Entry Level Petroleum Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Job Title: Process Engineer (Chemical)

Job Description

This role offers an excellent opportunity for an entry-level engineer to gain comprehensive industry experience in a petroleum pilot plant environment. The process engineer will compile and analyze operational data, generate detailed reports, support lab-scale chemical and petroleum experiments, and actively participate in the design and operation of pilot plant equipment. The position combines technical analysis, hands-on mechanical work, and collaboration with plant operators to bring process designs from concept through to operation.

Responsibilities

• Compile and process data from petroleum pilot plant runs and transform findings into clear, accurate reports using MS Office tools.
• Build, maintain, and refine report templates and documentation for pilot plant operations and test campaigns.
• Work closely with plant operators to generate product blends and ensure that blends meet specified process and quality requirements.
• Utilize Autoplant and CAD tools to support process design activities, including layout, equipment configuration, and documentation.
• Support projects by executing chemical and petroleum lab-scale experiments, including planning, setup, operation, and documentation of test procedures.
• Perform buildup and setup of test equipment, ensuring proper installation, calibration, and readiness for pilot plant and laboratory testing.
• Compile, analyze, and report test data, highlighting key performance indicators, trends, and recommendations for process improvements.
• Participate in day-to-day operation of the chemical pilot plant, including monitoring equipment, adjusting process parameters, and ensuring safe and efficient operation.
• Troubleshoot process and equipment issues in the pilot plant, identifying root causes and implementing corrective actions.
• Assist with installation of new equipment and modifications, including mechanical assembly, piping, and instrumentation based on P&ID and BOM documentation.
• Support maintenance and turnaround activities by inspecting equipment, coordinating repairs, and ensuring timely completion of maintenance tasks.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of safety procedures and operating instructions for pilot plant and laboratory operations.
• Prepare samples for analysis, following established protocols and ensuring accurate labeling, handling, and documentation.
• Perform cleanup and housekeeping activities in the plant and laboratory to maintain a safe and organized work environment.
• Work regularly with pumps, heat trace systems, high-temperature oils, drum heaters, and various chemicals in support of pilot plant operations.
• Lead operators on shifts by providing direction, clarifying tasks, and supporting safe and efficient execution of operating procedures.
• Perform thermodynamic and heat transfer calculations to support process design, equipment sizing, and performance evaluation.
• Apply fluid flow and equipment sizing principles to support the design and optimization of process systems.
• Use P&ID and BOM documentation to understand process configurations, guide equipment installation, and verify system completeness.
• Multi-task effectively, balancing analytical work such as simulations and calculations with hands-on mechanical tasks in the plant.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical, Petroleum, or Mechanical Engineering.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and willingness to perform hands-on work with process equipment, including pumps, heat trace systems, high-temperature oils, drum heaters, and related components.
• Ability to perform thermodynamic calculations and apply heat transfer and fluid flow principles in process design and analysis.
• Proficiency with MS Office Suite, including Excel, for data compilation, analysis, and report generation.
• Familiarity with Autocad and Autoplant for process design, equipment layout, and documentation.
• Academic experience in chemical engineering and chemical manufacturing processes.
• Understanding of P&ID (Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams) for interpreting process systems and guiding equipment installation.
• Ability to work flexible shift schedules as required by pilot plant operations.
• Strong troubleshooting skills for identifying and resolving process and equipment issues.
• Capability to multi-task effectively, managing both analytical and mechanical responsibilities in a dynamic environment.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with Solidworks for mechanical and equipment design is preferred.
• Exposure to simulation tools and methods for modeling chemical and petroleum processes is beneficial.
• Knowledge of equipment sizing methods for pumps and other process equipment is advantageous.
• Comfort working with BOM (Bill of Materials) documentation to support equipment specification and installation.
• Prior experience in a pilot plant, refinery, or chemical manufacturing environment is a plus.
• Strong communication skills for collaborating with operators and cross-functional teams and for documenting procedures and results.
• Attention to detail in data collection, reporting, and adherence to safety and operating procedures.
• Interest in seeing process designs progress from concept through implementation and operation in a real plant setting.

Work Environment

The role operates in both desk and plant/refinery settings, offering a mix of office-based analytical work and hands-on activities in a chemical pilot plant. Time in the office will focus on data analysis, report generation, and design work using MS Office, Autocad, Autoplant, and Solidworks. Time in the plant will involve working around pumps, heat trace systems, high-temperature oils, drum heaters, and various chemicals, as well as participating in equipment installation, maintenance, and turnaround activities. The position requires flexibility for shift work to support continuous pilot plant operations. The environment emphasizes safety, practical problem-solving, and collaboration with operators, providing an opportunity to see engineering designs come to life in an operational facility. Benefits include holiday pay, paid time off, and access to additional benefits.

This is a Contract position based out of San Antonio, TX.

The pay range for this position is $34.00 - $38.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in San Antonio,TX.

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 1, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.