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Refinery Optimization Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

CHS, Inc.

Process Engineer - Oil Refinery

Mcpherson, KS · On-site

We are looking for a Process Engineer to work in the daily monitoring and optimization of refinery process units. You must be a detail-oriented, results-driven individual with a commitment to quality ...

Monroe Energy

Black Oil and LPG Scheduler

Trainer, PA · On-site

Desire to learn refinery optimization, linear programming and products blending for future opportunities and Optimization department progression * Understanding of simple coding or programming ...

CHS, Inc.

Process Engineer - Oil Refinery

Mcpherson, KS · On-site

We are looking for a Process Engineer to work in the daily monitoring and optimization of refinery process units. You must be a detail-oriented, results-driven individual with a commitment to quality ...

Monroe Energy

Black Oil and LPG Scheduler

Trainer, PA · On-site

Desire to learn refinery optimization, linear programming and products blending for future opportunities and Optimization department progression * Understanding of simple coding or programming ...

Sofar Ocean

$150 - $200/hr

Depending on the problem, you may be refining optimization algorithms, translating vessel ... You'll collaborate with engineers, product experts, and maritime domain specialists to translate ...

FastTek

Infrastructure Engineer

Dearborn, MI · On-site

$98K - $129K/yr

Monitoring, Capacity Planning & Optimization * Engineer and refine monitoring solutions, leveraging Dynatrace and Netcool for observability, monitoring, and alerting to ensure systems are configured ...

AVEVA

Services Principal Consultant

Houston, TX · On-site

$124K - $207K/yr

Houston Employment Type: full-time The job Seeking a highly motivated Process Simulation and Optimization Engineer to execute and deliver advanced modeling and optimization solutions for refining ...

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Refinery Optimization Engineer information

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$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.

Principal Process Engineer - Fractionation

San Antonio, TX • On-site

Valero Energy
Oil and Gas Extraction • 5 - 10K employees
Learn more about Valero Energyexternal

Full-time

Re-posted 25 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

Description
Valero is looking for a Principal Process Engineer - Fractionation to join the Process Optimization & Support team at the Valero Headquarters in San Antonio, Texas. The Principal Process Engineer - Fractionation serves as Fractionation Subject Matter Expert providing best in class support for refinery optimization and project support.
Responsibilities may also include:
  • Reports to Technology Advisor, Fractionation and Crude units
  • Supports day-to-day routine optimization and troubleshooting distillation and Crude and Vacuum unit issues across the Refinery sites as needed.
  • Provides higher level troubleshooting and debottlenecking capability.
  • Responds to refinery requests for assistance.
  • Provide technical leadership to further develop Valero's Process Chemical treatment program.
  • Assists plants with investigation and implementation of strategic projects.
  • Assists in the development and application of distillation and Crude and Vacuum unit technologies across the Refinery sites.
  • Stays abreast of emerging technology in in Distillation, Crude and Vacuum units.
  • Assists with establishing Key Processing "Best Practices" to improve profitability, including: operating conditions, feedstock processing, hardware change recommendations, monitoring process conditions, and unit performance reporting/comparison (benchmarking).
  • Supports capital development process in technology selection and front-end engineering as requested.
  • Conducts regular site visits to assist in evaluation, monitoring, troubleshooting, process design, performance tests, and optimization.
  • Conducts site visits during turnarounds/outages to assist with tower inspections, scope development, and solution evaluations.
  • Provides training for Valero early career engineers; Crude/Vacuum, Intro/Advanced Distillation, Intern, and selected onsite training (Operations support and Installation/Inspection).
  • Manages projects ranging from $50k - $5M.
  • Acts as primary contact with and monitors performance of Consultants, Vendors, Construction Contractors, and Subcontractors, etc. employed for the projects.
  • Communicates formally and informally to management at the refinery.
  • Develops and releases monthly Progress Reports.
  • Resolves technical/commercial/schedule issues and conflicts.
  • Controls project changes and directs communication with the refinery management regarding changes and change control.

This position is salaried exempt status, which means you are not eligible for overtime pay.
Qualifications
  • Bachelors of Science (B.S.) degree or higher degree in Chemical Engineering required.
  • 15 years of process engineering experience in a refining or petroleum industry, including field experience with startups and operating plant troubleshooting required.
  • Field experience in P&IDs review, Instrument Identification, Unit operations, and troubleshooting-data acquisition required.
  • Field experience in troubleshooting fractionating towers and separators and in optimization of operating distillation columns required.
  • Experience with process design of fractionating internals and their hydraulic ratings required.
  • Ability to quickly assess unit/tower/separator performance issues, arrive at actionable recommendations and provide clear communications to operations, refinery leadership and corporate leadership required.
  • Able and willing to work on-site, in-person at the Valero San Antonio location, required.
  • Strong written and presentation skills is highly preferred.
  • Experience in primary crude fractionation operation, including desalting and vacuum systems preferred.
  • Experience with leading unit startups, including revamps and new units preferred.

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 are the heart of its success, and there is a reason why the company is an employer of choice in the fuels manufacturing and marketing industry. It's not just the excellent benefits package, or the opportunities for personal growth, it's also the caring and committed culture of the organization that makes everyone feel like they're truly part of a team. For more information, visit Valero.com.
Valero is an EEO/AA Employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to legally protected status, including race/ethnicity, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity and sexual orientation), 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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