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Refinery Operations Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

Semiserve

Process Engineer

Big Spring, TX

Process Engineer - Refinery (Contract) | Big Spring, TXOverview We are seeking experienced Process Engineers to support refinery operations in Big Spring, TX. This role will focus on refinery process ...

JACAM

Downstream Scientist

The Woodlands, TX · On-site

Technical Support for Refinery Operations * Interpret laboratory results to provide technical recommendations for refinery process improvement. * Summarize and present technical findings supported by ...

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Refinery Operations information

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$45

How much do refinery operations jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for refinery operations in Texas is $22.50, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.33 and $25.77 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What do operators do in a refinery?

Refinery operators monitor and control equipment used in the processing of crude oil into products like gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel. They interpret data from gauges and control panels, perform routine maintenance, and ensure safety protocols are followed to maintain efficient and safe operations.

What are some common challenges faced in refinery operations and how are they typically addressed?

One common challenge in refinery operations is managing the complexity of processes while maintaining strict safety and environmental standards. Operators must constantly monitor equipment and adjust parameters to optimize production, often responding quickly to changing conditions. Effective communication and teamwork are essential, as operators frequently collaborate with maintenance, engineering, and safety teams to troubleshoot issues. Regular training and adherence to established protocols help mitigate risks and ensure smooth operations.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

Refinery operations jobs typically require technical training and certifications rather than a college degree, and they can pay around $4,000 or more per week for experienced workers in roles such as senior operators or specialized technicians. High-paying roles in the energy or manufacturing sectors often depend on skills, experience, and certifications like OSHA or process safety management, rather than formal degrees.

What jobs pay 500,000 a year in the US?

In refinery operations, high-level executive roles such as refinery managers or plant directors can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $500,000 annually, especially with bonuses and profit sharing. These positions typically require extensive experience, advanced technical knowledge, and leadership skills, often supported by industry certifications and a strong understanding of safety and process optimization.

What is the difference between Refinery Operations vs Refinery Maintenance Technician?

AspectRefinery OperationsRefinery Maintenance Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; technical certifications often preferredHigh school diploma; technical certifications or vocational training
Work EnvironmentControl rooms, plant floors, and process areasMaintenance workshops, plant floors, and equipment areas
Employer & Industry UsageRefineries, petrochemical plants, energy companiesRefineries, petrochemical plants, industrial facilities

Refinery Operations focus on managing and controlling the refining process, ensuring safety and efficiency, while Refinery Maintenance Technicians handle equipment repairs and upkeep. Both roles are essential in the refinery industry and often work closely together to maintain smooth plant operations.

What are refinery operations?

Refinery operations involve the processes and activities required to convert crude oil into usable products such as gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, and other petrochemicals. This includes tasks like distillation, cracking, blending, and treating to remove impurities and produce high-quality fuels and chemicals. Operators monitor and control equipment, ensure safety and environmental compliance, and perform routine maintenance to keep the refinery running efficiently. The goal of refinery operations is to maximize output while minimizing costs and environmental impact.

How much do refinery operators make in the US?

Refinery operators in the US typically earn an average annual salary of around $70,000 to $80,000, with experienced workers and those in higher-cost-of-living areas earning more. Salaries can vary based on experience, certifications, and the complexity of the refinery environment.

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

To thrive in Refinery Operations, you need a solid understanding of chemical processes, mechanical systems, and safety protocols, often supported by a degree in engineering or relevant technical certifications. Familiarity with process control systems, distributed control systems (DCS), and safety management tools is typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective teamwork set outstanding operators apart. These skills and qualifications are crucial to ensure safe, efficient, and compliant refinery operations in a highly regulated and complex environment.
What are popular job titles related to Refinery Operations jobs in Texas? For Refinery Operations jobs in Texas, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Refinery Operations jobs in Texas look for? The top searched job categories for Refinery Operations jobs in Texas are:
What cities in Texas are hiring for Refinery Operations jobs? Cities in Texas with the most Refinery Operations job openings:
Refinery Operations jobs near you
Infographic showing various Refinery Operations job openings in Texas as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,805 per year, or $22.5 per hour.

Process Engineer

Semiserve

Big Spring, TX

Contractor

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

Process Engineer - Refinery (Contract) | Big Spring, TXOverview
We are seeking experienced Process Engineers to support refinery operations in Big Spring, TX. This role will focus on refinery process optimization, operational troubleshooting, unit performance improvement, and day-to-day engineering support across key refinery units and utility systems.
The ideal candidate will bring strong refinery operations experience, a solid understanding of refinery process systems, and the ability to work closely with operations, maintenance, and technical teams to improve safety, reliability, and production performance.
Key Responsibilities
  • Provide day-to-day process engineering support for refinery units to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient operations.
  • Monitor unit performance, analyze operating data, and identify opportunities for process optimization and improved throughput.
  • Troubleshoot operational issues, process upsets, and equipment performance concerns to minimize downtime and improve unit reliability.
  • Partner closely with operations, maintenance, reliability, and process control teams to resolve plant issues and implement corrective actions.
  • Support refinery process improvement initiatives, debottlenecking efforts, and operational optimization projects.
  • Conduct root cause analysis for recurring operational and process-related issues.
  • Review and update operating procedures, process documentation, and engineering recommendations.
  • Support field activities including unit walkdowns, equipment reviews, instrumentation verification, and startup/shutdown support.
  • Assist with Management of Change (MOC), process safety initiatives, and refinery compliance activities.
  • Participate in refinery performance reviews, operational meetings, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Preferred Unit Experience
Candidates should have experience supporting one or more of the following refinery process units or utility systems:
  • Hydrotreating
  • Reforming
  • Distillation
  • Utilities systems
  • Boilers
  • Boiler Feed Water (BFW) systems
  • Wastewater treatment
  • Sulfur recovery or treating systems
Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering preferred.
  • 5+ years of refinery process engineering experience preferred.
  • Strong understanding of refinery operations, process engineering fundamentals, and unit optimization.
  • Experience troubleshooting refinery process and operational issues in a live plant environment.
  • Familiarity with refinery process data analysis, process monitoring, and operational improvement initiatives.
  • Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
  • Ability to work collaboratively in both field and office/control room environments.
  • Experience supporting process safety, MOC, and refinery operational excellence initiatives is a plus.
Work Environment & Schedule
  • Onsite role based in Big Spring, TX.
  • Combination of office, control room, and field-based refinery activities.
  • Standard refinery work schedule with flexibility based on operational and turnaround needs.

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Education:Employment Type: CONTRACTOR

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