1

Refinery Optimization Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

WI · On-site

$150 - $200/hr

As a Manager Refinery Optimization - Texas City , you will be responsible for leading the Refinery ... Review economic analyses prepared by the Planning Engineer and gain Corporate Planning & Economics ...

New

$125 - $150/hr

Main Purpose Trafigura is seeking an Optimization Engineer to join its Refining Technical team in Houston, reporting to the Refining Technical Manager. This is a hybrid technical-commercial role ...

Optimization Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

$100 - $125/hr

Main Purpose Trafigura is seeking an Optimization Engineer to join its Refining Technical team in Houston, reporting to the Refining Technical Manager. This is a hybrid technical-commercial role ...

Main Purpose Trafigura is seeking an Optimization Engineer to join its Refining Technical team in Houston, reporting to the Refining Technical Manager. This is a hybrid technical-commercial role ...

Optimization Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

$125 - $150/hr

Main Purpose Trafigura is seeking an Optimization Engineer to join its Refining Technical team in Houston, reporting to the Refining Technical Manager. This is a hybrid technical-commercial role ...

Chem32 sulfides and activates catalysts for refining and renewable fuel processes What we offer ... Perform engineering analysis to reduce waste and down time. Support plant HSE initiatives and ...

Chem32 sulfides and activates catalysts for refining and renewable fuel processes What we offer ... Perform engineering analysis to reduce waste and down time. Support plant HSE initiatives and ...

Summary The Optimization Engineer - Commercial transforms complex commercial decisions into model ... Build and improve optimization models within Python-based decision support systems by refining ...

$80 - $100/hr

Summary The Optimization Engineer - Commercial transforms complex commercial decisions into model ... Build and improve optimization models within Python-based decision support systems by refining ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Refinery Optimization Engineer information

See salary details

$25

$53

$76

How much do refinery optimization engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for refinery optimization engineer in the United States is $53.63, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43.27 and $62.26 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a refinery optimization engineer do?

A Refinery Optimization Engineer is responsible for analyzing and improving the efficiency and productivity of refinery operations. They use advanced modeling, simulations, and data analysis to optimize processes such as crude blending, distillation, and product yields while minimizing costs and environmental impact. Their work ensures that refineries operate safely, efficiently, and in compliance with industry standards and regulations. They often collaborate with process engineers, plant managers, and other technical staff to implement optimization strategies and troubleshoot operational issues.

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

To thrive as a Refinery Optimization Engineer, you need a strong background in chemical engineering principles, process optimization, and data analysis, typically supported by a bachelor's or master's degree in chemical engineering. Familiarity with process simulation software such as Aspen HYSYS, refinery information systems, and advanced process control tools is essential. Strong problem-solving skills, analytical thinking, and effective communication help you collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify and implement improvements. These skills are vital for maximizing refinery efficiency, minimizing costs, and ensuring safe, reliable operations.

What are some common challenges faced by refinery optimization engineers and how are they typically addressed?

Refinery Optimization Engineers often encounter challenges such as balancing production targets with operational constraints, adapting to fluctuating crude oil qualities, and optimizing for both efficiency and safety. These challenges are typically addressed through close collaboration with operations teams, the use of advanced process simulation tools, and regular data analysis to identify improvement opportunities. Successful engineers also stay updated on the latest industry technologies and regulatory requirements to ensure compliance while maximizing profitability.

What are popular job titles related to Refinery Optimization Engineer jobs?

For Refinery Optimization Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Refinery Optimization Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $111,552 per year, or $53.6 per hour.

Manager Refinery Optimization - Texas City

Texas City, TX • On-site

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

$200 - $250/hr

Other

Medical, Retirement

Posted 4 days ago


Valero rating

5.9

Company rating: 5.9 out of 10

Based on 72 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

72nd of 87 rated oil and gas companies


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.

#J-18808-Ljbffr

What Valero employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom