Process Engineer - Oil Refinery
The Process Engineer at Confidential Client's Oil Refinery in McPherson, Kansas is responsible for monitoring and optimizing refinery process units through engineering support, process control, and technical reporting. This role involves reviewing P&ID drawings, conducting safety audits, collaborating with vendors, and identifying process improvements to enhance performance and profitability in a safety-focused environment.
About Careertakes
👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, Energy, Oil & Gas (Oil Refinery).
Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.
Overview
Confidential Client is hiring a Process Engineer to support daily monitoring and optimization of refinery process units at an oil refinery facility in Mcpherson, KS. This is an entry-level to early-career engineering role focused on process support, P&ID review/walkdowns, mass and energy balances, and vendor coordination. Estimated base pay shown in source materials: $51,725 per year (estimated).
Key Responsibilities
- Perform engineering activities to support facility design, process control configurations, and daily unit operations.
- Read, review, and approve P&ID drawings; perform drawing walkdowns and keep documentation current.
- Apply sound engineering judgment to identify and resolve plant process issues.
- Prepare and issue technical reports (e.g., catalyst life/performance, unit energy/mass balances, feed/product composition/spec reviews).
- Participate in MOC reviews, PSSRs, PHAs and PSM audits; complete assigned safety action items.
- Track and report heat and mass transfer equipment performance using field surveys, lab data evaluation, and mass/energy balances.
- Work with catalyst and chemical vendors to evaluate performance and select options that optimize unit performance and profitability.
- Identify areas for process and performance improvements and support implementation.
- Foster clear communication, problem resolution, and project ownership across operations and engineering teams.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering (accredited four-year college or university).
- 0–1+ years of project engineering or related experience (including internships).
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to prioritize workloads, meet deadlines, and work both independently and on teams.
Preferred / Additional Qualifications
- 0–2+ years’ experience in the oil & gas / refinery sector (including internships).
- Familiarity with process simulation software.
- Proficiency with MS Word, Excel, Access, and Outlook.
- Experience performing mass and energy balances and interpreting lab data.
- Comfortable working in operational plant environments and using appropriate PPE.
Physical & Screening Requirements
- Must be able to wear required personal protective equipment (including respirators).
- Selected candidates may be required to pass pre-employment screenings (drug test, criminal background check, motor vehicle check, physical exam, and/or FMCSA Clearinghouse checks) as appropriate for the role.
Compensation & Benefits
Estimated base pay (from source): $51,725 per year (estimated). Actual pay offered will vary based on experience, education, skills, and local law. Benefits (subject to eligibility) may include medical, dental, vision, wellness programs, life insurance, health and dependent care FSAs, paid time off, 401(k), pension/profit-sharing, short- and long-term disability, tuition reimbursement, and adoption assistance.
What We Value
- Attention to detail and results-driven execution.
- Strong commitment to safety and quality.
- Collaborative mindset with the ability to take ownership of projects.
- Proactive problem-solving and continuous improvement orientation.
Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency
Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.
If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.
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