Process Engineer Jobs in Tucson, AZ (NOW HIRING)

Role Title:

Senior Metallurgist – Process Improvement & Analytics

Reports to:

Metallurgist Manager

Job Type:

Full-time Regular

Location:

Helvetia, AZ

About Hudbay:

Hudbay (TSX, NYSE: HBM) is a copper-focused mining company with three long-life operations and a world-class pipeline of copper growth projects in tier-one mining-friendly jurisdictions of Canada, Peru, and the United States.

Hudbay’s operating portfolio includes the Constancia mine in Cusco (Peru), the Snow Lake operations in Manitoba (Canada) and the Copper Mountain mine in British Columbia (Canada). Copper is the primary metal produced by the company, which is complemented by meaningful gold production. Hudbay’s growth pipeline includes the Copper World project in Arizona, the Mason project in Nevada (United States), the Llaguen project in La Libertad (Peru) and several expansion and exploration opportunities near its existing operations.

The value Hudbay creates and the impact it has is embodied in its purpose statement: “We care about our people, our communities, and our planet. Hudbay provides the metals the world needs. We work sustainably, transform lives, and create better futures for communities.” Hudbay’s mission is to create sustainable value and strong returns by leveraging its core strengths in community relations, focused exploration, mine development and efficient operations.

Mission:

To create sustainable value and strong returns by leveraging our core strengths in community relations, focused exploration, mine development and efficient operations.

Purpose of Role:

The Senior Metallurgist – Process Improvement & Analytics is responsible for driving operational excellence, metallurgical performance, business improvement, and value creation across the Copper World Project and Operations.

The position serves as the focal point for metallurgical accounting, mine-to-mill optimization, process improvement initiatives, operational analytics, OPEX model management, CAPEX project evaluation, and economic assessments. The role works collaboratively across Mining, Geology, Mine Planning, Processing, Reliability, Maintenance, Process Control, Operational Readiness, and Project Engineering functions to improve throughput, recovery, reliability, operating costs, and overall project value.

The position supports Detailed Engineering, Operational Readiness, Commissioning, Startup, and future Operations through the development of data-driven solutions, business improvement initiatives, and continuous improvement programs.

ROLE ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Financial Management & Economic Evaluation
  • Own and maintain the Processing OPEX Model including operating cost assumptions, benchmarking, forecasting, scenario analysis, and continuous updates through project development and future operations.
  • Support development and management of processing-related CAPEX initiatives including scope development, business cases, economic justification, implementation planning, and post-audit evaluations.
  • Conduct economic evaluations including NPV, IRR, payback analysis, sensitivity analysis, trade-off studies, and value improvement assessments.
• Process Optimization & Geometallurgy
  • Lead process improvement initiatives focused on throughput, recovery, operating costs, energy efficiency, reagent consumption, and water utilization.
  • Support mine-to-mill optimization programs through integration of geology, ore control, mine planning, blasting, crushing, grinding, and flotation performance.
  • Conduct geometallurgical evaluations, ore variability assessments, and recovery forecasting studies.
  • Participate in metallurgical testwork programs, engineering reviews, technical due diligence, and process design evaluations.
• Data Analytics, Systems & Digital Transformation
  • Lead development, implementation, and governance of the Copper World Metallurgical Accounting System.
  • Develop operational dashboards, KPIs, and performance monitoring systems using modern analytics platforms.
  • Analyze metallurgical, operational, maintenance, and business performance data to identify opportunities for value creation.
  • Support business improvement initiatives through application of statistical analysis, data science, predictive analytics, and continuous improvement methodologies.
  • Collaborate with Process Control personnel on advanced process control, digital transformation, and optimization initiatives.
  • Support implementation of digital transformation and innovation initiatives.
• Business Improvement & Operational Readiness
  • Lead benchmarking activities against peer copper operations.
  • Support development of business improvement frameworks and value-tracking systems.
  • Participate in operational readiness workshops and project reviews.
  • Support operational readiness planning, commissioning preparation, startup readiness, and ramp-up activities.
  • Support Reliability Engineering initiatives through asset performance analysis and operational improvement opportunities.
• Leadership, Strategy & General Duties
  • Mentor engineers, metallurgists, and technical personnel in process improvement methodologies.
  • Support corporate technical services initiatives as required.
  • Prepare technical reports, management presentations, business cases, and executive recommendations.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND EDUCATION:

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in metallurgical engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mining Engineering, Mineral Processing, or related discipline.
• Minimum eight (8) years of experience in mineral processing, metallurgy, technical services, process improvement, operational excellence, or business improvement functions.
• Experience in large-scale copper, molybdenum, gold, or polymetallic operations.
  

Preferred

• Master's Degree in Metallurgy, Mining Engineering, Business Analytics, Data Analytics, MBA, or related discipline.
• Experience managing metallurgical accounting systems.
• Experience developing OPEX and CAPEX business cases.
• Experience supporting project development, feasibility studies, commissioning, startup, and operational readiness programs.
• Experience with geometallurgy, mine-to-mill optimization, and business improvement initiatives.

NOTE: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employees may perform other related duties as needed to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.

Other Requirements:

Physical Demands – The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and taste or smell. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities may be required for this position.

Work Environment – The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The work environment will necessitate work near moving mechanical parts and outside weather conditions such as hot and/or dry conditions. Work will be conducted in locations where noise, fumes, dust, toxic or caustic chemicals, and vibration may exist.

Employee must be able to prove that he/she has a current and valid driver’s license.

Why Hudbay?

Hudbay is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Candidates may be required to undergo educational and criminal background checks. Chosen candidates will be required to successfully pass a physical and drug screening.