Director Process Engineering, Automation, & Instrumentation
Usa, Arizona, Phoenix
Experience: > 10 Years
Mining
Introduction
We are seeking an experienced engineering leader to oversee Process Engineering, Process Automation, and Instrumentation across major capital projects. Based in Phoenix, Arizona, this role will provide technical leadership from design through construction, commissioning, start-up, and operations. The successful candidate will lead multidisciplinary teams, work closely with EPC/EPCM partners, and drive safe, reliable, and efficient project delivery.
What are you going to do
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.
- Perform other duties as required.
Essential skills and knowledge
- Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering or a related discipline, with 15+ years of experience in process engineering, controls or automation within mining, metals, oil & gas, chemical processing or similar industrial environments.
- 5+ years of leadership experience managing engineering teams.
- Proven experience supporting major capital project delivery.
- Strong leadership, organizational and stakeholder management skills.
- Ability to build and lead cross-functional engineering teams.
- Experience scaling engineering resources across multiple concurrent mega-projects.
- Ability to operate effectively within complex, matrixed organizations.
- Strong strategic thinking, communication and problem-solving skills.
- Commitment to safety, continuous improvement and operational excellence.
Preferred Qualifications
- Master's degree in Engineering or related field.
- Expertise in DCS, PLC, SCADA, instrumentation and process control systems.
- Experience with advanced process control, optimization and digital transformation.
- Strong process safety and risk management knowledge.
- Experience working with EPC/EPCM contractors on large-scale capital projects.
What we offer
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 Client'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 and parental leave.
- Tuition assistance.
- Employee Assistance Program.
- Discounted insurance plans for auto, home and pet.
- Internal progression opportunities.
- Competitive and comprehensive benefits package.