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Refinery Instrumentation Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Perform advanced quantitative and qualitative chemical analyses utilizing ICP-OES, ICP-MS, GD-OES, IC, and related analytical instrumentation to support refining, production, and commercial ...

New

... refinery, petrochemical, or heavy industrial environment. * Technical Skills: Ability to read and interpret Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs), isometrics, and complex equipment blueprints ...

Minimum of 4+ years of experience in Instrumentation, Electrical, or I&E Reliability Engineering within a manufacturing environment. * Experience in chemical, petrochemical, refining, polymer, or ...

The ASR Group family of companies make up the world's largest refiner and marketer of cane sugar ... This role designs and implements changes to plant instrumentation and control systems and manages ...

Senior Electrical Engineer

Santa Ana, CA

$111K - $145K/yr

Instrumentation and control systems * Prepare and review electrical design documents, including ... Refining * Water/Wastewater * Pipelines & Terminals * Utilities * Renewable Energy and Energy ...

New

Minimum of 5+ years' experience in Refining, Chemicals, Power, Life Sciences, Food & Beverage ... Experience developing process flow diagrams (PFDs) and piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs)

Minimum of 5+ years' experience in Refining, Chemicals, Power, Life Sciences, Food & Beverage ... Experience developing process flow diagrams (PFDs) and piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs)

Create repair folders and document maintenance work performed on refinery equipment (pumps, compressors, turbines, valves, heat exchangers, tanks, instrumentation) * Analyze repair documentation to ...

The ASR Group family of companies make up the world's largest refiner and marketer of cane sugar ... Basic understanding of mechanical, electrical and instrumentation. * Demonstrated ability to coach ...

... refinery equipment (e.g., pumps, compressors, turbines, valves, heat exchangers, tanks, and instrumentation) Analyzing repair reports to identify root causes and assign problem and cause codes ...

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Refinery Instrumentation information

See California salary details

$14

$28

$75

How much do refinery instrumentation jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for refinery instrumentation in California is $28.42, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.38 and $28.94 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is instrumentation in a refinery?

Refinery instrumentation involves installing, maintaining, and troubleshooting control systems and devices that monitor and regulate processes such as temperature, pressure, flow, and level. Instrumentation technicians use tools like calibrators and sensors to ensure safe and efficient operation of refinery equipment, often working with control systems like DCS or PLCs. Proper instrumentation is essential for process safety, quality, and compliance in refinery operations.

Which oil refinery pays the most?

Refinery instrumentation roles typically pay higher salaries at large, integrated oil companies such as ExxonMobil, Shell, and Chevron, especially for experienced technicians with specialized skills and certifications. Salaries can vary based on location, experience, and shift differentials, with some of the highest wages found in regions with high cost of living or in offshore facilities.

What are the common daily responsibilities for someone in Refinery Instrumentation?

In a Refinery Instrumentation role, your daily responsibilities typically include installing, calibrating, maintaining, and troubleshooting various process instrumentation and control systems to ensure smooth plant operations. You will regularly perform preventive maintenance, address equipment failures, and work closely with operations and engineering teams to resolve issues quickly. Documentation of maintenance activities, adherence to safety procedures, and ongoing system upgrades are also part of the role. This position often involves a blend of fieldwork and technical analysis, making it ideal for those who enjoy hands-on problem-solving and supporting critical refinery functions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Refinery Instrumentation position, and why are they important?

To thrive in Refinery Instrumentation, you need a solid background in electronics, instrumentation, process control, and troubleshooting, often supported by a diploma or degree in instrumentation engineering or a related technical field. Familiarity with distributed control systems (DCS), programmable logic controllers (PLCs), HART communicators, and recognized certifications like ISA Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST) are typically required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills are vital for diagnosing issues and liaising with cross-functional teams. These skills ensure the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of refinery processes, minimizing downtime and maintaining compliance with industry standards.

Where do instrumentation technicians make the most money?

Instrumentation technicians tend to earn higher salaries in regions with a strong industrial or energy sector, such as areas with large refineries, chemical plants, or power plants. Salaries are also influenced by experience, certifications, and the complexity of the instrumentation systems they work on, with those working overtime or in hazardous environments often earning more.

What is a Refinery Instrumentation job?

A Refinery Instrumentation job involves installing, maintaining, and troubleshooting instruments and control systems that monitor and regulate refinery processes. This includes sensors, transmitters, controllers, and automation systems that ensure operational efficiency and safety. Instrumentation technicians work with pressure, temperature, flow, and level measurement devices to optimize refinery performance. They also perform routine calibrations, inspections, and repairs to prevent equipment failures. Strong knowledge of electrical systems, control loops, and industry standards is essential for this role.

Is instrumentation in high demand?

Refinery instrumentation professionals are in steady demand due to the ongoing need for maintenance, calibration, and installation of control systems in the oil and gas industry. Skilled workers with knowledge of PLCs, sensors, and safety standards are particularly sought after, especially in facilities with aging infrastructure or expanding operations.
What cities in California are hiring for Refinery Instrumentation jobs? Cities in California with the most Refinery Instrumentation job openings:
Infographic showing various Refinery Instrumentation job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,104 per year, or $28.4 per hour.
Intern/Co-op - Refining Electrical Engineering (Spring 2027)

Intern/Co-op - Refining Electrical Engineering (Spring 2027)

Marathon Petroleum Corporation

Los Angeles, CA

$32.92/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago


Marathon Petroleum rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 200 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

48th of 74 rated oil and gas companies


Job description

An exciting career awaits you

At MPC, we're committed to being a great place to work - one that welcomes new ideas, encourages diverse perspectives, develops our people, and fosters a collaborative team environment.

Responsibilities:

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 engineering disciplines work together as a cohesive team. You will also gain knowledge of various aspects of a refinery by working with a team of professionals who run a specific portion of the refining process. Most often, Electrical Engineers will have an opportunity to work on more than one area of the refinery, leading to a broad understanding of how the plant operates. Finally, you will have the opportunity to expand your written and verbal presentation skills in a professional work environment.

The majority of Electrical Engineering co-ops and interns enter into the following positions:

Electrical & Instrumentation (E&I) Project Engineerswork on a variety of real-world electrical and instrumentation projects in a refinery setting. During your time at MPC, you will develop and utilize project management skills including scope alignment, cost and schedule development, and teamwork through multiple engineering phases. You will also support the area teams. We are committed to developing engineers into professional project managers who successfully manage projects of all sizes.

Reliability Electrical & Instrumentation (E&I) Engineerstroubleshoot Electrical & Instrumentation issues at the refinery. As a reliability intern, you will help analyze failures of equipment, develop solutions for recurring equipment difficulties, submit Project Request Forms (PRF's) to implement solutions, and understand equipment maintenance strategies. There will be opportunities to use electrical analysis software to solve coordination issues and run Arc Flash studies for the power system, as well as learning and understanding about how our critical Refinery Safety Instrumented Systems (SIS) are applied.

Process Control / Technical Service Engineerscan work on a wide array of projects in support of the process control systems installed throughout the refinery and products movements areas. The process control systems in the refinery provide real-time control and data acquisition functions in support of operating the refinery process and electrical equipment. Typical college co-op assignments include the following: troubleshooting system power supply problems, control system programming, hardware and software lifecycle replacement projects, installing and troubleshooting communication networks and monitoring control system performance metrics.

Qualifications:

  • Candidates must be majoring in Electrical Engineering
  • Strong academic performance
  • Candidates must be authorized to work in the US on a full-time indefinite basis without the need for employment visa sponsorship now or in the future.
  • Positions are available spring, summer, and fall semesters
  • Availability for multiple work terms is preferred
  • A valid driver's license is required
  • Concurrent enrollment in a degree seeking program
  • Military experience a plus
  • MIN - $32.92 per hour / MAX - $41.67 per hour

Learn more about Marathon Petroleum's benefits at www.mympcbenefits.com

As an energy industry leader, our career opportunities fuel personal and professional growth.

Location:

Findlay, Ohio

Job Requisition ID:

00020139

Pay Min/Max:

$0.00 - $999.99 Hourly

Grade:

HRLY1

Location Address:

539 S Main St

Additional locations:

Anacortes, Washington, Canton, Ohio, Catlettsburg, Kentucky, Detroit, Michigan, El Paso, Texas, Garyville, Louisiana, Kenai, Alaska, Mandan, North Dakota, Martinez, California, Robinson, Illinois, Salt Lake City, Utah, St Paul Park, Minnesota, Texas City, Texas, Wilmington, California

Education:

High School (Required)

Employee Group:

Part time

Employee Subgroup:

Intern

Marathon Petroleum Company LP is an Equal Opportunity Employer and gives consideration for employment to qualified applicants without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, reproductive health decision-making, age, mental or physical disability, medical condition or AIDS/HIV status, ancestry, national origin, genetic information, military, veteran status, marital status, citizenship or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. If you would like more information about your EEO rights as an applicant, click here.
If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process at Marathon Petroleum LP, please contact our Human Resources Department at talentacquisition@marathonpetroleum.com. Please specify the reasonable accommodation you are requesting, along with the job posting number in which you may be interested. A Human Resources representative will review your request and contact you to discuss a reasonable accommodation. Marathon Petroleum offers a total rewards program which includes, but is not limited to, access to health, vision, and dental insurance, paid time off, 401k matching program, paid parental leave, and educational reimbursement. Detailed benefit information is available atmympcbenefits.com. The hired candidate will also be eligible for a discretionary company-sponsored annual bonus program.
Equal Opportunity Employer: Veteran / Disability

We will consider all qualified Applicants for employment, including those with arrest or conviction records, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws. In reviewing criminal history in connection with a conditional offer of employment, Marathon will consider the key responsibilities of the role.


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About Marathon Petroleum

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Marathon Petroleum Corporation, headquartered in Findlay, Ohio, US, is a leading independent petroleum refining, marketing, and transportation company. Their official website can be found at marathonpetroleum.com. The company, part of the energy sector, was established in 1887, making it one of the oldest petroleum companies in the US. It operates an integrated refining, marketing and transportation system concentrated primarily in the Midwest, Northeast, East Coast, Southeast and Gulf Coast of the United States. This includes refineries, pipelines, and terminals that process and transport crude oil and refined products.

Industry

Oil and gas extraction

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Findlay, OH, US

Year founded

1887