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Chemical Process Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Chemical Process Engineer

Carson, CA · On-site

$107 - $184/hr

Chemical Process Engineer - Must have Gas/Oil Refinery Experience Job Summary The Los Angeles Marathon Refinery located in Carson, California has an opening for an experienced Chemical Process ...

Inversion

Senior Chemical Process Engineer

Vista, CA · On-site

$137K - $193K/yr

As the Senior Chemical Process Engineer, you will stand up the sol-gel infusion and resin injection manufacturing processes at the heart of our thermal protection system production, carrying them ...

Nikkiso

Chemical Process Engineer I

Huntington Beach, CA · On-site

$60 - $80/hr

Recruiting & training of any junior process engineers Qualifications Job Requirements: * Bachelor's degree in chemical engineering or other engineering discipline with significant study of ...

New

FM Industries

Process Engineer, Chemical

Livermore, CA · On-site

$105K - $130K/yr

Responsible for all chemical process engineering with a focus on chemical clean processes. * Responsible for ultrasonic cleaning process engineering. * Develop/maintain detailed process routings ...

Ardagh Group

Chemical Process Operator

Fairfield, CA · On-site

$31.72/hr

The Chemical Process Operator performs all chemical process tests required to maintain chemical balance and material mixtures necessary for operation. Complies with safety related SOP in Chemical ...

ARDAGH GROUP

Chemical Process Operator

Fairfield, CA · On-site

$31.72/hr

The Chemical Process Operator performs all chemical process tests required to maintain chemical balance and material mixtures necessary for operation. Complies with safety related SOP in Chemical ...

ARDAGH GROUP

Chemical Process Operator

Fairfield, CA

$31.72/hr

The Chemical Process Operator performs all chemical process tests required to maintain chemical balance and material mixtures necessary for operation. Complies with safety related SOP in Chemical ...

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Chemical Process Engineer information

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How much do chemical process engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for chemical process engineer in California is $99,997.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $81,400.00 and $113,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a chemical process engineer?

A chemical process engineer’s responsibilities cover designing and developing processes for transforming raw materials into marketable products. You can hold a chemical process engineer job in an industry that processes natural gases, paper, pharmaceuticals, plastic, food, and other products. You will analyze procedures, communicate effectively with team members, apply math, science, and engineering concepts, and conduct experiments and report the results. Many types of chemical engineering careers exist in chemical production and manufacturing, mineral processing, oil exploration, sustainable engineering, and alternative energy fields. However, you can find chemical engineers with diverse duties in jobs in nearly every industry that creates a product.

What does a chemical process engineer do?

A Chemical Process Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and optimizing processes used in the production of chemicals, fuels, pharmaceuticals, food, and other products. They work to improve efficiency, safety, and sustainability in manufacturing plants by analyzing chemical reactions, equipment, and workflows. Chemical Process Engineers often collaborate with other engineers and technicians to troubleshoot problems and implement new technologies in production systems.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a chemical process engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Chemical Process Engineer, you need a solid background in chemical engineering principles, process design, and safety regulations, typically supported by a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with process simulation software (such as Aspen Plus or HYSYS), knowledge of P&ID development, and relevant certifications like Six Sigma are highly valuable. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving skills, and effective teamwork and communication abilities help you excel in this role. These skills ensure that processes are efficient, safe, and cost-effective, supporting both operational excellence and regulatory compliance.

What are some typical challenges a chemical process engineer faces when optimizing plant operations?

Chemical Process Engineers often encounter challenges such as balancing production efficiency with safety and environmental regulations, troubleshooting unexpected equipment malfunctions, and integrating new technologies into existing systems. They must collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams, including operators, maintenance staff, and quality control, to implement process improvements. Staying adaptable and proactive in problem-solving is key to overcoming these challenges while maintaining smooth and cost-effective operations.

What is the difference between Chemical Process Engineer vs Chemical Production Technician?

AspectChemical Process EngineerChemical Production Technician
CredentialsBachelor's degree in chemical engineering or related fieldAssociate's degree or technical certification in chemical technology
Work EnvironmentDesign, optimize, and oversee chemical processes in labs or plantsOperate and maintain equipment on the production floor
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturing, petrochemical, pharmaceuticals, and energy sectorsChemical manufacturing plants and processing facilities

The Chemical Process Engineer focuses on designing and improving chemical processes, requiring a degree in engineering. In contrast, the Chemical Production Technician handles daily operations and equipment maintenance, often with technical certifications. Both roles are vital in chemical industries but differ in responsibilities, education, and work scope.

More about Chemical Process Engineer jobs

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For Chemical Process Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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Cities in California with the most Chemical Process Engineer job openings:

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Chemical Process Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Chemical Process Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $99,997 per year, or $48.1 per hour.

Chemical Process Engineer

Marathon Petroleum Corporation (MPC)

Carson, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Monitor and troubleshoot unit operations, process performance, and control systems.

  • Support process optimization, yield improvement, energy efficiency, and reliability initiatives.

  • Assist in planning and executing turnarounds, manage catalyst performance, and support project development.

Marathon Petroleum rating

6.1

Company rating: 6.1 out of 10

Based on 205 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

69th of 87 rated oil and gas companies

Job description

An exciting career awaits you
At MPC, we're committed to being a great place to work - one that welcomes new ideas, encourages diverse perspectives, develops our people, and fosters a collaborative team environment.
Chemical Process Engineer - Must have Gas/Oil Refinery Experience
Job Summary
The Los Angeles Marathon Refinery located in Carson, California has an opening for an experienced Chemical Process Engineer who will provide technical support for plant operations. They will be assigned a specific unit or units within the Refinery with responsibilities of daily monitoring and troubleshooting of their areas, process optimization, and design and development of capital projects as well as major modifications to existing units. Process Engineers will apply state-of-the-art technology with regard to process simulation and optimization, recommend programs and procedures to increase the economic efficiency of refining operations, and work in a team environment with line operators and other engineers to maintain and troubleshoot control system problems as well as develop advanced control applications for their process units.
Available onsite schedule is a 9/80's. Must provide occasional after-hours support and support TAR approximately once a year.
Key Responsibilities
AREA TEAM SUPPORT
  • Communicate unit performance, optimization opportunities, and environmental performance. Assist troubleshooting efforts with unit upsets, product quality incidents, not meeting production plans, etc.
  • Support Small to medium capital project process engineering.
  • Monitors process performance and identifies
    opportunities for improving yield, energy efficiency,
    and reliability. May plan test runs and recommends
    projects to address opportunities.
  • Maintain current work lists with priorities.
  • Support Key Performance Indicators (KPI) included as part of routine reporting (WABT curve, fouling, chemical and catalyst budgets, yields, etc.)
  • Manage catalyst performance and coordinate catalyst change timing
  • Support unit operation within environmental limits.
  • Assists in planning and executing
    turnarounds/outages, including scope development
    and post-event evaluations
  • Support and review operations procedures for start-up and shutdown.
  • Review and approve vendor chemical programs.
  • Inspect vessel internals for proper installation and tolerances of components
  • Monitor and approve catalyst loading
  • Publish recommendation memos and turnaround reports
  • Maintains and updates process documentation.
    Troubleshoots and maintains unit mass balance
    within tolerance.
  • Interact and communicate with Board Operators daily.
  • Participate in Alarm rationalization.
  • Understand controls logic and any Advanced Process Controls (APC)
  • Support inclusive of energy, water, and tank farm systems
  • Supports collaboration with operations, engineering,
    and maintenance teams to resolve operational
    challenges. Develops and maintains relationships
    with console and field operators.

PROJECT PROCESS LEADERSHIP
  • Work with Area Team to develop project ideas and submit project request forms (PRF) with a memo detailing economic benefits and justification
  • Work with process controls group to develop / implement APC
  • Provide process design basis

PROCESS OPTIMIZATION
  • Review unit KPI's for the month and include analyses when appropriate with supporting data. Include unit performance on key economic drivers. Include recommendations for performance and reliability improvements and compliance with environmental permits.
  • Participate, attend and present in Advisory Group Calls and Face to Face Technology Meetings.
  • Schedule reviews with vendors and Technologists.
  • Work with Technologists to understand and implement unit best practices.
  • Set outside feedstock properties and discuss opportunity feeds with Product Control.
  • Know and understand the process fully to identify constraints.
  • Work with Product Control for setting appropriate unit targets.
  • Monitor and optimize Unit yield.
  • Participate as key decision maker for selecting programs, catalyst loads, etc.
  • Communicate with Product Control and other relevant groups regarding:
    • Catalyst budget curves / current performance
    • Operation against / changing process constraints
    • Unit actual yields vs Linear Programming (LP) model yields - monitor accuracy of LP yields
  • Understand Product Control targets and ensure proper implementation / understanding by Operations
  • Support Product Control on required rigorous model runs as necessary

TECHNICAL PSM STEWARDSHIP
  • Support Critical Process Variables and Not to Exceed (CPV/NTE) Maintenance and Operating Limits.
  • Lead and Participate in the MOC (Management of Change) process.
  • Perform environmental calculations (leaks, maximum intended inventory, etc.)
  • Lead Incident Investigations for process related events.
  • Participates in hazard evaluations, incident
    investigations, and management of change.
  • Support instrumentation Process Safety Information (PSI) and troubleshooting (thermowell calculations, orifices, etc.).
  • Provide and approve special chemical procedures.

Education, Experience and Skills
Minimum Qualifications:
  • Must have a Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering discipline. (Education must be obtained/completed prior to start date)
  • Must have a minimum of 5 years as a Chemical/Process Engineer in the oil/gas refining industry.
  • Must be proficient in Microsoft: Word, Excel and Outlook.
  • Must be able to wear appropriate PPE in the refinery (respirator), be able to physically perform all tasks in the field and take hair drug test and physical.
  • Must have a clean and valid driver's license.
  • Must be legally authorized to work in the US without the need for future VISA sponsorship.
  • Travel Requirement is 5% or less.
  • Must be able to work: the onsite 9/80's schedule with the ability to provide occasional after-hours support and support TAR approximately once a year.

****Relocation may be available.****
This position belongs to a family of jobs with increasing responsibility, competency and skill level. Actual position title and pay grade will be based on the selected candidate's experience and qualifications.
Learn more about Marathon Petroleum's benefits at www.mympcbenefits.com.
As an energy industry leader, our career opportunities fuel personal and professional growth.
Location:
Carson, California
Job Requisition ID:
00023386
Pay Min/Max:
$106,900.00 - $184,300.00 Salary
Grade:
11 - 12
Location Address:
2350 E 223rd St
Additional locations:
Wilmington, California
Education:
Bachelors (Required)
Employee Group:
Full time
Employee Subgroup:
Regular
Marathon Petroleum Company LP is an Equal Opportunity Employer and gives consideration for employment to qualified applicants without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, reproductive health decision-making, age, mental or physical disability, medical condition or AIDS/HIV status, ancestry, national origin, genetic information, military, veteran status, marital status, citizenship or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. If you would like more information about your EEO rights as an applicant, click here.
If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process at Marathon Petroleum LP, please contact our Human Resources Department at talentacquisition@marathonpetroleum.com. Please specify the reasonable accommodation you are requesting, along with the job posting number in which you may be interested. A Human Resources representative will review your request and contact you to discuss a reasonable accommodation. Marathon Petroleum offers a total rewards program which includes, but is not limited to, access to health, vision, and dental insurance, paid time off, 401k matching program, paid parental leave, and educational reimbursement. Detailed benefit information is available at mympcbenefits.com. The hired candidate will also be eligible for a discretionary company-sponsored annual bonus program.
Equal Opportunity Employer: Veteran / Disability
We will consider all qualified Applicants for employment, including those with arrest or conviction records, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws. In reviewing criminal history in connection with a conditional offer of employment, Marathon will consider the key responsibilities of the role.

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About Marathon Petroleum

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Marathon Petroleum Corporation, headquartered in Findlay, Ohio, US, is a leading independent petroleum refining, marketing, and transportation company. Their official website can be found at marathonpetroleum.com. The company, part of the energy sector, was established in 1887, making it one of the oldest petroleum companies in the US. It operates an integrated refining, marketing and transportation system concentrated primarily in the Midwest, Northeast, East Coast, Southeast and Gulf Coast of the United States. This includes refineries, pipelines, and terminals that process and transport crude oil and refined products.

Industry

Oil and gas extraction

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Findlay, OH, US

Year founded

1887

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