Process Engineer

SAN JOAQUIN REFINING CO. Bakersfield, California Process Engineer Location: Bakersfield, CA (on-site) | Employment Type: Full-Time About San Joaquin Refining Co. San Joaquin Refining Co. is an independent specialty refinery based in Bakersfield, California, processing California naphthenic crude into high-value specialty products rather than transportation fuels. Our product slate includes naphthenic process oils, transformer and dielectric oils, rubber process oils, specialty asphalts, and other industrial lubricant base stocks used by customers across the electrical, rubber, and industrial manufacturing sectors. As a specialty operation, our process engineers work across the full range of unit operations rather than a narrow slice of a large fuels complex. Position Summary San Joaquin Refining is seeking a Process Engineer to support safe, reliable, and efficient operation of our Bakersfield refinery. This role owns process performance across assigned units, drives troubleshooting and optimization efforts, and partners closely with Operations, Maintenance, and EH&S to keep the plant running at its best. Experience is the top priority for this role — we are looking for someone who can walk into our units and immediately add value. Key Responsibilities Monitor and optimize daily unit operations to maximize yield, throughput, energy efficiency, and product quality. Troubleshoot process upsets and equipment performance issues in real time, working directly with Operations. Develop and maintain process models, mass/energy balances, and operating procedures for assigned units. Lead or support root cause analysis for process incidents, off-spec product, and reliability issues. Identify and drive capital and expense projects to improve safety, reliability, yield, and margin. Support turnaround planning and execution, including scope development and startup/shutdown procedures. Ensure compliance with process safety management (PSM), environmental permits, and regulatory requirements. Partner with Maintenance and Reliability teams on equipment strategy, inspections, and failure analysis. Provide technical support and training to Operations personnel. Required Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering (or closely related engineering discipline). Prior hands-on process engineering experience in an oil refinery or petrochemical/specialty chemical plant is required — experience is the deciding factor for this role. Strong working knowledge of distillation, heat exchange, and fluid processing unit operations. Demonstrated experience troubleshooting live process issues in an operating plant environment. Solid understanding of process safety management and refinery/plant safety standards. Proficiency with process simulation and data historian tools (e.g., HYSYS/Aspen, PI, or similar). Strong communication skills and ability to work cross-functionally with Operations and Maintenance. Ability to work on-site in Bakersfield, CA and respond to occasional off-hours plant needs. Preferred Qualifications Experience with naphthenic crude processing, specialty oils, asphalt, or lubricant base stock production. Experience supporting turnarounds, capital projects, or process safety incident investigations. Professional Engineer (PE) license Why Join San Joaquin Refining Work across a full, diverse process unit slate rather than a narrow role in a large fuels refinery. Direct, hands-on impact on plant performance and business results. Great benefits package, including 100% employer-paid employee-only medical/health benefits. 401(k) plan Generous vacation time San Joaquin Refining Co. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Pay: $135,000.00 - $150,000.00 per year Benefits: 401(k) 401(k) matching Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Vision insurance Work Location: In person