Marathon Petroleum

Planning & Optimization Advisor/Engineer

Marathon Petroleum • $122K — $212K *
Energy & Utilities
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering required; alternative degrees considered with 5 years of relevant experience.
  • Minimum of 4 years in refinery planning, optimization, or related fields required.
  • Strong analytical skills with a focus on optimization methodologies.
  • Proven ability to work collaboratively across teams and functions.
  • Experience in commodity market analysis and decision support analytics.

Responsibilities

  • Develop and optimize refinery plans using LP models to enhance performance.
  • Independently manage refinery forecasting and planning activities.
  • Maintain and enhance LP models for accuracy and operational relevance.
  • Identify constraints and develop strategies to improve performance.
  • Conduct scenario analyses to assess impacts of market changes and operational constraints.
  • Integrate historical data and analyses to enhance forecasting accuracy.
  • Collaborate with various teams to align planning across regions and refineries.

Benefits

  • Access to health, vision, and dental insurance.
  • Paid time off and parental leave.
  • 401k matching program.
  • Educational reimbursement opportunities.
  • Eligibility for a discretionary annual bonus program.
Full Job Description
Position Summary

Value Chain Optimization (VCO) is seeking a motivated and dynamic Planning & Optimization Advisor/Engineer to support regional and refinery planning and optimization activities. This role will contribute to regional and refinery backcasting, optimization modeling, and LP submodel development and maintenance. The ideal candidate brings strong analytical capability, a solid interest in optimization and planning methodologies, and the ability to work effectively across teams. Success in this role requires strong organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills, along with the ability to translate complex analytical insights into actionable outcomes.

Key Responsibilities
  • Develops and optimizes short-term, mid-term, and lookback plans using local, regional and cross-regional LP models to maximize refinery and value chain performance.
  • Manages refinery forecasting and planning activities independently, ensuring plans remain aligned with operational capabilities, market conditions, and business objectives.
  • Maintains and enhances LP models by validating assumptions, modifying constraints, and improving model accuracy to reflect refinery operating realities.
  • Identifies emerging constraints and value opportunities and develops optimization strategies to improve refinery and value chain performance and operational results.
  • Performs scenario and sensitivity analyses to evaluate impacts of changing market conditions, operational constraints, disruptions, and strategic initiatives.
  • Integrates historical performance reviews, backcast analyses, and scenario evaluations to improve forecasting accuracy and planning effectiveness.
  • Partners with Operations, Commercial, Logistics, and Planning teams to align plans across planning horizons, refineries and regions and supports execution of operating strategies.
  • Leads planning studies and optimization projects independently while providing technical guidance to less experienced advisors.


Education and Experience
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering required. A Bachelor's degree in another field may be considered with five (5) years of experience in refinery planning, optimization, value chain, operations, commercial, logistics or related technical experience required.
  • Four (4) years of refinery planning, optimization, value chain analysis, operations, commercial, logistics, or related experience required.


Skills
  • Analytical Thinking: Strong problem-solving skills to identify architectural challenges, analyze requirements, evaluate options, and propose effective solutions
  • Building Partnerships: Developing and leveraging relationships within and across work groups to achieve results.
  • Business Acumen: Applies knowledge of MPC's business, industry and the marketplace to advance the organization's goals. Makes decisions and recommendations clearly linked to MPC's strategy.
  • Business Domain Knowledge: Understanding of business processes, industry trends, and market dynamics to provide relevant and actionable insights for strategic decision-making.
  • Commodity Market Analysis: Applies knowledge of commodity markets, price dynamics, and supply-demand fundamentals to inform planning, optimization, and commercial decision-making.
  • Continuous Improvement Mindset: Identifies and leads opportunities for continuous improvement and value creation, both incremental and largescale.
  • Data Analysis: Data Analysis is the process of identifying, evaluating, interpreting and organizing data so that it can be used for business decisions. It includes sorting through data to identify patterns and establish relationships.
  • Decision Support Analytics: Leverages analytics, reporting, and decision frameworks to generate insights, evaluate alternatives, and support informed, data-driven decision-making.
  • Influencing Others: The ability to garner support for initiatives by gaining the respect of others and inspiring trust and confidence.
  • Integrated Planning & Optimization: Designs and manages integrated planning processes that align supply, demand, and operational constraints to optimize value across the enterprise value chain.
  • Metrics Management: The process of monitoring performance indicators that demonstrate how effectively a unit/ business/ function/ company is achieving key objectives.
  • Optimization Modeling: Applies optimization models and quantitative techniques to evaluate scenarios, improve system performance, and support complex operational and commercial decisions
  • Scenario Planning: Design and evaluate alternative future states to stress-test strategies and inform resilient decision-making.
  • Stakeholder Engagement: Build alignment across internal and external stakeholders to support shared objectives.
  • Systems Thinking: The ability to analyze complex systems and understand their interdependencies, considering both technical and business aspects, to develop comprehensive and scalable architectures.

Location:
Findlay, Ohio

Job Requisition ID:


Pay Min/Max:
$122,900.00 - $212,000.00 Salary

Grade:
12 - 13

Location Address:
539 S Main St

Additional locations:
Canton, Ohio, Catlettsburg, Kentucky, Detroit, Michigan, Mandan, North Dakota, Robinson, Illinois, St Paul Park, Minnesota

Education:

Employee Group:
Full time

Employee Subgroup:
Regular

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.

About Marathon Petroleum

Marathon Petroleum Corporation (MPC) is in the business of creating value for their shareholders through the quality products and services they provide for their customers. They strongly believe how they conduct their business is just as integral to their bottom line. As a result, they strive to always act responsibly with those who work for them, with those business partners who work with them, and in every community where they operate.

Marathon Petroleum Careers

Joining Marathon Petroleum means becoming part of a leading global team in the energy sector, where job opportunities abound for those eager to advance their careers in a dynamic and inclusive environment. As one of the largest refining companies in the world, Marathon Petroleum is at the forefront of transforming the energy landscape.

Work You’ll Do

At Marathon Petroleum, your work will directly contribute to the company's ongoing success and leadership in the industry. You will collaborate with skilled professionals dedicated to innovation and excellence in all aspects of the energy sector. Our team's combined expertise fuels Marathon Petroleum's commitment to sustainable energy solutions and operational excellence.

Innovate and Lead

Step into a role that challenges and excites with Marathon Petroleum. Here, innovation isn't just a buzzword—it's a call to action. Our leadership is committed to fostering a culture where new ideas lead to groundbreaking solutions. This commitment to innovation and leadership is woven into every aspect of our business, from refining operations to environmental strategies.

Grow and Develop

Marathon Petroleum is deeply invested in the professional growth and development of its employees. We offer a variety of training and development programs, including leadership development, diversity training, and technical skills enhancement. Whether you're starting as an intern or a seasoned professional, you’ll find a pathway to personal and professional growth with us.

Be Part of Our Team

Our team at Marathon Petroleum is driven by a shared mission to excel. By joining us, you'll work alongside dedicated professionals who are passionate about their roles and the impact they have on the company and the industry. Our collaborative environment supports career advancement and fosters a culture of professional enrichment.

Diversity and Inclusion

At Marathon Petroleum, we believe diversity drives innovation. Our inclusive culture welcomes all perspectives and encourages a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities, ensuring that all team members have the resources they need to succeed.

Explore Job Opportunities

Marathon Petroleum offers a range of job opportunities across various functions of the business. From internships that provide real-world experience to full-time positions in engineering, business, and more, there’s a place for your skills and passions here.

Future-Proof Your Career

With Marathon Petroleum, you are not just finding a job; you are building a career equipped with the tools for success in the ever-evolving energy sector. Our robust benefits package supports your health, well-being, and financial security, allowing you to focus on professional development and career advancement.

Stay Connected

Join Our Team Discover the exciting career opportunities waiting for you at Marathon Petroleum. Search open positions that match your skills and interests. We are always on the lookout for curious, creative, and driven team members.

Keep Up to Date

Stay informed with the latest company news, industry insights, and career tips—all from the people who work here. Marathon Petroleum is more than a company—it's a community where you can grow, innovate, and lead.

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Join Marathon Petroleum—where careers fuel futures.

Learn more about Marathon Petroleum
Size
17,700 employees
Market Cap
$53 billion
Industry
Net Income
-$9.8 billion
Founded
2005
5 Year Trend
+13.8%
Revenue
$74.9 billion
NASDAQ

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