Principal Metallurgist – Global Copper Operations

Ashton North is partnering with a leading global natural resources company to recruit a Principal Metallurgist. This is a high-impact role where technical expertise meets global scale.

The Role

You’ll provide critical technical leadership in copper smelting, electrorefining, and sulfuric acid production—driving operational efficiency, process safety, and innovation across global operations. This isn’t a back-office role. It’s a chance to shape best practices, solve complex metallurgical challenges, and influence performance on a global stage.

Key accountabilities:

• Apply first principles and deep process knowledge to complex challenges in smelting, refining, and acid production.
• Lead technical investigations and continuous improvement initiatives to enhance safety, cost efficiency, and productivity.
• Partner with operations teams worldwide—providing technical guidelines, recommendations, and process optimization strategies.
• Mentor engineers and lead knowledge-sharing through seminars, training, and technical forums.
• Engage in vendor relationships and stay ahead of industry advancements that strengthen operational excellence.
• Drive process safety management, HAZOP reviews, and compliance with evolving industry and regulatory standards.

What We’re Looking For

• Bachelor’s degree in Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or related discipline with 7+ years’ experience, or Master’s with 5+ years’ experience.
• Proven leadership in metallurgy or a closely related scientific field.
• Expertise in copper smelting, electrorefining, or sulfuric acid production strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to forecast production, optimize processes, and manage large, cross-functional projects.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to simplify complex technical concepts for diverse audiences.
• Skilled at leading, mentoring, and building technical capability across teams.
• Willingness to travel up to 75% (domestic and international).

What’s On Offer

• Base salary range: $116,000 – $162,500 (plus performance incentives, long-term incentives, and bonus opportunities).
• Comprehensive benefits: medical, dental, vision, 401(k) with match, paid leave, tuition assistance, life and disability coverage, and more.
• Career progression opportunities within a global enterprise committed to innovation, sustainability, and technical excellence.
• A hybrid working model with access to a Phoenix-based Collaboration Hub—an open, flexible workspace designed for high-performance teams.

Ready to lead technical excellence on a global scale? Apply through Ashton North and join an organization where your expertise sets the standard.