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Refining Engineer Jobs in Amarillo, TX (NOW HIRING)

... Engineering, technical field, or equivalent experience in instrumentation and control. 5+ years of experience in B2B industrial sales in sectors such as oil & gas, chemical, refining, power ...

... Engineering, technical field, or equivalent experience in instrumentation and control. • 5+ years of experience in B2B industrial sales in sectors such as oil & gas, chemical, refining, power ...

North America Emerging Talent Program 2027

Amarillo, TX · On-site

$34K - $43K/yr

Engineering * Safety * Research & Development * Operations * Supply Chain & Logistics * Finance ... We are a world leader in grain origination, storage, distribution, oilseed processing and refining ...

CNC Machinist- Amarillo

Amarillo, TX · On-site

$18.75 - $25.50/hr

Our core competencies include systems engineering, program management, logistics, production ... refine inspection processes. • Adhere to safety protocols and maintain a clean and organized work ...

Experience evaluating contact patterns and making machine adjustments to refine contact pattern is preferred. RESPONSIBILITIES: * Follow setup sheets, engineering drawings, process instructions, and ...

Experience evaluating contact patterns and making machine adjustments to refine contact pattern is preferred. RESPONSIBILITIES: * Follow setup sheets, engineering drawings, process instructions, and ...

You'll work at Zipline's test site(s) and coordinate closely with reliability engineering, software ... refine SOPs to prevent repeat failures * Support continuous improvement of test operations by ...

You'll work at Zipline's test site(s) and coordinate closely with reliability engineering, software ... refine SOPs to prevent repeat failures * Support continuous improvement of test operations by ...

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Showing results 1-20

Refining Engineer information

See Amarillo, TX salary details

$24.8K

$83.8K

$151.6K

How much do refining engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for refining engineer in Amarillo, TX is $83,791.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51,415.00 and $106,820.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a refining engineer?

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 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.

How to become a refining engineer?

To become a refining engineer, typically a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering, petroleum engineering, or a related field is required. Gaining experience through internships or entry-level positions in refineries, developing skills in process simulation and safety protocols, and obtaining professional certifications can enhance career prospects in this field.
Infographic showing various Refining Engineer job openings in Amarillo, TX as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 90% In-person, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $83,791 per year, or $40.3 per hour.

Transmission Planning Engineer, Senior or Principal

Amarillo, TX • On-site

Xcel Energy
Utilities • 10K+ employees

$112K - $156K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 17 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Leads and performs modeling and analysis activities for steady state and stability simulations of power systems.

  • Develops scopes for transmission studies, coordinates with other departments, and communicates study results to various audiences.

  • Implements NERC and FERC compliance activities as a subject matter expert and assigns tasks to and mentors lower-level engineers, interns, and technicians.


Xcel Energy rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 90 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Are you looking for an exciting job where you can put your skills and talents to work at a company you can feel proud to be a part of? Do you want a workplace that will challenge you and offer you opportunities to learn and grow? A position at Xcel Energy could be just what you're looking for.

Position Summary:

Applies extensive technical expertise and has full knowledge of other related disciplines. Performs as a staff advisor and consultant in a technical specialty, a type of facility or equipment, or a program function. Carries out complex or innovative assignments requiring the development of new or improved techniques and procedures. Work is expected to result in the development of new/improved techniques and procedures or new/refined equipment, materials, processes, products, and/or scientific methods. Represents the organization as the prime technical contact on contracts and projects and interacts with senior external personnel on significant technical matters often requiring coordination between organizations. Work is performed without appreciable direction and considerable latitude is exercised in determining technical objectives of assignment. Guidance relates largely to overall objectives, critical issues, new concepts and policy matters. Completed work is reviewed from a relatively long- term perspective, for desired results. May assign tasks to and direct engineers, technicians, craft personnel and administrative staff, including coordination and review of work assignments. Responsible for (and may lead) multiple projects of moderate to large size or portions of major projects. This role requires a balance of technical acumen and strong communication skills, as the senior engineer will need to convey technical concepts clearly and effectively to both technical and non-technical stakeholders. Communication will occur in various formats, including in-person meetings, virtual discussions, presentations to leadership, and written reports.

Essential Responsibilities:

  • Power systems studies engineer: Leads and performs modeling and analysis activities for steady state and stability simulations

  • Transmission planning engineer: Develops scopes for studies to guide long-range transmission system plans and coordinates with other Integrated System Planning departments to ensure assumptions align across subdisciplines

  • Effectively communicates the results of studies and department endeavors to a wide range of audiences through written and verbal means

  • Improves Integrated System Planning procedures and techniques through largely self-directed work. Resolves difficult technical and business problems

  • Implements, without substantial direction, NERC and FERC compliance activities as an SME. Activities are coordinated through the Integrated System Planning department and with external entities

  • Assigns tasks to lower-level engineers, interns and technicians. Mentors and provides training materials for less experienced engineers to ensure group development

Senior Minimum Requirements (Salary Range: $97,000-$129,267)

  • Bachelor's degree in engineering and/or Physics from ABET accredited curriculum, electrical engineering degree preferred.

  • 5+ years with nationally recognized certification, 7+ years without certification.

  • Experience with multiple power system transmission analysis tools such as PSSE, TARA, EMS, ASPEN, CAPE, PROMOD, PLEXOS, PowerWorld, PSCAD or other similar analysis software.

  • EIT/FE (Engineer in Training/Fundamentals of Engineering and/or PE (Professional Engineer) registration preferred.

  • Graduate degree in fields above preferred.

Principal Minimum Requirements (Salary Range: $112,000-$156,600)

  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering and/or Physics from ABET accredited curriculum (or recognized equivalency).

  • 9 + years of demonstrated experience with PE (Professional Engineer) registration, 15+ years of demonstrated experience without PE (Professional Engineer) registration.

  • Experience with multiple power system transmission analysis tools, such as PSSE, TARA, EMS, ASPEN, CAPE, PROMOD, PLEXOS, PowerWorld, PSCAD or other similar analysis software.

  • EIT/FE (Engineer in Training/Fundamentals of Engineering and/or PE (Professional Engineer) registration preferred.

  • Graduate degree in fields above preferred.

  • PE (Professional Engineer) registration preferred.

Preferred Experience & Skills:

  • Experience with Python programming

  • Proficiency in conducting transient stability studies and analysis.

  • Experience with EMT modeling and studies using PSCAD, ETAP or other similar tools

As a leading combination electricity and natural gas energy company, Xcel Energy offers a comprehensive portfolio of energy-related products and services to 3.4 million electricity and 1.9 million natural gas customers across eight Western and Midwestern states. At Xcel Energy, we strive to be the preferred and trusted provider of the energy our customers need. If you're ready to be a part of something big, we invite you to join our team.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

Individuals with a disability who need an accommodation to apply please contact us at recruiting@xcelenergy.com.

Non-BargainingThe anticipated starting base pay for this position is: $97,000.00 to $156,600.00 per yearThis position is eligible for the following benefits: Annual Incentive Program, Medical/Pharmacy Plan, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Dependent Care Reimbursement Account, Health Care Reimbursement Account, Health Savings Account (HSA) (if enrolled in eligible health plan), Limited-Purpose FSA (if enrolled in eligible health plan and HSA), Transportation Reimbursement Account, Short-term disability (STD), Long-term disability (LTD), Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Fitness Center Reimbursement (if enrolled in eligible health plan), Tuition reimbursement, Transit programs, Employee recognition program, Pension, 401(k) plan, Paid time off (PTO), Holidays, Volunteer Paid Time Off (VPTO), Parental Leave

Benefit plans are subject to change and Xcel Energy has the right to end, suspend, or amend any of its plans, at any time, in whole or in part.

In any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information including but not limited to dates of school attendance and graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.

Deadline to Apply: 09/14/26

EEO is the Law |EEO is the Law Supplement | Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination | Equal Opportunity Policy (PDF) | Employee Rights (PDF)

All Xcel Energy employees and contractors share responsibility for protecting the company's information and systems by adhering to cybersecurity policies, standards, and best practices, recognizing that cybersecurity is everyone's responsibility.

ACCESSIBILITY STATEMENT

Xcel Energy endeavors to make https://www.xcelenergy.com/ accessible to any and all users. If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact Xcel Energy Talent Acquisition at recruiting@xcelenergy.com. This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.


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About Xcel Energy

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Xcel Energy is a prominent electricity and natural gas service provider serving multiple states in the United States, including Colorado, Michigan, Minnesota, New Mexico, North Dakota, South Dakota, Texas, and Wisconsin. Our commitment revolves around delivering essential services to our valued customers. As a trailblazer in the industry, we were the first major US electricity provider with a visionary goal to achieve 100% carbon-free electricity by 2050 and an ambitious 80% reduction in carbon emissions by 2030, based on 2005 levels. Through innovative electric vehicle initiatives, we actively contribute to carbon reduction not only in our electricity generation but also in the transportation sector within the states we operate. Simultaneously, we remain devoted to ensuring cost-effectiveness for our customers by implementing advanced electricity rates and energy efficiency programs.

Industry

Utilities

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Minneapolis, MN, US

Year founded

1909