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Fractionation Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Grifols

Fractionation Technician - NFB (Nights)

Clayton, CA · On-site

$17.75 - $21.50/hr

Engineering * Mechanical aptitude * Computers * Various process equipment (i.e. Centrifuge ... Fractionation Tech II. Employee must receive a minimum of a meets expectations overall rating on ...

Energy Transfer

Process Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

NGL, fractionation, LPG export, amine, or cyro plant experience considered a plus Software Knowledge * Microsoft Products * Engineering Simulation Programs (ProMax; Hysys; etc.) Required experience ...

Energy transfer

Process Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

NGL, fractionation, LPG export, amine, or cyro plant experience considered a plus Software Knowledge * Microsoft Products * Engineering Simulation Programs (ProMax; Hysys; etc.) Required experience ...

Energy Transfer Partners, L.P.

NGL, fractionation, LPG export, amine, or cyro plant experience considered a plus Software ... The Engineer levelrequires a Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline and 3-6 years of ...

Audubon Companies

Process Engineer, Senior

Houston, TX · On-site

$100K - $130K/yr

... fractionation, and related midstream systems. This role develops process simulations, equipment ... The engineer serves as a subject matter expert, mentors' junior staff, coordinates with clients and ...

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Fractionation Engineer information

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$31K

$95.8K

$127.5K

How much do fractionation engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for fractionation engineer in the United States is $95,796.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $81,000.00 and $116,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a fractionation engineer?

Fractionation Engineers are specialized chemical engineers who design, operate, and optimize fractionation processes, which involve separating mixtures into their component parts based on differences in boiling points or other physical properties. They commonly work in industries such as oil and gas, petrochemicals, and chemical manufacturing, focusing on processes like distillation, extraction, and absorption. Their responsibilities include troubleshooting equipment, improving process efficiency, ensuring safety compliance, and supporting plant operations. Fractionation Engineers play a crucial role in maximizing product yield and quality while minimizing energy consumption and waste.

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

To excel as a Fractionation Engineer, you need a strong background in chemical engineering principles, process design, and operational troubleshooting, typically supported by a chemical engineering degree. Proficiency with process simulation software like Aspen HYSYS or CHEMCAD and familiarity with industry standards and safety protocols are crucial. Exceptional analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective teamwork skills set candidates apart in this field. These competencies are vital for optimizing fractionation processes, ensuring plant safety, and delivering efficient production outcomes.

What are some typical challenges a fractionation engineer faces when optimizing distillation column performance?

Fractionation Engineers often encounter challenges such as maintaining optimal separation efficiency, managing energy consumption, and troubleshooting column flooding or foaming issues. They must frequently analyze process data, adjust operating conditions, and coordinate with operations and maintenance teams to ensure the columns run safely and efficiently. Additionally, balancing production targets with equipment reliability requires strong problem-solving skills and clear communication with both technical and non-technical colleagues.

What is the difference between Fractionation Engineer vs Process Engineer?

AspectFractionation EngineerProcess Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Chemical Engineering, relevant certificationsBachelor's or higher in Chemical or Process Engineering, certifications may vary
Work EnvironmentRefineries, chemical plants, oil & gas facilitiesVarious industries including chemical, oil & gas, manufacturing
Industry UsageSpecialized in distillation and separation processesBroader process design and optimization roles

Fractionation Engineers focus specifically on distillation and separation processes within chemical and oil industries, requiring specialized knowledge. Process Engineers have a broader scope, working on overall process design and optimization across various industries. While both roles require chemical engineering credentials, Fractionation Engineers have more specialized expertise in separation techniques.

What are popular job titles related to Fractionation Engineer jobs?

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

Infographic showing various Fractionation Engineer job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 89% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $95,796 per year, or $46.1 per hour.

Principal Process Engineer - Fractionation

San Antonio, TX • On-site

Valero Energy
Oil and Gas Extraction • 5 - 10K employees
Learn more about Valero Energyexternal

Full-time

Re-posted 13 hours ago

Valero rating

5.9

Company rating: 5.9 out of 10

Based on 72 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Description
Valero is looking for a Principal Process Engineer - Fractionation to join the Process Optimization & Support team at the Valero Headquarters in San Antonio, Texas. The Principal Process Engineer - Fractionation serves as Fractionation Subject Matter Expert providing best in class support for refinery optimization and project support.
Responsibilities may also include:
  • Reports to Technology Advisor, Fractionation and Crude units
  • Supports day-to-day routine optimization and troubleshooting distillation and Crude and Vacuum unit issues across the Refinery sites as needed.
  • Provides higher level troubleshooting and debottlenecking capability.
  • Responds to refinery requests for assistance.
  • Provide technical leadership to further develop Valero's Process Chemical treatment program.
  • Assists plants with investigation and implementation of strategic projects.
  • Assists in the development and application of distillation and Crude and Vacuum unit technologies across the Refinery sites.
  • Stays abreast of emerging technology in in Distillation, Crude and Vacuum units.
  • Assists with establishing Key Processing "Best Practices" to improve profitability, including: operating conditions, feedstock processing, hardware change recommendations, monitoring process conditions, and unit performance reporting/comparison (benchmarking).
  • Supports capital development process in technology selection and front-end engineering as requested.
  • Conducts regular site visits to assist in evaluation, monitoring, troubleshooting, process design, performance tests, and optimization.
  • Conducts site visits during turnarounds/outages to assist with tower inspections, scope development, and solution evaluations.
  • Provides training for Valero early career engineers; Crude/Vacuum, Intro/Advanced Distillation, Intern, and selected onsite training (Operations support and Installation/Inspection).
  • Manages projects ranging from $50k - $5M.
  • Acts as primary contact with and monitors performance of Consultants, Vendors, Construction Contractors, and Subcontractors, etc. employed for the projects.
  • Communicates formally and informally to management at the refinery.
  • Develops and releases monthly Progress Reports.
  • Resolves technical/commercial/schedule issues and conflicts.
  • Controls project changes and directs communication with the refinery management regarding changes and change control.

This position is salaried exempt status, which means you are not eligible for overtime pay.
Qualifications
  • Bachelors of Science (B.S.) degree or higher degree in Chemical Engineering required.
  • 15 years of process engineering experience in a refining or petroleum industry, including field experience with startups and operating plant troubleshooting required.
  • Field experience in P&IDs review, Instrument Identification, Unit operations, and troubleshooting-data acquisition required.
  • Field experience in troubleshooting fractionating towers and separators and in optimization of operating distillation columns required.
  • Experience with process design of fractionating internals and their hydraulic ratings required.
  • Ability to quickly assess unit/tower/separator performance issues, arrive at actionable recommendations and provide clear communications to operations, refinery leadership and corporate leadership required.
  • Able and willing to work on-site, in-person at the Valero San Antonio location, required.
  • Strong written and presentation skills is highly preferred.
  • Experience in primary crude fractionation operation, including desalting and vacuum systems preferred.
  • Experience with leading unit startups, including revamps and new units preferred.

All successful candidates must be eligible to obtain a TWIC card (Transportation Worker Identification Credential). It is Valero's policy that employees must wear this card at all times while working at the refinery. Please review eligibility criteria at https://www.tsa.gov/for-industry/twic.
Position level and salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.
Valero's employees are the heart of its success, and there is a reason why the company is an employer of choice in the fuels manufacturing and marketing industry. It's not just the excellent benefits package, or the opportunities for personal growth, it's also the caring and committed culture of the organization that makes everyone feel like they're truly part of a team. For more information, visit Valero.com.
Valero is an EEO/AA Employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to legally protected status, including race/ethnicity, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, protected veteran or any other status protected by applicable federal, state or local laws.
Please be advised, if you are viewing this position on a website that lists an estimated salary rate/range, it was not provided by Valero. Valero's market specific salary rate/range will be provided during the recruiting process and tends to be higher than what is estimated by such websites.
*LI-LP1

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