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Refinery Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Create and refine engineering documentation in compliance with design control procedures. * Collaborate cross-functionally with R&D, Quality, Manufacturing, Regulatory, Clinical, Marketing, and ...

New

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 ...

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 ...

Create and refine engineering documentation in compliance with design control procedures. * Collaborate cross-functionally with R&D, Quality, Manufacturing, Regulatory, Clinical, Marketing, and ...

New

Create and refine engineering documentation in compliance with design control procedures. * Collaborate cross-functionally with R&D, Quality, Manufacturing, Regulatory, Clinical, Marketing, and ...

Senior Software Engineer

Burbank, CA · On-site

$120 - $160/hr

Continuously refine engineering practices and champion improvements that elevate team performance and product excellence. Must Have Qualifications * 5+ years of full‑stack software engineering ...

Apply computational design methodologies to evaluate and refine engineering solutions. * Assist with topology optimization, lattice design, and lightweighting studies including nTop workflows.

We have an opportunity at our Martinez Refinery in California and are seeking a talented Environmental Engineer - Water to join our team as a pivotal member that would play a key role here at PBF ...

Apply computational design methodologies to evaluate and refine engineering solutions. * Assist with topology optimization, lattice design, and lightweighting studies including nTop workflows.

$41.67/hr

As an Electrical Engineer at a Marathon refinery, you can expect to become familiar with industry codes and best practices, build critical thinking skills, and gain an understanding of how all ...

$41.67/hr

As an Electrical Engineer at a Marathon refinery, you can expect to become familiar with industry codes and best practices, build critical thinking skills, and gain an understanding of how all ...

Showing results 21-40

Refinery Engineer information

See California salary details

$58.7K

$110.2K

$200.3K

How much do refinery engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 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 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.

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:

Infographic showing various Refinery Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $110,170 per year, or $53 per hour.

Full-time

Re-posted 20 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Build and maintain scalable, reusable user interfaces using React and TypeScript.

  • Develop reliable backend services in Python, ensuring they are structured, performant, and easy to maintain.

  • Partner with engineers and product stakeholders to define APIs, influence system architecture, and improve system design.


Job description

This role sits at the center of a growing engineering platform, building the systems and interfaces that power both internal teams and user-facing products. You'll work across the stack, shaping how services connect, how data flows, and how users experience the product day to day.
You'll design and build scalable, reusable user interfaces using React and TypeScript. On the backend, you'll develop reliable services in Python, ensuring they are structured, performant, and easy to maintain.
You'll partner closely with other engineers and product stakeholders to define clean, intuitive APIs. This includes influencing architectural decisions, improving system design, and integrating services in a way that reduces complexity rather than adding to it.
Ownership is a core part of the role. You'll take features from early technical design through implementation, deployment, monitoring, and long-term support. The expectation is not just to ship, but to stand behind what you build.
You'll contribute to code reviews, help refine engineering standards, and mentor junior teammates. There is a strong emphasis on collaboration, transparency, and continuous improvement.
Performance and reliability matter. You'll proactively identify bottlenecks, improve system stability, and elevate the overall user experience across web and mobile environments.
Five or more years of experience building and maintaining production-grade web applications across the full stack.
Advanced experience with Python, React, and TypeScript.
  • 1) React AND 2) Typescript or JavaScript AND 3) Able to develop full stack (prefer Python for backend)
  • Demonstrated ability to build UI components from scratch, not just assemble them from existing libraries.
  • Strong understanding of modern software architecture and system design principles.
  • Hands-on experience designing RESTful and or gRPC APIs.
  • Comfort collaborating with engineers and product partners across teams.
  • A clear commitment to user experience, with attention to visual polish and interaction details.
  • A track record of shipping meaningful features and supporting them in production.

Why is This a Great Opportunity
This is a chance to help shape a platform in an environment that values thoughtful engineering over unnecessary complexity. The team operates with a high degree of ownership and accountability, giving engineers real influence over architecture and product direction.
You'll work in an integrated environment where collaboration across disciplines is the norm, not the exception. Engineers are positioned close to decision-making, with more time spent building and improving systems than navigating layers of process.
There is strong emphasis on mentorship, skill development, and long-term growth. The culture rewards curiosity, clear thinking, and continuous improvement. If you're motivated by building durable systems, refining processes, and seeing direct impact from your work, this role offers meaningful scope.