Demo

Sr Process Engineer

valero
Norco, LA Full Time
POSTED ON 9/16/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 10/15/2026

Valero is the best-in-class producer of essential fuels and products that are foundational to modern life. We invite you to join our ~10,000 employees to drive exceptional results for our company, the energy industry and our community.

As a Sr Process Engineer you will provide senior-level engineering capability for process evaluation, optimization of refinery operations, project design, start-up, troubleshooting, and testing of units. Through the application of process engineering expertise, you will also provide the most optimum refinery performance that will meet the company’s safety, environmental, reliability and economic objectives.

At Valero, we are committed to advancing the future of energy through innovation, ingenuity and unmatched execution. You can help achieve this goal if you can:

  • Provide technical expertise to support process units for a particular area of the refinery to enable the most optimum performance that will meet daily operating targets and KPIs.
  • Perform all routine engineering calculations (i.e., piping hydraulics; PSV sizing; pump/motor sizing and evaluations; use process simulation software to evaluate complex problems, size/rate equipment, mass and energy balances; perform conversion calculations).
  • Monitor unit operating data. Ensure technical and operations management are aware of all current constraints.
  • Assist Operations in evaluations of unit operations and troubleshooting problems.
  • Prepare and follow-up on reports on catalyst life, performance, regeneration, and requirements of the units.
  • Initiate proactive recommendations for improving unit yields and/or optimizing energy consumption.
  • Understand the refinery flows, heat and material balances, feeds, distillation processes and products.
  • Maintain and evaluate an informational database of operating history of units for all pertinent process variables and updates PFD’s, P&ID’s, and Unit Health Monitoring KPIs. Perform studies on the effects of operating variables on product quality, yield and profitability.
  • Assist in supplying technical data in preparation of construction, operating, and environmental permit applications and reports.
  • Initiate and develop process design for new projects to address safety, environmental concerns, reliability, and other economic improvements to the unit.
  • Complete conceptual process studies/evaluations and determine the economic feasibility. Prepare project design basis document for the study. Develop lead case selection from an alternative analysis evaluation.
  • Complete process designs for proposed projects; write process specifications based on studies for problem solving, optimization, or new projects. These include process flow diagrams, heat and material balance, and P&IDs.
  • Prepare Decision Support Packages, Business Cases and assist in AFE preparation.
  • Develop and evaluate plans and criteria to execute a variety of projects.
  • Support T/A activities by participating in pre-TA planning scope reviews and project development, performing equipment inspections, assisting with catalyst loading, chemical cleaning applications and making necessary recommendations for corrections and or improvements for discovery items. Issue Post TA Report of significant findings and lessons learned.
  • Issue Monthly formal Unit Performance report, formal reports on specific subjects, informal discussions, attend Operations Line Team Meetings and a weekly Process Engineering Group meeting. Formal and informal presentations given to Senior Management team members.

This position is salaried exempt status, which means you are not eligible for overtime pay.

Minimum Requirements:

  • Able and willing to work on-site, in-person at the Valero St. Charles Refinery required.
  • Bachelor’s or higher level degree in Chemical Engineering required.
  • Five (5) years of process engineering experience in a petroleum refinery required.
  • Process Simulation experience required.
  • Basic skill using Microsoft Office programs (i.e., Word and Excel) required

Preferred Requirements:

  • Experience in petroleum refining with multiple refinery process units preferred.

Need more reasons to work for a company that is both professionally challenging and culturally rewarding?  Take a look at some of our best-in-class benefits:

  • Competitive Pay and Annual Bonus Program
  • 100% match on 401(K) up to 7%, with immediate vesting
  • Company-sponsored Pension Plan
  • Comprehensive Healthcare and Wellness Program

Benefits described above are highlights only, subject to an employee’s eligibility and work location.

Discover more about St. Charles and how we’re making a difference there.

All successful candidates must be eligible to obtain a TWIC card (Transportation Worker Identification Credential). It is Valero’s policy that employees must wear this card at all times while working at the refinery. Please review eligibility criteria at https://www.tsa.gov/for-industry/twic.

Position level and salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Valero's employees and team-focused culture drive our success. We’re invested in our dedicated workforce through a comprehensive, customizable benefits package, while supporting a caring culture that delivers a rewarding work environment built on teamwork, excellence and career growth. To explore the ways we build a stronger team, visit Valero.com/Careers.

Valero is an EEO Employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to legally protected status, including race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran or any other status protected by applicable federal, state or local laws.

Please be advised, if you are viewing this position on a website that lists an estimated salary rate/range, it was not provided by Valero.  Valero’s market specific salary rate/range will be provided during the recruiting process and tends to be higher than what is estimated by such websites.  

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