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Refinery Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Valero Energy

Environmental Engineer

Wilmington, CA · On-site

$107K - $148K/yr

Able and willing to work on-site, in-person at the Valero Wilmington Refinery, required. * Bachelor's degree (or higher) in Engineering, or related Science is required. * 2 years of environmental ...

Valero

Environmental Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$107K - $148K/yr

Able and willing to work on-site, in-person at the Valero Wilmington Refinery, required. * Bachelor's degree (or higher) in Engineering, or related Science is required. * 2 years of environmental ...

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All JobsRefinery Engineer JobsRefinery Engineer Jobs in California

Refinery Engineer information

See California salary details

$58.7K

$110.2K

$200.3K

How much do refinery engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for refinery engineer in California is $110,170.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,400.00 and $130,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Refinery Engineers?

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 engineers make $500,000 a year?

Highly experienced engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering can earn $500,000 or more annually, often through a combination of base salary, bonuses, and stock options. Senior roles requiring advanced skills, certifications, and leadership responsibilities are typically associated with such high compensation levels.

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.

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.

Can you make $200,000 a year as a mechanical engineer?

Refinery engineers, a specialized type of mechanical engineer, can potentially earn $200,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and working in high-paying industries or locations. However, typical salaries vary based on factors such as geographic region, level of expertise, and employer size, with many earning between $80,000 and $150,000 per year.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior refinery engineers, especially those with extensive experience, specialized skills, and advanced certifications, can earn $300,000 or more annually. High salaries are often associated with leadership roles, complex projects, or working in high-cost-of-living areas within the energy and petrochemical industries.

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

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 popular job titles related to Refinery Engineer jobs in California? For Refinery Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Refinery Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Refinery Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Refinery Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Refinery Engineer job openings:
Refinery Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Refinery Engineer job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $110,170 per year, or $53 per hour.

Refinery Project Engineer

Innovation Consulting

Lancaster, CA

$55 - $80/hr

Per diem

Posted 21 days ago

Job description

Refinery Project Engineer


Type: W2 Contract or C2C — Innovation Consulting LLC

Location: Bakersfield, CA (Onsite)

Rate: $55–$80/hr DOE

Duration: 2–3 month initial engagement; strong potential for continuation

Schedule: 40 hours/week, Monday–Friday

Openings: 1–2 positions


About the Role

We are partnered with a nationwide engineering and project management firm to place one to two Refinery Project Engineers on assignment in Bakersfield, CA. This onsite role embeds with the firm’s project team at a petroleum refining facility, supporting front-end loading (FEL-1) capital project development across a defined scope of small capital and sustaining CAPEX projects. The scope is well-defined and the team is established.

W2 and corp-to-corp (C2C) arrangements are both available for this engagement. Successful candidates will be employed by Innovation Consulting LLC and placed on assignment with our client.

Local candidates are strongly preferred. Candidates located outside commutable distance to the site must be willing to relocate to the Bakersfield metro area for the duration of the assignment. Per diem is not available for this role.

Interviews are active — apply now for immediate consideration.


Key Responsibilities

Engineering & Project Development

•     Support project scoping across multiple refinery disciplines including mechanical, piping, civil, electrical, instrumentation, and process

•     Develop FEL-1 level cost estimates and associated basis documentation for assigned capital projects

•     Build and maintain project schedules aligned with evolving scope maturity

•     Review, interpret, and work from P&IDs, plot plans, and basic engineering documents

Coordination & Delivery

•     Coordinate with facility Project Engineers, Operations, Maintenance, and Technical Services

•     Assemble complete FEL-1 project packages including defined scope, assumptions, risks, and deliverables


Qualifications

Required

•     3+ years of experience scoping refinery, petrochemical, or industrial capital projects

•     Strong working knowledge of P&IDs and refinery/plant systems

•     Hands-on experience with early-phase capital project development (FEL-1 or equivalent front-end loading methodology)

•     Demonstrated ability to coordinate across multiple engineering disciplines and plant functions

•     Onsite availability for the full duration of the assignment; must be able to report onsite daily

Preferred

•     Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Chemical, Civil, or related discipline)

•     Professional Engineer (PE) license

•     PMP or equivalent project management certification

•     Proficiency in project scheduling tools (Primavera P6, MS Project, or equivalent)

•     Brownfield CAPEX or turnaround experience in a refinery environment

•     Familiarity with refinery safety programs and work permitting processes


Compensation & Employment

Employment Type: W2 employee of Innovation Consulting LLC, placed on assignment with our client; C2C arrangements considered for qualified candidates

Rate: $55–$80/hr DOE; commensurate with experience and qualifications

Duration: 2–3 month initial engagement; strong potential for continuation

Schedule: 40 hours/week, Monday–Friday

Benefits: Payroll processing, compliance administration, and benefits through Innovation Consulting LLC


Innovation Consulting LLC is an equal opportunity employer and recruiter. We review candidates without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected characteristic.