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Refinery Optimization Jobs (NOW HIRING)

WI · On-site

As a Manager Refinery Optimization - Texas City , you will be responsible for leading the Refinery Scheduling and Planning team, including the planning engineer, schedulers, and blenders, while ...

Monitor and maintain process parameters, such as temperature, pressure, flow rates, and chemical concentrations, to ensure optimal performance. * Monitor and control refinery plant emissions to ...

Monitor and maintain process parameters, such as temperature, pressure, flow rates, and chemical concentrations, to ensure optimal performance. * Monitor and control refinery plant emissions to ...

Monitor and maintain process parameters, such as temperature, pressure, flow rates, and chemical concentrations, to ensure optimal performance. * Monitor and control refinery plant emissions to ...

Monitor and maintain process parameters, such as temperature, pressure, flow rates, and chemical concentrations, to ensure optimal performance. * Monitor and control refinery plant emissions to ...

Participates in refinery Planning and Optimization activities. * Schedules LPG shipments and deliveries. Responsible for updating railroad, pipeline and truck schedules for Refinery Operations, MIPC ...

Operations Research Engineer

Dallas, TX

$68K - $93K/yr

Drive development, enhancement, governance and continuous improvement of refinery and distribution optimization models by translating plant operating behavior into robust LP representations and ...

The company has expanded through refinery optimization and a growing retail network of over 350 Kwik Fill, Red Apple Food Marts, and Country Fair locations. With more than 4,000 employees across ...

Operations Research Engineer

Dallas, TX · On-site

$68K - $93K/yr

Drive development, enhancement, governance and continuous improvement of refinery and distribution optimization models by translating plant operating behavior into robust LP representations and ...

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Refinery Optimization information

See salary details

$16K

$55.8K

$102K

How much do refinery optimization jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for refinery optimization in the United States is $55,794.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $36,000.00 and $72,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is refinery optimization?

Refinery optimization refers to the process of maximizing the efficiency, profitability, and output quality of a petroleum refinery. This involves using advanced analytical tools, modeling, and real-time data to make informed decisions about production processes, blending, scheduling, and energy use. The goal is to reduce costs, improve yields, comply with regulations, and respond quickly to market changes. Refinery optimization professionals work closely with engineers, operators, and management to implement strategies that achieve these objectives.

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

Success in Refinery Optimization requires a strong background in chemical engineering, process analysis, and data-driven decision-making, often supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with advanced process control (APC) systems, simulation software like Aspen HYSYS, and statistical analysis tools is typically expected. Strong problem-solving abilities, analytical thinking, and effective communication skills help professionals collaborate across teams and react to operational challenges. These competencies are crucial for maximizing refinery efficiency, reducing costs, and ensuring safe, reliable production.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in refinery optimization roles, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in refinery optimization often encounter challenges such as balancing production efficiency with safety and environmental regulations, adapting to fluctuating feedstock qualities, and responding quickly to market demand changes. These challenges can be addressed by leveraging advanced analytics tools, maintaining close collaboration with process engineers and operations staff, and staying updated on regulatory requirements. Regular training and cross-functional teamwork are also crucial for developing agile solutions and continuously improving refinery performance.

What is the difference between Refinery Optimization vs Process Engineer?

AspectRefinery OptimizationProcess Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Chemical Engineering or related, often with certifications in process optimizationBachelor's or higher in Chemical or Mechanical Engineering, with process design knowledge
Work EnvironmentRefineries, industrial plants, focus on process efficiencyDesign, develop, and improve manufacturing processes across industries
Employer & Industry UsageOil & gas, refining companies, energy sectorManufacturing, chemical, energy, and industrial sectors

Refinery Optimization specialists focus on maximizing efficiency and throughput within refineries, using data analysis and process adjustments. Process Engineers design and improve manufacturing processes across various industries. While both roles require chemical engineering knowledge, Refinery Optimization is more specialized in refining operations, whereas Process Engineers have broader application in process design and development.

What are popular job titles for Refinery Optimization?

Popular job titles for Refinery Optimization:

Infographic showing various Refinery Optimization job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, and 25% Part Time. Highlights an 75% In-person, and 25% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,794 per year, or $26.8 per hour.

Manager Refinery Optimization - Texas City

Texas City, TX • On-site

Valero Energy
Oil and Gas Extraction • 5 - 10K employees

Other

Medical, Retirement

Posted 9 days ago


Valero rating

5.9

Company rating: 5.9 out of 10

Based on 72 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Job Description - Manager Refinery Optimization - Texas City (26001CT)

Job Description

Manager Refinery Optimization - Texas City - 26001CT

Description

Valero is the best-in-class producer of essential fuels and products that are foundational to modern life. We invite you to join our ~10,000 employees to drive exceptional results for our company, the energy industry and our community.

As a Manager Refinery Optimization - Texas City, you will be responsible for leading the Refinery Scheduling and Planning team, including the planning engineer, schedulers, and blenders, while providing backup support for planning and scheduling activities, including execution of optimization models.

At Valero, we are committed to advancing the future of energy through innovation, ingenuity and unmatched execution. You can help achieve this goal if you can:

  • Identify opportunities to improve refinery optimization and overall profitability.
  • Review the monthly Refinery Operating Plan (ROP) and communicate plans with Corporate Planning & Economics and refinery operations.
  • Provide input into the refinery’s Strategic Plan development.
  • Issue weekly operating instructions; establish optimal unit targets; plan for turnarounds; approve new feedstocks; and identify economic opportunities.
  • Communicate daily with Corporate Planning & Economics on refinery status, key constraints, and opportunities.
  • Review economic analyses prepared by the Planning Engineer and gain Corporate Planning & Economics approval prior to implementation.
  • Perform and support daily scheduling activities across all process units (e.g., FCC, Alkylation, CCR, hydrotreating, hydrocracking, coking), including operating guidance and product disposition.
  • Manage refinery planning and economics staff, including performance feedback, coaching, career development, and evaluations.
  • Collaborate with Corporate Regional Optimization Engineers to capture optimization synergies across refineries.
  • Provide timely, cost-effective guidance to Operations on plan variances and real-time decision-making.
  • Facilitate daily operating signals based on market conditions and unit configuration.
  • Provide economic and technical expertise for refinery capital projects across all phases, including scoping, design, execution, and startup; support project reviews and presentations to senior management.

This position is salaried exempt status, which means you are not eligible for overtime pay.

Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s or higher level degree in Engineering, required.
  • 10 years of refinery experience, required.
  • Experience using AVEVA Spiral LP model and/or other linear programming/optimization software/techniques, required.
  • Experience or familiarity with refinery scheduling work processes and methodology, required.
  • Able and willing to work in a collaborative, on-site work environment, in-person at the Valero Texas City Refinery, required.
Preferred Requirements:
  • B.S in Chemical Engineering, preferred.
  • Experience or familiarity with gasoline blending/scheduling work processes and methodology, including an understanding of the math/calculations related to the use of gasoline blend correlations, preferred.
  • Experience with day-to-day use of Aspen Petroleum Scheduler (APS) scheduling tools, preferred.
Need more reasons to work for a company that is both professionally challenging and culturally rewarding? Take a look at some of our best-in-class benefits:
  • Competitive Pay and Annual Bonus Program
  • 100% match on 401(K) up to 7%, with immediate vesting
  • Company-sponsored Pension Plan
  • Comprehensive Healthcare and Wellness Program

Benefits described above are highlights only, subject to an employee’s eligibility and work location.

Discover more about Texas City and how we’re making a difference there.

All successful candidates must be eligible to obtain a TWIC card (Transportation Worker Identification Credential). It is Valero’s policy that employees must wear this card at all times while working at the refinery. Please review eligibility criteria at https://www.tsa.gov/for-industry/twic .

Position level and salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Valero's employees and team-focused culture drive our success. We’re invested in our dedicated workforce through a comprehensive, customizable benefits package, while supporting a caring culture that delivers a rewarding work environment built on teamwork, excellence and career growth. To explore the ways we build a stronger team, visit Valero.com/Careers .

Valero is an EEO Employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to legally protected status, including race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran or any other status protected by applicable federal, state or local laws.

Please be advised, if you are viewing this position on a website that lists an estimated salary rate/range, it was not provided by Valero. Valero’s market specific salary rate/range will be provided during the recruiting process and tends to be higher than what is estimated by such websites.

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