Planning & Optimization Engineer

At MPC, we’re committed to being a great place to work – one that welcomes new ideas, encourages diverse perspectives, develops our people, and fosters a collaborative team environment.

Value Chain Optimization (VCO) is seeking a motivated employee with interest in commercial optimization at our Los Angeles Refinery located in Carson, California to fill our Planning and Optimization Engineer position. The employee will learn how to collaborate with multiple refining and commercial counterparts while learning commercial planning and scheduling skills. The employee will also utilize software such as Aspentech PIMS (Linear programming model) and Aspentech Petroleum Scheduler (APS).

VCO views this as a knowledge-enhancing role for an employee seeking to learn commercial economics and planning. The role will begin with learning various coordinating/scheduling desks and will progress into learning PIMS LP modeling as dictated by department needs. This position provides the candidate with key economic, planning, and logistics knowledge that will continue to inform decisions for future refining or commercial roles.

• Coordinate the commercial aspects of refinery operations, including feedstock selection, product and intermediate placement, supply chain optimization, and market analysis.

• Demonstrate a fundamental understanding of refinery operations, economics, and market dynamics. Develops and communicates strategies that capture missed opportunities and closes production optimization gaps.

• Assist in collaboration meetings with the value chain to discuss both local and regional economic drivers.

• Develop optimized and executable production plans for a single refinery using linear programming simulation models. Modify production plans as needed to adjust to demand/margin changes. Identify constraints associated with refinery modeling, uses provided input to develop refinery plans.

• Conduct detailed analysis of buy-or-make options, considering factors such as cost, quality, supply chain implications, and market dynamics. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to gather relevant data and insights.

• Assist in developing decision-making frameworks and presenting findings to stakeholders.

• Analyze historical refinery data to identify trends, patterns, and areas for improvement. Collaborates with cross-functional teams to validate data accuracy and completeness. Assist in developing back-cast models and scenarios to evaluate past performance and identify optimization opportunities.

• Conduct project support cases independently under supervision.

• Demonstrate understanding of refinery operations and commercial aspects of projects. Able to analyze data, identify issues, and propose solutions with guidance. Collaborates with team members to execute project support tasks effectively.

• Understand local refinery deliverables and can effectively manage with support of others. Understand how scheduling tools/processes work and is trained on APS to develop local refinery plans.

*Additional responsibilities will be required at the Senior level position.

Preferred Qualifications

• Chemical Engineering Degree is preferred.

• Experience in Aspentech PIMS (Linear programming model) and Aspentech Petroleum Scheduler (APS) is preferred.

• Technical Services or Economics & Planning experience preferred.

Relocation may be available. https://mympcbenefits.com/relocating/

This job will posted through March 18, 2026.

This position belongs to a family of jobs with increasing responsibility, competency and skill level. Actual position title and pay grade will be based on the selected candidate’s experience and qualifications.

Learn more about Marathon Petroleum’s benefits at https://mympcbenefits.com/

As an energy industry leader, our career opportunities fuel personal and professional growth.

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Marathon Petroleum Company LP is an Equal Opportunity Employer and gives consideration for employment to qualified applicants without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, reproductive health decision-making, age, mental or physical disability, medical condition or AIDS/HIV status, ancestry, national origin, genetic information, military, veteran status, marital status, citizenship  or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.  If you would like more information about your EEO rights as an applicant, click here.
If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process at Marathon Petroleum LP, please contact our Human Resources Department at [email protected]. Please specify the reasonable accommodation you are requesting, along with the job posting number in which you may be interested. A Human Resources representative will review your request and contact you to discuss a reasonable accommodation. Marathon Petroleum offers a total rewards program which includes, but is not limited to, access to health, vision, and dental insurance, paid time off, 401k matching program, paid parental leave, and educational reimbursement. Detailed benefit information is available at mympcbenefits.com. The hired candidate will also be eligible for a discretionary company-sponsored annual bonus program.
 
Equal Opportunity Employer: Veteran / Disability

We will consider all qualified Applicants for employment, including those with arrest or conviction records, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws. In reviewing criminal history in connection with a conditional offer of employment, Marathon will consider the key responsibilities of the role.