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Refining Engineer Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Firmware Engineer

Saint Paul, MN · On-site

$115K - $130K/yr

... refine and enhance firmware features. • Staying updated with industry trends and emerging ... Qualifications • Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field • Proficiency ...

Sr. AI Integration Engineer

Chaska, MN · On-site

$111K - $150K/yr

Work directly with internal teams to gather requirements, refine scope, collect feedback, and ... Engineering Standards: Contribute to codebases, deployment pipelines, support practices, and ...

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Refining Engineer information

See Minnesota salary details

$27.2K

$91.8K

$166.1K

How much do refining engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for refining engineer in Minnesota is $91,839.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $56,353.00 and $117,080.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Refining Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Refining Engineer, you need a strong background in chemical engineering, process optimization, and safety standards, usually supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with process simulation software (e.g., Aspen HYSYS), control systems, and certifications like FE or PE are typically required. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication skills help you excel in diagnosing and improving refinery operations. These skills and qualities are essential for ensuring efficient, safe, and environmentally responsible refining processes.

What is the difference between Refining Engineer vs Process Engineer?

AspectRefining EngineerProcess Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Chemical, Petroleum, or Mechanical Engineering; Professional Engineer (PE) license often preferredBachelor's in Chemical, Mechanical, or Industrial Engineering; certifications like Six Sigma are common
Work EnvironmentOil refineries, petrochemical plants, energy sectorsManufacturing plants, chemical processing facilities, industrial settings
Industry UsagePrimarily in oil and gas refining industryBroader across manufacturing and chemical industries

Refining Engineers focus specifically on oil and gas refining processes, optimizing operations and safety. Process Engineers have a broader role across various manufacturing sectors, designing and improving production processes. While both roles require similar technical credentials and work in industrial environments, Refining Engineers specialize in the petroleum industry, whereas Process Engineers work across multiple industries.

What are Refining Engineers?

Refining Engineers are professionals who design, operate, and optimize processes within oil refineries and petrochemical plants. They are responsible for ensuring that crude oil is efficiently converted into useful products like gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel while meeting safety and environmental standards. Their work involves troubleshooting equipment, improving process efficiency, and implementing new technologies to enhance production. Refining Engineers often collaborate with other technical teams to solve complex engineering problems and ensure the continuous, safe operation of refinery units.

What are some typical challenges a Refining Engineer faces when optimizing refinery processes?

Refining Engineers often encounter challenges balancing process efficiency with safety and regulatory compliance. They must troubleshoot complex equipment or process issues, adapt to fluctuating feedstock qualities, and implement technology upgrades while minimizing downtime. Collaboration with operations, maintenance, and environmental teams is crucial to address these challenges and ensure that refinery output meets both quality standards and production targets. Staying updated on industry best practices and technological advancements also helps in overcoming these hurdles.
What cities in Minnesota are hiring for Refining Engineer jobs? Cities in Minnesota with the most Refining Engineer job openings:
Control Systems Engineer - Power Electronics

Control Systems Engineer - Power Electronics

RFA Engineering

Eden Prairie, MN • On-site

$85K - $130K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 19 days ago


Job description

RFA Engineering (www.rfamec.com) is an engineering service provider dedicated to delivering our clients with timely engineering support and expertise. We are seeking an experienced candidate to become an integral part of our engineering team. The selected candidate will work with an experienced engineering staff using state-of-the-art engineering tools & processes. This position will be located at our Eden Prairie, MN engineering headquarters. Travel will be required 1 week per month to Fargo, ND.
This is a full-time position with a full benefit package listed below that includes opportunities for professional growth, direct hire by our customers, and additional opportunities within our own organization.
Control Systems Engineer - Power Electronics
Control Systems Engineer - Power Electronics will support the development of advanced electrification and control solutions across a wide range of applications. This role is responsible for developing, simulating, validating, and implementing control systems at both component and full system levels using a model-based design approach. The ideal candidate will contribute to electric drive development, system performance optimization, and embedded control implementation in a collaborative engineering environment.
Responsibilities
  • Develop electrification control solutions at both component and system levels using model-based design methodologies.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional stakeholders to define and refine control system requirements supporting electrified vehicle solutions.
  • Perform electric drive and full system simulations to support control algorithm development and vehicle performance assessments.
  • Evaluate control system designs through analytical modeling, simulation, Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) testing, laboratory validation, and field testing.
  • Support embedded implementation of control algorithms including auto-code generation and integration with microcontrollers and FPGAs.
  • Contribute to design reviews, technical documentation, and continuous improvement of development processes and validation strategies.

Requirements
  • Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or a related field.
  • One or more years of experience in power electronics or control algorithm development; relevant academic research experience will be considered.
  • Proficiency in MATLAB, Simulink, and Simscape.
  • Experience simulating power electronics, electric machines, and control systems.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Desired Attributes
  • Master of Science degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Physics with a focus on power electronics and/or control systems.
  • Hands-on laboratory or vehicle testing experience with power electronics or electric motors.
  • Experience with Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) testing environments.
  • Experience with auto-code generation and embedded software implementation.
  • Familiarity with version control systems and Agile software development practices.
  • Experience with power electronics hardware or software design.
  • Knowledge of advanced control techniques including observers, model predictive control, filter design, and advanced motor control strategies.

Pay Range: $85,000-$130,000/year - Commensurate with experience
About RFA Engineering
RFA Engineering has provided product development and engineering services to industry leading customers since 1943. Our primary focus is the development of off highway equipment including agricultural, construction, mining, recreational, industrial, and special machines. Our work includes concept development, product design, documentation, problem-solving, simulation, optimization, and testing of components, systems and complete machines. Our engineering staff is located at our Engineering Center in Eden Prairie, MN, branch office in Dubuque, IA and at numerous customer sites throughout the U.S.
Competitive Benefits
  • Health and Dental Insurance
  • Health Savings Account
  • TelaDoc: Virtual Health Care
  • Vision Insurance
  • Company Paid / Supplemental Life Insurance
  • Company Paid Long-Term Disability
  • Supplemental Short-Term Disability
  • Retirement Savings Account (Traditional 401k & Roth 401k)
  • Flexible Spending Plan Dependent Care
  • Bonus Plan (Exempt Employees Only)
  • Paid Time Off (PTO)
  • Paid Holidays
  • Bereavement Leave
  • Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)
  • Education Assistance

Equal Opportunity and Veteran Friendly
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.