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Refining Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Refining Engineer information

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.

What cities are hiring for Refining Engineer jobs?

Cities with the most Refining Engineer job openings:

What states have the most Refining Engineer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Refining Engineer jobs include:

Infographic showing various Refining Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution.

Project E&I Engineer - Refinery

Sterling Engineering Inc.

Downers Grove, IL

$50 - $75/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago


Job description

Title: Project E&I Engineer - Refinery
Location: Lemont, IL
Hire Type: Long Term Open-Ended Contract (Multi-Year, No End Date)
Pay Rate: $50-75 per hour
Compensation & Benefits
As a contract employee of Sterling Engineering, you'll receive a full, competitive benefits package, including:
  • Three Medical Plan Options
  • Dental & Vision Coverage
  • 401(k) Retirement Plan
  • Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
  • Paid Time Off & Paid Holidays
Sterling Engineering is seeking a Project E&I Engineer to support capital improvement projects at a large, highly automated industrial manufacturing and refining facility. You'll gain hands-on experience leading technically challenging projects in a safety-driven, fast-paced environment with significant opportunities to expand your project management and refinery engineering expertise.

Key Responsibilities
  • Manage assigned electrical and instrumentation capital projects from scope development through commissioning and startup
  • Develop project scopes, cost estimates, schedules, and execution plans
  • Monitor project budgets, cash flow forecasts, schedules, and overall project performance
  • Coordinate with cross-functional teams including Operations, Process Engineering, Reliability, Construction, and Maintenance
  • Manage engineering contractors, material procurement, and project documentation throughout the project lifecycle
  • Review engineering designs to ensure quality, constructability, safety, and regulatory compliance
  • Lead project change management activities, including Management of Change (MOC) documentation
  • Facilitate Pre-Startup Safety Reviews (PSSRs) to support safe equipment commissioning and startup
  • Provide technical support during construction, installation, startup, and project closeout
  • Ensure projects are completed safely, on schedule, within budget, and meet operational objectives
Qualifications
  • Must have a Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering from an accredited university
  • Must have at least 2 years of Electrical & Instrumentation engineering experience in a refining or chemical processing environment
  • Experience supporting capital projects in refining, chemical processing, power generation, or other heavy industrial environments
  • Needs a strong working knowledge of instrumentation engineering standards and best practices
  • Experience managing project scope, budgets, schedules, and contractor activities
  • Familiarity with Management of Change (MOC) processes and industrial safety practices
Why You'll Love This Opportunity
  • Work on impactful capital projects supporting one of the nation's critical industrial facilities
  • Gain experience managing projects from concept through startup and commissioning
  • Collaborate with experienced multidisciplinary engineering and operations teams
  • Build expertise in project management, refinery systems, and industrial process engineering
  • Diverse project work that offers technical challenges and professional growth
  • Safety-focused culture with established engineering processes and best practices
  • Excellent opportunity to expand your experience in large-scale industrial project execution.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.