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Control Engineer Refinery Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Automationtechies

Control Systems Engineer

Billings, MT · On-site

Refining / Process Manufacturing Are you a Control Systems Engineer who wants to take ownership of critical refinery automation systems and play a key role in a major DCS modernization project? Our ...

Automationtechies

Control Systems Engineer

Billings, MT · On-site

Refining / Process Manufacturing Are you a Control Systems Engineer who wants to take ownership of critical refinery automation systems and play a key role in a major DCS modernization project? Our ...

Chevron

Process Control Engineer

Richmond, CA · On-site

$120K - $237K/yr

A Process Control Engineer designs, implements, and maintains multivariable control applications ... Individual reports to the Process Control Team Leader within the refinery. Responsibilities for ...

Airswift

Process Control Engineer

Westlake, LA · On-site

Lake Charles, LA Position Overview Airswift is recruiting for a Process Control Engineer opportunity with a manufacturing facility environment in the refinery and petrochemical sector. This Process ...

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Control Engineer Refinery information

See salary details

$77K

$88.4K

$98K

How much do control engineer refinery jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for control engineer refinery in the United States is $88,400.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $83,000.00 and $94,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a control engineer refinery?

A Control Engineer in a refinery is responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining systems that automate and regulate processes within the plant. Their work ensures that machinery and chemical processes operate safely, efficiently, and within specified parameters. They often program and troubleshoot control systems such as Distributed Control Systems (DCS) and Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC), monitor process data, and collaborate with operations and maintenance teams to optimize performance. Additionally, they play a vital role in safety management by ensuring all automated controls comply with industry standards and regulations.

What are some common challenges faced by a control engineer refinery?

Control Engineers in refineries often encounter challenges such as maintaining process stability in complex and dynamic systems, integrating new automation technologies with legacy equipment, and troubleshooting unexpected process upsets. These professionals must work closely with operations, maintenance, and safety teams to ensure optimal plant performance while adhering to strict safety and environmental regulations. Staying updated on the latest control strategies and effectively communicating technical solutions to cross-functional teams are also key aspects of the role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a control engineer refinery?

To thrive as a Control Engineer in a refinery, you need a solid background in process control, instrumentation, and chemical or electrical engineering, often supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with Distributed Control Systems (DCS), Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC), and industry certifications like ISA or Six Sigma is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication help you collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and respond quickly to operational challenges. These skills are crucial for ensuring safe, efficient, and reliable refinery operations while optimizing process performance.

What is the difference between Control Engineer Refinery vs Control Engineer Petrochemical?

AspectControl Engineer RefineryControl Engineer Petrochemical
CredentialsBachelor's in Engineering, certifications like PLC or DCSBachelor's in Engineering, similar certifications
Work EnvironmentRefinery plants, oil processing facilitiesPetrochemical plants, chemical processing facilities
Industry UsageOil refining industryChemical and petrochemical industry
Job FocusRefining processes, safety, and efficiency of oil productsChemical production, process control of petrochemicals

Control Engineer Refinery and Control Engineer Petrochemical roles share similar credentials and work environments, focusing on process control and safety. The main difference lies in their industry focus: refineries handle oil refining, while petrochemical engineers work with chemical production. Both roles require technical skills in PLC, DCS, and instrumentation, making them closely related career paths.

Are control engineers in high demand?

Control engineers in refinery settings are in high demand due to the need for automation, process optimization, and safety systems. They typically require knowledge of PLCs, DCS, and control system design, and job opportunities are strong in the energy and manufacturing sectors.

What are popular job titles related to Control Engineer Refinery jobs?

For Control Engineer Refinery jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Control Engineer Refinery job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $88,400 per year, or $42.5 per hour.

Project Engineer - Refinery

Lemont, IL

Sterling Engineering Inc.
See more jobs at Sterling Engineering Inc.external

$50 - $80/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago

Job description

Title: Project Engineer - Refinery
Location: Lemont, IL
Shift: 1st Shift
Hire Type: Long Term Open-Ended Contract (Multi-Year, No End Date)
Pay Rate: $50-80 per hour
Compensation & Benefits
As a contract employee of Sterling Engineering, you'll receive a full, competitive benefits package, including:
  • Three Medical Plan Options
  • Dental & Vision Coverage
  • 401(k) Retirement Plan
  • Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
  • Paid Time Off & Paid Holidays
This is an excellent opportunity for an engineer who enjoys owning projects from initial scope development through construction, commissioning, and startup. You'll work alongside multidisciplinary engineering, operations, construction, reliability, and process teams while gaining valuable experience with capital project execution, cost management, safety, and large-scale industrial infrastructure.
If you're looking for a role where you can take real ownership of projects, work with experienced technical teams, and see your engineering decisions implemented in the field, this is an excellent opportunity.

Key Responsibilities
  • Plan, organize, and execute assigned capital projects from scope development through commissioning and startup
  • Develop and maintain project scope, budgets, schedules, cost forecasts, and performance objectives
  • Coordinate multidisciplinary project teams including Process Engineering, Electrical/Instrumentation, Reliability, Operations, Construction, and other technical groups
  • Monitor project costs, cash flow, schedules, and overall project performance
  • Manage project change orders and maintain effective scope and cost control
  • Oversee outside engineering resources, contractors, and material quality requirements
  • Execute detailed engineering design activities and support major equipment and material purchases
  • Develop and maintain project documentation in accordance with established stage-gate processes
  • Lead the Management of Change (MOC) process for assigned projects
  • Lead Pre-Start-up Safety Reviews (PSSRs) to ensure projects are safely prepared for startup
  • Support construction, commissioning, and startup activities to verify proper installation and project requirements
  • Ensure projects meet safety, quality, environmental, regulatory, cost, schedule, and performance objectives
Qualifications
  • Must have a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, or related engineering discipline
  • Must have 5+ years of Project Engineering experience in a petroleum or chemical refinery 
  • Experience managing engineering or capital projects from concept through execution
  • Strong understanding of project scope, cost, scheduling, and change management
  • Ability to work effectively with multidisciplinary engineering and operations teams
Preferred Qualifications
  • Familiarity with PV Elite and/or CAESAR II
  • Familiarity with industry codes such as ASME Section XIII and ASME B31.3
  • Any responsibility for directly reviewing or actually doing pipe stress or pressure vessel analysis
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.