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Refineries Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

Sr. Process Engineer

Tacoma, WA · On-site

$133K - $199K/yr

Provide technical support to refinery operating and maintenance personnel. * Perform and/or manage all phases of engineering projects from conceptual studies, process design, cost estimating ...

Sr. Process Engineer

Tacoma, WA · On-site

$111K - $143K/yr

Provide technical support to refinery operating and maintenance personnel. * Perform and/or manage all phases of engineering projects from conceptual studies, process design, cost estimating ...

Sales Development Lead

Seattle, WA · On-site

$60K - $80K/yr

We're hiring our first Sales Development Lead to own and refine top-of-funnel pipeline at an early-stage B2B startup selling to professional services firms (starting with legal and finance). This ...

Sales Development Lead

Seattle, WA · On-site

$60K - $80K/yr

We're hiring our first Sales Development Lead to own and refine top-of-funnel pipeline at an early-stage B2B startup selling to professional services firms (starting with legal and finance). This ...

Sales Development Lead

Seattle, WA · On-site

$60K - $80K/yr

We're hiring our first Sales Development Lead to own and refine top-of-funnel pipeline at an early-stage B2B startup selling to professional services firms (starting with legal and finance). This ...

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Showing results 1-20

Refineries information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$26.5K

$94.9K

$151.5K

How much do refineries jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for refineries in Seattle, WA is $94,925.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $74,679.00 and $122,842.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Refineries vs Chemical Plant Operators?

AspectRefineriesChemical Plant Operators
CredentialsHigh school diploma, technical training, certifications in refinery processesHigh school diploma, technical training, certifications in chemical operations
Work EnvironmentOil refineries, industrial plants, often outdoors or in hazardous conditionsChemical manufacturing plants, indoor and outdoor settings
Industry UsagePrimarily in oil and gas industryAcross chemical manufacturing sectors

Refineries and chemical plant operators share similar certifications and work environments, but refineries focus on processing crude oil into fuels, while chemical plant operators handle various chemical production processes. Both roles are essential in industrial settings and require technical expertise, but they serve different industry segments.

How to get into refinery work?

To work in a refinery, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with relevant technical training or certifications such as OSHA safety courses. Prior experience in industrial or manufacturing settings can be beneficial, and physical fitness is often required due to the demanding environment. Entry-level positions may be available through apprenticeships or direct applications to refinery companies.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in refineries, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in refineries often face challenges such as maintaining strict safety standards, managing complex equipment, and adapting to rapidly changing operational demands. Working in a refinery environment requires vigilance to prevent accidents, strong teamwork skills for coordinating with various departments, and the ability to troubleshoot technical issues under pressure. Continuous training, adherence to safety protocols, and open communication with colleagues are key strategies for overcoming these challenges and ensuring a safe, efficient work environment.

What jobs pay $500,000 a year in the US?

In the refinery industry, executive roles such as refinery managers, plant directors, and senior engineers can reach or exceed $500,000 annually, especially with bonuses and profit-sharing. These positions typically require extensive experience, advanced technical skills, and often involve overseeing large-scale operations in complex environments.

What kind of work do you do at a refinery?

Refinery workers perform tasks such as operating and maintaining equipment used to process crude oil into products like gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel. They monitor safety systems, conduct inspections, and follow strict safety protocols, often working in shifts within a complex industrial environment. Technical skills, safety training, and sometimes certifications are essential for these roles.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

Refinery operators and supervisors can earn around $4,000 or more per week through experience and overtime, often without requiring a college degree but needing technical training and certifications. Skilled trades such as pipefitters, electricians, and maintenance technicians in the oil and gas industry also have the potential to reach this income level with experience. These roles typically involve working in industrial environments, often with shift work and safety training requirements.

What are refineries?

Refineries are industrial facilities where raw materials like crude oil are processed and transformed into usable products such as gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, heating oil, and petrochemicals. The refining process involves separating, converting, and purifying the various components found in crude oil through methods like distillation, cracking, and treatment. Refineries play a crucial role in the energy supply chain, providing essential fuels and materials for transportation, manufacturing, and daily life. They operate under strict safety and environmental regulations to minimize their impact on people and the environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Refinery Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Refinery Operator, you need a solid understanding of chemical processes, mechanical aptitude, and typically a high school diploma or relevant technical training. Familiarity with distributed control systems (DCS), process monitoring software, and adherence to safety protocols is crucial. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication help operators excel in dynamic team environments. These skills are vital to ensure the safe, efficient, and compliant operation of complex refinery processes.
What are popular job titles related to Refineries jobs in Seattle, WA? For Refineries jobs in Seattle, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Refineries jobs in Seattle, WA look for? The top searched job categories for Refineries jobs in Seattle, WA are:
What cities near Seattle, WA are hiring for Refineries jobs? Cities near Seattle, WA with the most Refineries job openings:
Sr. Process Engineer

Sr. Process Engineer

Par Pacific

Tacoma, WA • On-site

$133K - $199K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 22 days ago


Par Pacific rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

22nd of 75 rated oil and gas companies


Job description

Job Title: Senior Process Engineer.
The Opportunity:
  • Senior Process Engineer at a Growth-Oriented Energy Company.
  • Enjoy exposure to Senior Management while providing technical engineering support to refining production.
  • Work with a team that includes other engineers specializing in various disciplines to provide process design, process control, and technical support for refinery operations and engineering projects. Areas of support will include crude distillation, hydrotreating, naphtha reforming, isomerization, asphalt blending, sulfur recovery units and refinery utility systems.
  • Expand your skills and experience in a broad role that includes process improvements, capital projects and operational support across all areas of business operations.
  • With a relaxed and results-oriented culture that values work/life balance, we have a high number of long-tenured employees who are flexible at peak times, but overall enjoy reasonable hours.

Reporting to the Process and Controls Supervisor, you will be providing exemplary customer service to our clients. As part of your specific responsibilities, in the following areas, you will:
  • Provide technical support and build/maintain internal partnering relationships with other refinery departments such as Operations, Maintenance, Environmental, Safety, and the Laboratory as well as across Par Pacific’s other refinery locations.
  • Perform process design associated with refinery improvements.
  • Provide technical support to refinery operating and maintenance personnel.
  • Perform and/or manage all phases of engineering projects from conceptual studies, process design, cost estimating, detailed engineering, procurement, construction, through startup.
  • Identify and develop refinery improvement projects.
  • Develop economic justification for refinery improvements.
  • Make recommendations for modifications to improve refinery operations.
  • Prepare engineering specifications including instrument specifications, equipment specifications, construction specifications and bid packages.
  • Assist with design and implementation of new distributed control systems (DCSs).
  • Perform process optimization studies.
  • Participate in process hazard analyses.
  • Administer and/or manage assigned refinery engineering/inspection programs.
  • Perform equipment inspections.
  • Solicit and evaluate bids for equipment and construction.
  • Monitor and evaluate process unit performance.
  • Utilize simulation software to identify and debottleneck unit constraints.

The Qualifications:
To meet the basic qualification for this role, you will have legal authorization to work permanently in the United States for any employer without requiring a visa transfer or visa sponsorship. To be a good fit for the Senior Process Engineer opportunity, you will have:
  • High School Diploma or GED required.
  • Bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering is required.
  • 5+ years of experience in oil refining is required. Experience in distillation, fluid hydraulics, and heat transfer is required. Experience in catalytic/conversion units is preferred but not required.
  • Strengths in process design/simulation and project management are strongly preferred.
  • The ability to independently evaluate, select and apply standard engineering techniques and procedures.
  • Self-motivation and a strong sense of ownership and follow-through.
  • The ability to achieve goals independently and also contribute as a team player.
  • Demonstrated problem-solving skills.
  • Strong organizational and prioritization abilities.
  • Good oral and written communication skills.

Note: This description is intended to give you a general overview of the position and is not an exhaustive listing of duties and responsibilities.
About Us:
At Par Pacific, we own and operate market-leading energy and infrastructure businesses in logistically complex markets. We have built a team of oil and gas industry veterans and subject matter experts to lead our organization with an entrepreneurial spirit and a collaborative, problem solving approach. We bring our diverse strengths and motivation to complex markets where we seek out diamonds in the rough. As a nimble, growing organization, we actively pursue new opportunities with corporate financing know-how, respond to local market demands, and adapt to changing external environments.
More Good Reasons to work for Par:
Unique Culture:
  • There is nothing ordinary about Par Pacific -- a niche player in the energy space that operates in logistically complex markets. And there's certainly nothing ordinary about Par Pacific people. We are driven, hardworking, entrepreneur-minded professionals that love to win. If that describes you, you'll fit right in.
Location, Location, Location:
  • Because Par Pacific is located in some of the most beautiful places throughout the country, our employees get to make these places their home and enrich their lives. The refinery where you’ll work is in the Port of Tacoma, Washington nestled against Commencement Bay and the South Puget Sound with sweeping views of Mt. Rainier.
Opportunistic Growth Strategy:
  • At Par Pacific, we look for operations with strong fundamentals and great employees who can move a business forward. Our management team has deep experience in the energy industry, as well as in leading mergers, acquisitions, and integrations of newly acquired companies.
Excellent Compensation:
  • In addition to a competitive salary, we offer a strong comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental and vision insurance; a robust allotment of paid time off; a 401(k) with company match; retirement savings plans; educational reimbursement; and more. Employees can also purchase pure gasoline at street prices.

Hiring Range:
$133,105- $199,658 per year.
Benefits:
Full-time employees (and their families) are offered medical (with prescription), dental, vision, voluntary critical illness, accident, life/AD&D insurance, Health Savings Account, Flexible Spending Account. Employees can enroll in our company’s 401k plan and are able to purchase company stock at discounted prices. Salaried employees are eligible for Unlimited Paid Time Off and have twelve paid holidays throughout the calendar year.
Other Compensation:
Employee is eligible for an annual incentive program targeted as 15% of annual pay based upon both company financial performance and individual performance to goals.
Keys to Success:
We are looking for a highly motivated, self-starter with a positive attitude. Candidates should have a natural thirst for knowledge and curiosity to drive personal and professional development. In addition, in order to be a successful Senior Process Engineer, you will:
  • Effectively combine your process engineering expertise with solid project management skills.
  • Remain flexible as priorities change but keep a sharp eye on deadlines and responsibilities.
  • Keep a calm head in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.
  • Combine analytical skills and creativity in solving problems.
  • Ability to drive change and help others adopt improvements. Your role and the company will continue to evolve, so you'll need to be adaptable.
  • Bring an action orientation and a strong work ethic.

Our Headquarters:
Par Pacific Holdings, Inc., based in Houston, Texas, owns, manages and maintains interests in energy and infrastructure businesses. We are a growing energy company focused on renewable and conventional fuels in the Western United States. Par Pacific also owns 46% of Laramie Energy, LLC, a natural gas production company with operations and assets concentrated in Western Colorado.  Our common stock is publicly traded on the NYSE under the trading symbol "PARR".
Our Refineries and Logistics Operations: 
We own and operate refineries in Hawaii, Montana, Washington, and Wyoming, with total operating throughput capacity of over 218 Mbpd. Par Pacific owns and operates one of the largest energy networks in Hawaii with 94,000 bpd of operating refining capacity, a logistics system supplying the major islands of the state and 90 retail locations. In the Pacific Northwest and the Rockies, Par Pacific owns and operates 124,000 bpd of combined refining capacity, related multimodal logistics systems.
Our Retail Operations:
We own and operate 90 retail locations in Hawaii under the Hele and 76 brands and 33 retail locations in Washington and Idaho under the nomnom brand.
Par Pacific is an equal opportunity employer:
Par Pacific prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type and affords equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information or any other status protected by applicable law.
Note: Par Pacific will not accept calls from third-party recruiters. All candidates are required to apply through this web posting.

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