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Refinery Process Jobs in Houston, TX (NOW HIRING)

Delek US

Staff Process Engineer (Remote)

Houston, TX · On-site +1

Our refineries in Texas, Arkansas, and Louisiana have a combined crude capacity of 302,000 barrels ... Mentor and develop refinery process engineers, technical supervisors, and operations leaders ...

Clean Harbors

Water Process Engineer

Deer Park, TX · On-site

$159K/yr

Candidate must have experience working with process water treatment in refineries, chemical plants or power plants. * High Purity water treatment and process design knowledge is a plus! * Advanced ...

Hp

Source to Pay Value Chain Process Engineer

Spring, TX

$130K - $205K/yr

Source to Pay Value Chain Process Engineer Description - Position Summary The Value Chain Process Engineer - Source to Pay is responsible for shaping breakthrough transformation agendas by combining ...

Mariana Minerals

Process Modeling Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

$100K - $160K/yr

The Role Mariana Minerals is seeking a highly motivated Process Modeling Engineer to support the development of next-generation refining processes for critical minerals - key to enabling the world ...

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All JobsRefinery Process JobsRefinery Process Jobs in Houston, TX

Refinery Process information

See Houston, TX salary details

$68.3K

$131.2K

$222.5K

How much do refinery process jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for refinery process in Houston, TX is $131,199.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $96,900.00 and $140,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are refinery process operators?

Refinery process operators are professionals responsible for controlling and monitoring the equipment and systems that convert raw crude oil into usable products like gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel. They manage the flow of materials, adjust temperatures and pressures, and ensure that operations run safely and efficiently. Operators also troubleshoot issues, perform routine maintenance, and follow strict safety protocols to prevent accidents and environmental hazards. Their work is critical to the smooth functioning of oil refineries and the production of energy products.

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

Professionals in refinery process roles often encounter challenges such as maintaining operational safety, troubleshooting complex equipment, and adapting to evolving environmental regulations. Managing process upsets while minimizing downtime requires strong analytical skills and close attention to detail. Effective communication and collaboration with maintenance, engineering, and safety teams are essential to quickly resolve issues and implement process improvements. Ongoing training and staying updated on best practices can help overcome these challenges and ensure safe, efficient refinery operations.

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 aptitude, and a relevant technical diploma or certificate. Familiarity with distributed control systems (DCS), safety protocols, and process monitoring tools is essential. Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and effective communication help operators manage complex operations and respond to issues quickly. These abilities are crucial for ensuring safety, maintaining efficiency, and minimizing downtime in refinery operations.

What does a process operator do in a refinery?

A process operator in a refinery monitors and controls the equipment and processes involved in refining crude oil into products like gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel. They interpret data from control systems, perform routine inspections, and respond to operational issues to ensure safety and efficiency. The role often requires technical training, adherence to safety protocols, and the use of control room systems and instrumentation.

What is the difference between Refinery Process vs Refinery Operator?

AspectRefinery ProcessRefinery Operator
CredentialsTechnical certifications, associate degrees in chemical or process engineeringOn-the-job training, technical certifications often preferred
Work EnvironmentDesign, planning, and supervision of refining operationsHands-on operation of equipment in refinery plants
Industry UsageInvolved in process design, optimization, and troubleshootingFocuses on operating and monitoring refinery machinery

Refinery Process roles typically involve designing and optimizing refining procedures, requiring technical knowledge and planning skills. Refinery Operators focus on the day-to-day operation and monitoring of equipment. Both roles are essential in the refining industry but differ in responsibilities and skill requirements.

How hard is it to get a job at a refinery?

Securing a refinery process job typically requires relevant technical skills, such as knowledge of chemical or mechanical processes, and often involves completing certifications like OSHA or process safety management. Entry-level positions may be accessible with a high school diploma or technical training, but more advanced roles usually demand experience and specialized education, making competition moderate to high depending on the position and location.

What jobs pay 500,000 a year in the US?

In the refinery process industry, senior roles such as refinery managers, plant directors, and chief engineers can reach or exceed a $500,000 annual salary, especially with extensive experience, specialized skills, and performance bonuses. These positions often require advanced technical knowledge, leadership abilities, and industry certifications, and may involve working in high-pressure environments with long hours.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

Refinery process jobs typically do not pay $4,000 a week without specialized skills or experience; however, roles such as experienced plant operators or supervisors in the oil and gas industry can reach that level with on-the-job training and certifications. High-paying positions often require technical knowledge, safety training, and relevant experience rather than formal degrees.
What are popular job titles related to Refinery Process jobs in Houston, TX? For Refinery Process jobs in Houston, TX, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Refinery Process jobs in Houston, TX look for? The top searched job categories for Refinery Process jobs in Houston, TX are:
What cities near Houston, TX are hiring for Refinery Process jobs? Cities near Houston, TX with the most Refinery Process job openings:
Refinery Process jobs near you
Infographic showing various Refinery Process job openings in Houston, TX as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 3% Temporary, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 90% In-person, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $131,199 per year, or $63.1 per hour.

Staff Process Engineer (Remote)

Delek US

Houston, TX • On-site, Remote

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Are you looking for a career in a dynamic and innovative company that values versatility, growth, and teamwork? Look no further than Delek US Holdings!
WHAT IS DELEK? WHAT DO WE DO?
We are a boutique-sized diversified downstream energy company with a range of assets, including petroleum refining and logistics.
  • Our refineries in Texas, Arkansas, and Louisiana have a combined crude capacity of 302,000 barrels per day
  • Our logistics business currently owns and operates 720 miles of crude and product pipelines, a 600-mile crude oil gathering system, and storage tanks and terminals.

DELEK BENEFITS:
We offer fantastic benefits that include up to a 10% match on 401K on your hire start, with a vesting timeline of only one year, along with medical benefits that start on day onewith a 30% premium rebate annually! We value your well-being and all employees now have access to the Calm app for FREE, which is used for meditation, stress management, and better sleep. Through our performance management program, you can earn additional annual incentives as you set and achieve goals. Our pay for performance culture motivates our employees to improve Delek's year-over-year company, business unit, and individual results. With some of the highest bonus payouts in recent years, we know that our success is due to our talented and dedicated team. We are looking for individuals like you to help us continue this momentum and bring new ideas to the table. At Delek, you will have the opportunity to make an impact and grow your career in a supportive and innovative environment.
Job Summary:
Delek US Holdings, Inc. is a diversified downstream energy company with assets in petroleum refining, logistics, asphalt, renewable fuels and convenience store retailing. We are hiring for the position of Alkylation Technology SME with the potential for site or remote work.
Role & Responsibilities:
  • Serve as the corporate Subject Matter Expert (SME) for HF and sulfuric acid alkylation technology, providing technical leadership and support across all refining assets.
  • Develop, maintain, and monitor unit performance indicators, benchmarking metrics, and technology health dashboards to identify performance gaps, reliability risks, and improvement opportunities.
  • Serve as the corporate steward and technical authority for HF and sulfuric acid alkylation process safety standards, engineering best practices, and risk management strategies.
  • Own and maintain corporate alkylation technology standards, operating envelopes, critical process parameter guidance, and lessons-learned documentation to ensure consistent execution across all refining assets.
  • Provide technical consultation and troubleshooting support to refinery process engineers, production teams, and operations personnel on unit performance, process optimization, operating issues, and process safety concerns.
  • Lead efforts to improve alkylation unit safety, reliability, environmental performance, and economic optimization through application of industry best practices and sound engineering principles.
  • Develop, maintain, monitor, and benchmark key alkylation performance indicators, including process safety, reliability, acid consumption, alkylate quality, equipment performance, and unit energy intensity.
  • Mentor and develop refinery process engineers, technical supervisors, and operations leaders through coaching, technical training, and knowledge-sharing initiatives.
  • Develop and maintain corporate standards, best practices, engineering guidelines, and operating philosophies related to alkylation technology.
  • Lead the refinery alkylation best-practice network and facilitate periodic technology collaboration meetings, including agenda development, action tracking, knowledge sharing, and deployment of lessons learned.
  • Coordinate and lead annual technology health assessments for alkylation units, including performance reviews, gap identification, risk assessment, and improvement plan development.
  • Evaluate emerging technologies, licensor developments, catalyst advancements, process improvements, and industry trends to identify opportunities for business improvement and competitive advantage.
  • Maintain active engagement with technology licensors, catalyst suppliers, engineering consultants, industry organizations, and peer networks to ensure awareness and application of current industry best practices and technological advancements.
  • Support process studies and technology evaluations focused on yield improvement, energy efficiency, asset utilization, environmental compliance, process safety, and profitability enhancement.
  • Provide technical leadership during unit startups, shutdowns, major operating events, turnarounds, commissioning activities, and post-startup performance stabilization efforts.
  • Participate in and provide technical leadership for process hazard analyses (PHA), layer of protection analyses (LOPA), management of change (MOC) reviews, pre-startup safety reviews (PSSR), and other process safety management activities impacting alkylation units.
  • Serve as the technical authority for alkylation-related management of change reviews, significant process deviations, operating envelope exceedances, and major technology recommendations.
  • Lead or participate in incident investigations and root cause failure analyses involving process safety events, reliability incidents, environmental events, and production losses. Partner with reliability, maintenance, and operations personnel to identify corrective actions, capture lessons learned, and prevent recurrence.
  • Own and facilitate the development, maintenance, and deployment of alkylation-specific training materials, operating guidance, and competency development programs.
  • Support capital project development through concept evaluation, technology selection, design review, risk assessment, process design package review, and startup readiness activities.
  • Provide periodic updates and recommendations to refinery and corporate leadership regarding technology risks, constraints, performance gaps, improvement opportunities, and long-range strategic initiatives.
  • Exercise broad technical judgment and independent decision-making to resolve complex technical issues and influence business outcomes across multiple facilities.
  • Support other refining process technologies and business initiatives as required based on organizational needs, individual expertise, and business priorities.
  • This position relies on extensive industry experience, advanced technical knowledge, sound engineering judgment, and the ability to influence organizational decisions across multiple refining assets. A high degree of creativity, initiative, leadership, and independent decision-making is expected.

Required Qualifications - Education, Skills & Experience:
  • Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering.
  • 15+ years refining experience.
  • 10+ years supporting alkylation technology.
  • Expertise in operation, optimization, troubleshooting, and performance improvement of HF and sulfuric acid alkylation units.
  • Knowledge of alkylation reaction chemistry and process fundamentals.
  • Proficiency with HYSYS and applicable process modeling software.
  • Experience with startups, shutdowns, and turnarounds.
  • Strong troubleshooting and root cause analysis skills.
  • Knowledge of process safety management principles and regulatory requirements.
  • Familiarity with staged-gate project development processes.

Preferred Qualifications - Education, Skills & Experience:
  • Experience with both HF and sulfuric acid alkylation technologies.
  • Experience leading or participating in PHAs, LOPAs, MOCs, and PSSRs.
  • Experience developing corporate standards and best practices.
  • Experience serving as a corporate or multi-site technology resource.
  • Experience with technology-specific modeling software.
  • Participation in industry committees, licensor forums, or professional organizations.
  • Professional Engineer (PE) license.

Core Competencies:
CHANGE AGILITY (LEVEL 3 APPLYING): Identifies, initiates, and adapts to organizational changes that foster enhanced effectiveness, efficiency, safety, and ultimately business results.
COLLABORATION (LEVEL 3 APPLYING): Sees connection points across the organization and partners effectively with others to achieve common goals.
DECISION MAKING (LEVEL 3 APPLYING): Selects a course of action to reduce risk and uncertainty and create optimal outcomes.
DRIVE FOR RESULTS (LEVEL 3 APPLYING): Drives to achieve challenging performance objectives.
TEAM BUILDING (LEVEL 3 APPLYING): Builds trust, fosters openness, and provides support. As the manager of a team, selects and motivates a strong team.
#LI-MK1
We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Equal Opportunity Employer/Disabled/Veterans.
BECOME PART OF THE ENERGY
It's an exciting time to join Delek. We're on a mission to attract, retain, and engage the best and brightest talent - those who are great team players and leaders who make it their first priority to serve.
  • We are performance driven
  • We value a passion for excellence
  • We value teamwork
  • We value and reward hard work and dedication

Delek US offers the opportunity to provide you with more than a job - we want to help you build a career.
Since our inception, our ability to hire the right people for the job has served us well, resulting in an impressive record of consistent growth and profitability. With more than 3,500 employees in nine states, we have brought together a diverse team of professionals passionate about investing their time and expertise in one of the most dynamic downstream energy companies in the market today.
Welcome to Delek US Holdings

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