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Refinery Process Operator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Valero Energy

Sr Control Systems Engineer

Wilmington, CA · On-site

$134K - $184K/yr

As a Sr Control Systems Engineer you will provide support and maintain refinery/process control ... Provide engineering and technical support for Honeywell DCS systems including servers, operator ...

Phillips 66

Operator, Torrance Midstream

Torrance, CA · On-site

$37.81/hr

Some of the processes involved use hazardous and volatile materials under high temperature and ... Ensuring quality and quantity of refined products and/or feedstock. * Identifying and resolving ...

Phillips 66

Operator, Torrance Midstream

Torrance, CA · On-site

$37.81/hr

Some of the processes involved use hazardous and volatile materials under high temperature and ... Ensuring quality and quantity of refined products and/or feedstock. * Identifying and resolving ...

Western Mesquite Mines

Process Manager

Brawley, CA

We have five operating gold mines and a clear path to achieve more than one million ounces of ... Refinery operations and gold recoveries * Proven experience in production forecasting and process ...

Aerotek

Machine Operator - 1st Shift

Carlsbad, CA

$21 - $23/hr

Collaborate with engineers to help develop and refine process documentation and work instructions. * Follow and adhere to all Standard Operating Procedures to maintain consistency and compliance.

INEOS

Process Technician

Carson, CA · On-site

Preferred candidates would have 2 or more years directly related experience as an Operator in a chemical plant, refinery, or gas processing plant OR have successfully completed a 2-year Associate ...

Ineos

Process Technician

Carson, CA · On-site

Preferred candidates would have 2 or more years directly related experience as an Operator in a chemical plant, refinery, or gas processing plant OR have successfully completed a 2-year Associate ...

GRAPEVINE OPERATING COMPANY LLC

Operator I

Bakersfield, CA · On-site

$36.80 - $49.99/hr

Monitor and operate process and utility units, tank farms/logistics utilizing a wide range of ... High school diploma or GED required * 5 year minimum experience in refining or chemical plant ...

Clean Harbors

Forklift Operator

San Jose, CA · On-site

$24/hr

We collect over 200 million gallons of used motor oil each year and we have the largest re-refinery ... Ensures Health and Safety is the number one goal by following policies, processes, and acting in a ...

Clean Harbors

Forklift Operator

San Jose, CA · On-site

$24/hr

We collect over 200 million gallons of used motor oil each year and we have the largest re-refinery ... Ensures Health and Safety is the number one goal by following policies, processes, and acting in a ...

Clean Harbors

Forklift Operator

San Jose, CA · On-site

$16.59 - $33.17/hr

Ensures Health and Safety is the number one goal by following policies, processes, and acting in a ... We collect over 200 million gallons of used motor oil each year and we have the largest re-refinery ...

CleanHarbors

Forklift Operator

San Jose, CA

$24/hr

We collect over 200 million gallons of used motor oil each year and we have the largest re-refinery ... Ensures Health and Safety is the number one goal by following policies, processes, and acting in a ...

Lee Group Search

Operator

Bakersfield, CA

$36.80 - $49.99/hr

Monitor and operate process and utility units, tank farms/logistics utilizing a wide range of ... High school diploma or GED required * 5 year minimum experience in refining or chemical plant ...

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All JobsRefinery Process Operator JobsRefinery Process Operator Jobs in California

Refinery Process Operator information

See California salary details

$13

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$30

How much do refinery process operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for refinery process operator in California is $20.87, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.03 and $22.79 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a refinery process operator?

Refinery Process Operators are skilled professionals responsible for controlling and monitoring the machinery and equipment in oil refineries. They oversee the refining process, ensuring that crude oil is converted into usable products like gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel efficiently and safely. Their duties include adjusting controls, conducting inspections, troubleshooting issues, and maintaining safety standards. Refinery Process Operators play a critical role in preventing accidents and ensuring the smooth operation of the facility.

What are some common challenges faced by refinery process operators, and how can they be managed effectively?

Refinery Process Operators often encounter challenges such as managing unexpected equipment malfunctions, responding to process upsets, and maintaining safety standards in a fast-paced environment. Effective communication with team members and prompt decision-making are crucial for troubleshooting issues and minimizing downtime. Operators typically rely on their training, process control systems, and support from maintenance or engineering teams to resolve problems quickly. Staying proactive with regular monitoring and adhering to safety protocols helps ensure smooth operations and a safe workplace.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a refinery process operator?

To thrive as a Refinery Process Operator, you need a solid understanding of chemical processes, mechanical systems, and safety protocols, often supported by a high school diploma or associate degree in a technical field. Familiarity with distributed control systems (DCS), process monitoring software, and industry safety certifications like OSHA are typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving ability, and effective teamwork are essential soft skills for responding to operational issues and maintaining productivity. These skills ensure safe, efficient, and compliant refinery operations in a complex industrial environment.

What is the difference between Refinery Process Operator vs Chemical Plant Operator?

AspectRefinery Process OperatorChemical Plant Operator
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; certifications in refinery operationsHigh school diploma or equivalent; certifications in chemical processing
Work EnvironmentRefineries, oil processing facilitiesChemical manufacturing plants
Industry UsageOil and gas industryChemical manufacturing industry
Job FunctionsOperate and monitor refining equipment, ensure safety and efficiencyOperate chemical processing equipment, monitor reactions and safety

Refinery Process Operators and Chemical Plant Operators share similar credentials and work environments, often requiring certifications and safety training. While both roles involve operating complex equipment, Refinery Process Operators focus on oil refining processes, whereas Chemical Plant Operators work in chemical manufacturing. Understanding these differences helps job seekers identify the right career path within the processing industries.

What are popular job titles related to Refinery Process Operator jobs in California? For Refinery Process Operator jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Refinery Process Operator jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Refinery Process Operator jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Refinery Process Operator jobs? Cities in California with the most Refinery Process Operator job openings:
Refinery Process Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Refinery Process Operator job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,408 per year, or $20.9 per hour.

Sr Control Systems Engineer

Valero Energy

Wilmington, CA • On-site

$134K - $184K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Re-posted 6 days ago

Valero rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 70 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

65th of 86 rated oil and gas companies

Job description

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 Sr Control Systems Engineer you will provide support and maintain refinery/process control infrastructure including Honeywell Distributed Control Systems (DCS), virtualization environments, industrial networks, cybersecurity initiatives, and PLC systems. This role will support day-to-day operations, troubleshooting, system upgrades, cybersecurity compliance, and long-term reliability improvements for critical control systems infrastructure. The ideal candidate will have strong technical knowledge of industrial automation systems, virtualized server environments, OT networking, and cybersecurity best practices within manufacturing or refinery operations.
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:
  • Provide engineering and technical support for Honeywell DCS systems including servers, operator stations, application nodes, and controllers
  • Troubleshoot DCS hardware, software, communication, and performance issues
  • Support system backups, patching, upgrades, and lifecycle management activities
  • Support alarm management, historian systems, and interface troubleshooting
  • Support and maintain virtualized environments using platforms such as VMware and Hyper-V
  • Support and troubleshoot OT/ICS network infrastructure including managed switches, firewalls, fiber networks, VLANs, and wireless infrastructure
  • Support industrial cybersecurity initiatives aligned with company standards and industry best practices
  • Support PLC systems including troubleshooting, logic validation, and communications
  • Work with systems such as Allen-Bradley, Siemens, Modicon, and other industrial PLC platforms
  • Support communication protocols including Ethernet/IP, Modbus, OPC, and ControlNet
  • Assist with startup, commissioning, and control system modifications
  • Support integration between DCS, PLC, SIS, historians, and business systems
  • Have experience supporting Honeywell DCS or similar control systems
  • Have knowledge of virtualization technologies and Windows server administration
  • Have understanding of industrial networking concepts and troubleshooting
  • Have familiarity with OT cybersecurity principles and practices
  • Have working knowledge of PLC systems and industrial communications
  • Read and interpret company policies, regulatory guidelines, and other work-related documentation.
  • Abide by confidentiality requirements when working with sensitive information, results, and communications.
  • Provide thorough, efficient, and effective customer service to individuals at all levels within the organization.
  • Communicate effectively through written and verbal methods.
  • Accomplish work within required timelines, including short, long, and emergency timeframes.
  • Cross-train in other department duties to ensure efficient coverage department responsibilities.
  • Work with others to accomplish challenging assignments.
  • Multi-task and prioritize multiple assignments to ensure completion of tasks within stated time requirements.
  • Have basic skill using Microsoft Office programs (i.e., Word and Excel).

This position is salaried exempt status, which means you are not eligible for overtime pay.
The salary range for this position is $134,400 to $184,800 and represents Valero's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of expected compensation at the time of this posting. Actual compensation will be determined based on a number of job-related factors, including but not limited to, the individual's qualifications and experience.
Qualifications
Minimum Requirements:
  • Able and willing to work on-site, in-person at the Valero Wilmington Refinery, required.
  • Bachelor's or higher level degree in Engineering required.
  • 5 years of process control/advanced process control field experience required.

Preferred Requirements:
  • Bachelor's or higher level degree in Electrical/Controls/Chemical Engineering preferred.
  • Process control/DCS/PLC engineering experience 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 Wilmington 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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