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Entry Level Refinery Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Illumination Engineer Lead

Wheat Ridge, CO ยท On-site

$108K - $143K/yr

Open to considering candidates at the following skill levels: * Entry Level: Contributes to optical ... Develop optical designs using ray trace and simulation tools to evaluate and refine light ...

Illumination Engineer Lead

Wheat Ridge, CO

$108K - $143K/yr

Open to considering candidates at the following skill levels: * Entry Level: Contributes to optical ... Develop optical designs using ray trace and simulation tools to evaluate and refine light ...

Illumination Engineer Lead

Wheat Ridge, CO ยท On-site

$108K - $143K/yr

Open to considering candidates at the following skill levels: * Entry Level: Contributes to optical ... Develop optical designs using ray trace and simulation tools to evaluate and refine light ...

DevOps Engineer I (New Grad)

Denver, CO ยท On-site

$75K - $80K/yr

In this entry-level role, you'll work under the guidance of experienced DevOps professionals ... Work alongside senior team members to support and refine CI/CD pipelines using tools like GitHub ...

ECS/LDAR Technician

Denver, CO ยท On-site

$20.50 - $28.25/hr

... the refining, petrochemical, power, pipeline, aerospace, and other industrial sectors. We are ... Position Overview: TEAM is seeking an entry level person to assist in Leak Detection & Repair ...

Retail Key Holder

Fort Collins, CO ยท On-site

$18.03/hr

In this entry-level management role, you'll oversee daily operations, support sales goals, and help ... Whether you're looking to advance your Retail Manager career, refine your skills as a Key Holder ...

Retail Key Holder

Littleton, CO

$14.75 - $19.50/hr

In this entry-level management role, you'll oversee daily operations, support sales goals, and help ... Whether you're looking to advance your Retail Manager career, refine your skills as a Key Holder ...

Retail Key Holder

Littleton, CO ยท On-site

$14.75 - $19.50/hr

In this entry-level management role, you'll oversee daily operations, support sales goals, and help ... Whether you're looking to advance your Retail Manager career, refine your skills as a Key Holder ...

Retail Key Holder

Fort Collins, CO ยท On-site

$18.03/hr

In this entry-level management role, you'll oversee daily operations, support sales goals, and help ... Whether you're looking to advance your Retail Manager career, refine your skills as a Key Holder ...

Retail Key Holder

Fort Collins, CO ยท On-site

$18.03/hr

In this entry-level management role, you'll oversee daily operations, support sales goals, and help ... Whether you're looking to advance your Retail Manager career, refine your skills as a Key Holder ...

Retail Key Holder

Littleton, CO ยท On-site

$15 - $19.75/hr

In this entry-level management role, you'll oversee daily operations, support sales goals, and help ... Whether you're looking to advance your Retail Manager career, refine your skills as a Key Holder ...

... refining, petrochemical, utilities, pipeline, and other industrial sectors. We are committed to safety, innovation, and performance excellence. Position Overview: TEAM is seeking an entry level ...

Position Overview: TEAM is seeking an entry-level NDT Assistant to support our certified ... refinery or plant environment to include the ability to access elevated platforms via ladders and ...

Showing results 21-40

Entry Level Refinery information

What is an entry level refinery job?

Entry level refinery jobs are positions in oil refineries that require little to no prior industry experience. Typical roles include operator assistant, general laborer, maintenance helper, or technician trainee. These jobs involve supporting daily operations, maintaining equipment, assisting senior staff, and following strict safety procedures. Entry level roles provide hands-on training and are a common starting point for building a long-term career in the refining industry.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level refinery operator?

To thrive as an Entry Level Refinery Operator, you generally need a high school diploma or equivalent, basic mechanical aptitude, and an understanding of safety protocols. Familiarity with industrial equipment, process control systems, and, in some cases, OSHA safety certifications are typically required. Strong attention to detail, teamwork, and effective communication skills help you stand out in this role. These abilities are crucial for ensuring operational efficiency, maintaining safety standards, and supporting smooth refinery operations.

What are some common challenges faced by entry-level employees in a refinery, and how can they prepare for them?

Entry-level refinery workers may encounter challenges such as adapting to safety protocols, working in physically demanding environments, and learning to operate complex machinery. It's important to pay close attention during safety training and always follow established procedures to minimize risk. Building good communication with experienced team members and asking questions can help accelerate your learning curve. Over time, you'll gain confidence as you become more familiar with the refinery's processes and safety standards.

What is the difference between Entry Level Refinery vs Entry Level Chemical Operator?

AspectEntry Level RefineryEntry Level Chemical Operator
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; technical training or certifications preferredHigh school diploma or equivalent; technical certifications often beneficial
Work EnvironmentRefineries, industrial plants, manufacturing facilitiesChemical plants, manufacturing facilities, industrial environments
Employer & Industry UsageOil and gas industry, refining sectorChemical manufacturing, processing plants
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding entry-level roles in refineriesEntry-level roles in chemical processing

Both roles typically require similar educational backgrounds and certifications, and they operate in industrial environments. An Entry Level Refinery focuses on supporting refinery operations, while an Entry Level Chemical Operator is involved in chemical processing tasks. The roles are closely related, with overlapping skills and industry usage, but they differ slightly in specific job functions and industry terminology.

How to start working in an entry level refinery?

To start working as an entry-level refinery worker, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and may undergo on-the-job training. Relevant skills include safety awareness, basic mechanical knowledge, and the ability to work in a team environment; some positions may require certifications such as OSHA safety training. Applying through company job boards or staffing agencies and demonstrating a willingness to learn are common steps.

What are the most commonly searched types of Refinery jobs in Colorado?

The most popular types of Refinery jobs in Colorado are:

What cities in Colorado are hiring for Entry Level Refinery jobs?

Cities in Colorado with the most Entry Level Refinery job openings:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Refinery job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 55% Full Time, 42% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution.

Illumination Engineer Lead

Acuity, Inc.

Wheat Ridge, CO โ€ข On-site

$108K - $143K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 2 days ago


Job description

Acuity Inc. (NYSE: AYI) is a market-leading industrial technology company. We use technology to solve problems in spaces, light and more things to come. Through our two business segments, Acuity Brands Lighting (ABL) and Acuity Intelligent Spaces (AIS), we design, manufacture, and bring to market products and services that make a valuable difference in people's lives.
We achieve growth through the development of innovative new products and services, including lighting, lighting controls, building management solutions, and an audio, video and control platform. We focus on customer outcomes and drive growth and productivity to increase market share and deliver superior returns. We look to aggressively deploy capital to grow the business and to enter attractive new verticals.
Acuity Inc. is based in Atlanta, Georgia, with operations across North America, Europe and Asia. The Company is powered by approximately 13,000 dedicated and talented associates. Visit us at www.acuityinc.com.
Work location:
  • This position requires on-site presence in Wheat Ridge, CO, following a hybrid work model.

Job Summary
The Illumination Engineer is a core contributor to the Nexus team, Acuity Brands' lighting innovation group. This role focuses on early-stage illumination concepts, optical system design, and photometric analysis to translate customer problems and emerging trends into differentiated lighting solutions.
Operating at the front end of the product lifecycle, the role emphasizes optical exploration, performance discovery, and concept validation. The position collaborates closely with mechanical, electrical, industrial design, and product teams to shape concepts that can progress toward commercialization.
Open to considering candidates at the following skill levels:
  • Entry Level: Contributes to optical design, simulation, and analysis under guidance; develops foundational skills and supports concept development.
  • Senior Level: Independently drives optical concepts and analysis; owns key portions of projects and influences design direction.
  • Lead Level: Sets optical strategy, leads complex concept development, and influences long-term innovation direction across programs.

Key Tasks & Responsibilities (Essential Functions)
Invent Early-Stage Illumination Concepts
  • Collaboratively generate ideas for new products and develop those ideas into product concepts.
  • Translate customer needs, application requirements, and business objectives into illumination concepts and system-level performance targets.
  • Perform competitive analysis and market research to set project objectives and performance criteria

Optical Design & Simulation
  • Develop optical designs using ray trace and simulation tools to evaluate and refine light distribution, efficiency, glare, uniformity, and visual comfort.
  • Design optical architectures including lenses, reflectors, diffusers, and mixed systems.

Photometric Calculation & Analysis
  • Perform photometric calculations to quantify and set luminaire performance targets and application outcomes.
  • Interpret key metrics such as intensity, illuminance, luminance, uniformity, efficacy, and glare.

Prototype, Test, and Validate Concepts
  • Develop, build, and evaluate proof of concept prototypes and mockups using lab measurements and group visual review of subjective criteria
  • Correlate simulation results with measured performance.

Conduct Experiments & Design of Experiments (DoE)
  • Plan and execute experiments to explore materials, architectures, and system behaviors.
  • Use data to guide concept evolution and optimization.

Lead or Contribute to Innovation Activities
  • Participate in ideation sessions and innovation events.
  • Generate novel approaches to light delivery, visual experience, and system integration.

Research Technologies & Industry Trends
  • Monitor emerging optical technologies, research, standards, and competitors.
  • Identify opportunities for new illumination approaches.

Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Work with mechanical, electrical, controls, industrial design, manufacturing, sourcing, and product teams.
  • Balance performance, cost, manufacturability, and user experience.

Communicate Concepts and Tradeoffs
  • Develop clear presentations of optical concepts, simulations, test results, and tradeoffs.
  • Communicate effectively with technical and non-technical stakeholders how design decisions impact user experience and the lighting application.

Support Intellectual Property Development
  • Document innovations and support patent development efforts.

Support Broader Product Development Efforts
  • Provide optical expertise across projects, including reviews, benchmarking, application and product performance analysis.

Skills and Minimum Experience Required
Education
  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Optical Engineering, Illumination Engineering, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or related field

Experience (by level)
  • Entry Level: 0-3 years in illumination engineering, optics, or related fields
  • Senior Level: ~5-10 years of relevant experience with demonstrated ownership of optical design and analysis
  • Lead Level: 10+ years with experience leading complex optical development and influencing product direction

Technical Skills
  • Experience with optical simulation tools (e.g., Photopia, LightTools, or equivalent)
  • Experience with CAD and photometric tools (e.g., Visual, AGI32, Dialux, Rhino, Grasshopper, SolidWorks, or equivalents)
  • Knowledge of photometric analysis and lighting performance metrics
  • Experience with prototype development and validation

Additional Attributes
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Ability to collaborate across disciplines
  • Clear communication of complex technical concepts
  • Familiarity with lighting standards and measurement practices (preferred)
  • Experience with IP or patent processes (preferred)

The range for this position is $104,200.00 to $149,500. Placement within this range may vary, depending on the applicant's experience and geographic location. Acuity offers generous benefits including health care, dental coverage, vision plans, 401K benefits, and commissions/incentive compensation depending on the role. For a list of our benefits, click here.
We value diversity and are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regards to race, color, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, ethnicity or national origin, disability, pregnancy, religion, covered veteran status, protected genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Please click here and here for more information.
Accommodation for Applicants with Disabilities: As an equal opportunity employer, Acuity Inc. is committed to providing reasonable accommodations in its application process for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans. If you have difficulty using our online system due to a disability and need an accommodation, you may contact us at (770) 922-9000, select option 4. Please clearly indicate what type of accommodation you are requesting and for what requisition.
Any unsolicited resumes sent to Acuity Inc. from a third party, such as an Agency recruiter, including unsolicited resumes sent to an Acuity Inc. mailing address, fax machine or email address, directly to Acuity Inc. employees, or to Acuity Inc. resume database will be considered Acuity Inc. property. Acuity Inc. will NOT pay a fee for any placement resulting from the receipt of an unsolicited resume.
Acuity Inc. will consider any candidate for whom an Agency has submitted an unsolicited resume to have been referred by the Agency free of any charges or fees. This includes any Agency that is an approved/engaged vendor, but does not have the appropriate approvals to be engaged on a search.
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