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Refinery Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

CHS, Inc.

Process Engineer - Oil Refinery

Laurel, MT · On-site

Summary CHS, Inc. has an exciting opportunity at our Oil Refinery facility in Laurel, MT . We are looking for an Process Engineer to work with a team to prepare designs, specifications, start-up ...

CHS, Inc.

Process Engineer - Oil Refinery

Laurel, MT · On-site

Summary CHS, Inc. has an exciting opportunity at our Oil Refinery facility in Laurel, MT . We are looking for an Process Engineer to work with a team to prepare designs, specifications, start-up ...

America At Work

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Ferndale, WA · Hybrid

$115K - $145K/yr

We are seeking an experienced Senior Mechanical Engineer with expertise in process piping, fixed equipment, refinery mechanical systems, and industrial facilities to join a highly respected ...

America At Work

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Ferndale, WA · Hybrid

$115K - $145K/yr

We are seeking an experienced Senior Mechanical Engineer with expertise in process piping, fixed equipment, refinery mechanical systems, and industrial facilities to join a highly respected ...

CHS, Inc.

Process Engineer - Oil Refinery

Mcpherson, KS · On-site

We are looking for a Process Engineer to work in the daily monitoring and optimization of refinery process units. You must be a detail-oriented, results-driven individual with a commitment to quality ...

Twin Rivers Technologies.

Refinery Operator

Quincy, MA · On-site

$22 - $26/hr

A Refinery Technician mans a computerized control system on one or more of the refinery systems ... Support and participate in Maintenance and Engineering teams problems. * Perform Lockout Tag Out ...

Twin Rivers Technologies.

Refinery Operator

Quincy, MA · On-site

$22 - $26/hr

A Refinery Technician mans a computerized control system on one or more of the refinery systems ... Support and participate in Maintenance and Engineering teams problems. * Perform Lockout Tag Out ...

Johnson Matthey

Process Engineer, Refinery

Deptford, NJ · On-site

$84K - $86K/yr

At Johnson Matthey's West Deptford, NJ facility, Process Engineers report to the Refinery Process Engineering Lead providing day-to-day engineering support to ensure safe and efficient operations.

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Refinery Engineer information

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$59.5K

$111.6K

$203K

How much do refinery engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for refinery engineer in the United States is $111,632.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $80,500.00 and $132,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a refinery engineer?

Refinery Engineers are professionals who design, operate, and optimize processes in oil refineries to convert crude oil into usable products such as gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel. They are responsible for ensuring the efficiency, safety, and environmental compliance of refinery operations. Their duties often include troubleshooting equipment, improving process performance, and implementing new technologies to maximize output and minimize waste. Refinery Engineers typically have a background in chemical or process engineering and work closely with other engineers, operators, and maintenance personnel.

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

To thrive as a Refinery Engineer, you need a solid background in chemical or mechanical engineering, process optimization, and safety standards, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with process simulation software (such as Aspen HYSYS), industry regulations, and certifications like Professional Engineer (PE) licensure are commonly expected. Strong problem-solving, teamwork, and effective communication skills set outstanding engineers apart in managing complex operations. These abilities are crucial for ensuring safe, efficient, and cost-effective refinery performance in a highly regulated industry.

What are some typical challenges refinery engineers face when working on process optimization projects?

Refinery Engineers often encounter challenges such as balancing process efficiency with safety and environmental regulations, integrating new technologies with legacy systems, and troubleshooting complex process issues. Coordinating with multidisciplinary teams—like operations, maintenance, and environmental compliance—is essential to ensure changes are practical and sustainable. Adaptability and strong communication skills are key, as process optimization projects can involve shifting priorities and tight deadlines.

What is the difference between Refinery Engineer vs Process Engineer?

AspectRefinery EngineerProcess Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Chemical, Mechanical, or Petroleum Engineering; Professional Engineer (PE) license often preferredBachelor's in Chemical, Mechanical, or Industrial Engineering; PE license optional
Work EnvironmentRefineries, petrochemical plants, industrial facilitiesManufacturing plants, chemical processing facilities, industrial settings
Industry UsagePrimarily in oil refining and petrochemical industriesBroader across manufacturing, chemical, and process industries

Refinery Engineers focus specifically on oil refining processes, safety, and optimization within refineries, while Process Engineers work across various industries to improve manufacturing processes. Both roles require similar technical skills and credentials but differ mainly in industry focus and work environment.

What does a refinery engineer do?

A refinery engineer designs, develops, and oversees the processes used to convert crude oil into usable products like gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel. They monitor equipment, optimize operations for safety and efficiency, and ensure compliance with environmental regulations, often using control systems and requiring technical certifications. Their work environment is typically a refinery or chemical plant, and they may work shifts to maintain continuous operations.
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Cities with the most Refinery Engineer job openings:

What states have the most Refinery Engineer jobs?

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What job categories do people searching Refinery Engineer jobs look for?

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Refinery Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Refinery Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $111,632 per year, or $53.7 per hour.

Process Engineer - Oil Refinery

CHS, Inc.

Laurel, MT • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago

CHS Inc. rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 35 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

36th of 366 rated logistics

Job description

CHS Inc. is a leading global agribusiness owned by farmers, ranchers and cooperatives across the United States that provides grain, food and energy resources to businesses and consumers around the world. We serve agriculture customers and consumers across the United States and around the world. Most of our employees are in the United States, but today we have employees in 19 countries. At CHS, we are creating connections to empower agriculture.
Summary
CHS, Inc. has an exciting opportunity at our Oil Refinery facility in Laurel, MT. We are looking for an Process Engineer to work with a team to prepare designs, specifications, start-up assistance, and support for refinery. You must be a detail-oriented, results-driven individual with a commitment to quality, accuracy, and the ability to organize and prioritize workloads to meet deadlines. Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, with a strong commitment to customer service and the ability to work in both a team environment and in self-directed tasks are necessary.
Responsibilities
  • Support engineering efforts related to facility design, process control strategies, and day-to-day unit operations.
  • Review and maintain Piping & Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs), including field verification and updates.
  • Assist in diagnosing and resolving plant issues using engineering principles and established methodologies.
  • Develop and implement technical solutions that enhance safety, environmental compliance, reliability, and economic performance.
  • Prepare and deliver detailed technical reports, including catalyst performance tracking, energy/mass balances, and feed/product specification analyses.
  • Support design evaluations, unit modifications, and resolution of operational constraints using chemical engineering principles.
  • Participate in reviews of process and equipment design packages from internal teams and external engineering firms.
  • Support engineering projects through coordination, planning, and implementation activities.
  • Participate in Management of Change (MOC), Process Hazard Analysis (PHA), and Process Safety Management (PSM) audits; complete assigned safety actions.
  • Collaborate with catalyst and chemical vendors to monitor performance and recommend optimal solutions for improved profitability and efficiency.
  • Promote a culture of open communication, problem-solving, and technical stewardship across teams.
  • Monitor equipment performance, conduct failure analyses, and recommend corrective actions.
  • Support compliance with applicable regulatory requirements, industry codes, and Refinery Engineering Practices.
  • Apply industrial safety practices during fieldwork and identify opportunities for process and performance enhancements.
  • Develop cross-disciplinary engineering knowledge and collaborate effectively across refinery functions.
  • Specify and troubleshoot instrumentation systems, including transmitters, analyzers, control valves, and on/off valves.
  • Support refinery turnaround planning and execution, including major maintenance events.
  • Perform additional duties as assigned to support refinery operations and strategic initiatives.

Minimum Qualifications (required)
  • Bachelor's degree in chemical engineering or a closely related engineering discipline.
  • 2+ years of experience in process engineering, refinery operations, chemical manufacturing, or related engineering work; relevant internship or co-op experience may be considered.

Additional Qualifications
  • Ability to apply engineering fundamentals, perform calculations and data analysis, and support troubleshooting of assigned process issues.
  • Able to work independently on assigned tasks while seeking guidance when needed.
  • Strong communication, organization, and teamwork skills, with the ability to support field work in an operating refinery environment.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, especially Excel, Word, Outlook, and data analysis tools.
  • Familiarity with refinery unit operations, thermodynamics, heat and material balances, process safety, and process control concepts.
  • Working knowledge of Management of Change (MOC), Process Hazard Analysis (PHA), Process Safety Management (PSM), and refinery safety practices.
  • Exposure to process simulation, historian, or data visualization tools such as Aspen HYSYS, Aspen Plus, PI, IP.21, or similar applications.
  • Familiarity with P&IDs, process equipment, instrumentation, engineering standards, specifications, industry codes, and refinery engineering practices.

Pre-employment screening is based on the job requirements and industry guidelines and may or may not be required for the position. If required, selected candidates must pass pre-employment screenings to include all or a combination of drug, criminal, motor vehicle check, physical requirements and FMCSA Clearinghouse.
Physical Requirements
  • Must be able to wear personal protective equipment, including respirators.
  • Must have ability to climb stairs and ladders to access equipment at heights.

CHS offers a competitive total rewards package. Compensation includes base wage and, depending upon position, may include other earnings such as bonus, incentives and commissions. Actual pay offered will vary based on multiple factors which may include, without limitation, experience, education, training, specialized skills and certifications, minimum wage/salary requirements under local law.
Benefits include medical, dental, vision, wellness programs, life insurance, health and dependent care spending accounts, paid time off, 401(k), pension, profit sharing, short- and long-term disability, tuition reimbursement and adoption assistance, subject to the eligibility requirements for each benefit plan.
CHS is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disability.
Please note that any communication from a CHS recruiter would be sent using a chsinc.com email address. In addition, a CHS recruiter will not ask for confidential information over the phone or in an email, or request money from a candidate involved in an offer process. If you have questions regarding an employment opportunity, please reach out to chscareers@chsinc.com; to verify that the communication is from CHS.

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