Refinery Process Engineer — Optimization & Technical Lead

Grapevine Energy; Bakersfield (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Grapevine Energy in Bakersfield, CA seeks a Senior Process Engineer to provide technical support for refinery operations, optimize processes, and lead small capital projects.

You will monitor operations, troubleshoot processes, coordinate with vendors, and contribute to Process Safety and environmental compliance. This role requires strong engineering experience and a proactive, collaborative mindset.

Qualifications

• BS Chemical Engineering degree required.
• MS or PhD in Engineering degree preferred.
• 10+ years of process engineering operations experience in petrochemical, refining, and/or renewable fuels processing.
• Experience with renewable diesel production, hydroprocessing, hydrogen production, and gas plant equipment preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day operational performance and optimization to ensure safe operations and compliance with regulatory, commercial, and logistical requirements.
• Monitor catalyst health and report performance and end-of-run projections; coordinate with catalyst suppliers as needed.
• Identify opportunities for improvement and participate in alarm rationalization and RCA feedback.
• Provide technical support during test runs, commissioning, startups and shutdowns; coordinate with field and operations.
• Publish technical recommendation memos and turnaround reports; develop justifications for maintenance work.
• Lead hazard reviews (HAZOP/What-If) and support Process Safety Information (PSI) tasks; support MOC processes.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Process engineering support

Health and safety regulations

Technical problem solving

Prioritization & delegation

High-paced environment

Google Suite & MS Office

Education

BS Chemical Engineering

MS or PhD in Engineering

Tools

Google Suite

Microsoft Office

Job description

Grapevine Energy in Bakersfield, CA seeks a Senior Process Engineer to provide technical support for refinery operations, optimize processes, and lead small capital projects.

You will monitor operations, troubleshoot processes, coordinate with vendors, and contribute to Process Safety and environmental compliance. This role requires strong engineering experience and a proactive, collaborative mindset.