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Refinery Electrical Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Electrical Engineer

Paulsboro, NJ · On-site

$97K - $147K/yr

Provides technical support for the maintenance, operation, and troubleshooting of the refinery's electrical systems and equipment (including low, medium, and high voltage electrical equipment)

Provides technical support for the maintenance, operation, and troubleshooting of the refinery's electrical systems and equipment (including low, medium, and high voltage electrical equipment)

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Refinery Electrical information

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$15

$34

$48

How much do refinery electrical jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for refinery electrical in the United States is $34.94, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $27.16 and $40.87 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do oil rig electricians make?

Oil rig electricians, who install and maintain electrical systems on offshore platforms, typically earn between $70,000 and $120,000 annually, depending on experience, certifications, and location. They often work long shifts in challenging environments and require specialized safety training and certifications such as OSHA and CPR.

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

To excel as a Refinery Electrical Technician, you typically need a solid background in electrical systems, troubleshooting, and maintenance, supported by a relevant technical diploma or journeyman certification. Familiarity with programmable logic controllers (PLCs), motor control systems, and industrial safety standards is crucial. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication help technicians identify issues quickly and work safely within a team. These competencies ensure safe, efficient refinery operations and minimize costly downtime due to electrical failures.

What is the difference between Refinery Electrical vs Refinery Maintenance Electrician?

AspectRefinery ElectricalRefinery Maintenance Electrician
CertificationsElectrical licenses, OSHA safety trainingElectrical licenses, OSHA safety training
Work EnvironmentPower distribution, control systems, plant-wide electrical systemsMaintaining and repairing electrical equipment on-site
Employer & Industry UsageOil refineries, petrochemical plantsOil refineries, petrochemical plants
Common Search & ComparisonElectrical roles in refineriesElectrician roles in refineries

Refinery Electrical professionals focus on designing, installing, and maintaining electrical systems across the refinery, often working on power distribution and control systems. Refinery Maintenance Electricians primarily perform repairs and routine maintenance on electrical equipment. Both roles require similar certifications and work in the same industry environment, but their responsibilities differ in scope and focus.

What does a Refinery Electrical technician do?

A Refinery Electrical technician is responsible for installing, maintaining, and repairing electrical systems and equipment within a refinery. Their work ensures that all electrical components, such as motors, transformers, and control systems, operate safely and efficiently. They also troubleshoot electrical issues, follow safety protocols, and support plant operations by minimizing downtime. These technicians often work closely with engineers and other maintenance staff to ensure compliance with industry standards and regulations.

What are some common challenges faced by electrical professionals in a refinery setting, and how are they typically addressed?

Electrical professionals in refineries often encounter challenges such as working with high-voltage equipment, troubleshooting complex control systems, and maintaining safety in hazardous environments. These challenges are addressed through rigorous safety training, adherence to strict protocols, and ongoing collaboration with instrumentation and process teams. Regular preventive maintenance and clear communication with operations staff are also crucial for minimizing downtime and ensuring compliance with industry standards.
More about Refinery Electrical jobs
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What states have the most Refinery Electrical jobs? States with the most job openings for Refinery Electrical jobs include:

Senior Electrical Power Engineer

CPC and Associates

Martinez, CA

$125K - $163K/yr

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

POSITION OVERVIEW

Our client is seeking a Sr. Electrical (Power) Engineer to support the reliability, integrity, and performance of critical refinery electrical systems and power infrastructure.

This is a high-impact engineering role focused on maintaining safe and reliable refinery operations through hands-on troubleshooting, electrical system optimization, and long-term reliability planning. The successful candidate will work closely with Electrical Inspectors, Operations, Maintenance, and Engineering teams to support medium- and low-voltage distribution systems, rotating electrical equipment, and a 98.5MW cogeneration facility.

The role offers broad technical exposure across refinery operations and is ideal for an engineer who thrives in a fast-paced industrial environment where safety, reliability, and operational excellence are top priorities.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Champion a strong Goal Zero safety culture while ensuring compliance with NFPA, OSHA, NEC, IEEE, API, and refinery electrical safety standards
  • Provide technical support for refinery electrical distribution systems including 15kV, 4160V, 2300V, and 480V infrastructure
  • Support the reliability and maintenance of motors, switchgear, relays, transformers, breakers, VFDs, starters, and associated electrical equipment
  • Troubleshoot complex electrical issues and lead root cause failure analysis (RCFA) efforts to eliminate repeat failures
  • Develop electrical reliability improvement plans, infrastructure upgrades, capital projects, and turnaround work scopes
  • Review and develop switching procedures, preventive maintenance strategies, and Management of Change (MOC) documentation
  • Support field commissioning, startup activities, outage execution, and refinery turnaround events
  • Collaborate closely with Operations, Maintenance, and craft personnel to improve equipment reliability and operational performance
  • Support power system studies and electrical system analysis including load flow, short circuit, coordination, motor starting, and arc flash analysis
  • Provide technical support across refinery production units, utility systems, electrical distribution networks, and cogeneration operations
QUALIFICATIONS
  • Bachelors degree in Electrical Engineering from an accredited institution
  • 5+ years of experience in refinery, petrochemical, power generation, or heavy industrial electrical engineering environments
  • Strong understanding of industrial electrical systems, power distribution, and electrical equipment maintenance and reliability
  • Working knowledge of IEEE, API, NEMA, NFPA, and NEC standards
  • Experience troubleshooting complex industrial electrical systems and supporting field execution activities
  • Familiarity with switchgear, motors, transformers, relays, UPS systems, generators, heat tracing, and protective systems
  • Exposure to power system studies including arc flash, coordination, load flow, and short circuit analysis preferred
  • Experience with SKM, relay programming, one-line drawings, and hazardous area classification is a plus
  • Willingness to support turnarounds, outages, and on-call refinery support rotations
  • Valid drivers license required
  • TWIC card required or ability to obtain prior to start
  • Must be legally authorized to work in the United States