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Refinery Process Operator Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

ETMS2 Operator

Herndon, VA ยท On-site

$86K - $138K/yr

Responsibilities * Oversee ETMS2 enterprise operations: manage message processing, routing ... Maintain authoritative system documentation, refine SOPs, and mentor junior operators to strengthen ...

Help develop or refine processes related to design documentation, review cycles, and drawing ... within operating-facility environments.Draft budgets and schedules for design and permitting ...

Design Manager

Reston, VA

$120K - $135K/yr

Help develop or refine processes related to design documentation, review cycles, and drawing ... within operating-facility environments.Draft budgets and schedules for design and permitting ...

ETMS2 Operator

Herndon, VA ยท On-site

$86K - $138K/yr

Responsibilities * Oversee ETMS2 enterprise operations: manage message processing, routing ... Maintain authoritative system documentation, refine SOPs, and mentor junior operators to strengthen ...

Responsibilities * Oversee ETMS2 enterprise operations: manage message processing, routing ... Maintain authoritative system documentation, refine SOPs, and mentor junior operators to strengthen ...

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Showing results 1-20

Refinery Process Operator information

See Washington salary details

$16

$23

$35

How much do refinery process operator jobs pay per hour?

As of May 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for refinery process operator in Washington is $23.95, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.67 and $26.15 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Refinery Process Operator, and why are they important?

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 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 Refinery Process Operators?

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 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 Washington? For Refinery Process Operator jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Refinery Process Operator jobs in Washington look for? The top searched job categories for Refinery Process Operator jobs in Washington are:
What cities in Washington are hiring for Refinery Process Operator jobs? Cities in Washington with the most Refinery Process Operator job openings:
Infographic showing various Refinery Process Operator job openings in Washington as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 51% Full Time, and 49% Part Time. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $49,816 per year, or $23.9 per hour.
Director, FCC Evaluations Research and Services

Director, FCC Evaluations Research and Services

W. R. Grace & Co.

Columbia, MD โ€ข On-site

$166.45K - $228.87K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago


Job description

Annual Wage Range: $166,448.00 - $228,866.00
Other Compensation: Eligibility for the Short-Term Incentive program and other applicable bonuses
Benefits: U.S. Employee Benefits Summary (grace.com)
Grace, a Standard Industries company, is a leading global supplier of catalysts, engineered materials and fine chemicals. We provide innovative products, technologies and services which our customers use to manufacture everyday products like renewable fuels, pharmaceuticals, toothpaste, cosmetics, food packaging, beer, edible oils and more. Our thousands of employees help shape a better future at our global headquarters in Columbia, MD and locations worldwide.
Job Description
The Director, Evaluations Research and Services, leads Grace's FCC Evaluations Research organization, providing high-quality testing services, technical expertise, and customer-driven insights that support customer retention, margin growth, new account wins, and product and process development. The role combines people leadership, safety stewardship, customer engagement, and hands-on technical contribution in FCC catalysis and related technologies.
Responsibilities
  • Lead, coach, and develop a multidisciplinary team of scientists, engineers, and technicians within Evaluations Research. As needed, partner with Talent Acquisition to identify and recruit top-talent for new roles.
  • Serve as a visible safety leader for the FCC Evaluations team by actively participating in EH&S programs. Maintain compliance with all applicable safety, environmental, and operating permit requirements. Provide technical input to hazard reviews, EH&S studies, and site safety initiatives.
  • Oversee delivery of FCC and related testing services, including ECAT, ACE, steaming, DCR, petroleum laboratory services, sink/float, IGC, sulfur speciation, and fluidization testing. Ensure testing supports customer retention, value-based selling, new customer acquisition, and development of new products and processes. Ensure testing data are timely, technically sound, and decision-enabling for customers, technical service, marketing, and R&D.
  • Serve as a recognized technical authority in FCC catalysis. Prepare and present technical materials for customer meetings and technical exchanges. Lead discussions with customers on catalyst testing, feedstock effects, and FCC fundamentals. Address non-routine technical service questions using scientific literature and internal expertise.

Required Qualifications
  • PhD or MS in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Materials Science, or related discipline.
  • 15+ years of experience in catalyst R&D, FCC technologies, or refinery-related innovation.
  • Demonstrated leadership in managing R&D organizations and technical teams
  • Extensive experience in FCC catalysis, catalyst evaluation, or refinery process technology.
  • #LI -TC1

Preferred Qualifications
  • Strong customer-facing communication and problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to combine strategic leadership with hands-on technical contribution.

Benefits
  • Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance
  • Life Insurance and Disability
  • Grace Wellness Program
  • Flexible Workplace with maximum overlap with the core hours
  • Retirement Plans
  • 401(k) Company Match
  • Paid Vacation and Holidays
  • Parental Leave
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Company Donation Match Program

Grace is not accepting unsolicited assistance from search firms for this employment opportunity. Please, no phone calls or emails. All resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at Grace via email, the Internet or in any form and/or method without a valid written search agreement in place for this position will be deemed the sole property of Grace. No fee will be paid in the event the candidate is hired by Grace as a result of the referral or through other means.