communication styles to convey technical information clearly and fostered collaboration among diverse groups.

Align your interests with Freeport-McMoRan's values and mission. Express your enthusiasm for leading innovation in the mining sector, your respect for their commitment to safety and sustainability, and how your expertise will contribute to their goals.

Discuss various metrics like project completion time, cost efficiency, adherence to budget, and safety compliance rates. Highlight how tracking these metrics has informed your decision-making and improved project outcomes in the past.

Share your vendor management strategies, emphasizing how you select, evaluate, and work with vendors to ensure they meet project requirements. Discuss any experiences you had resolving conflicts or negotiating contracts favorably.