Marathon Petroleum

Planning & Optimization Engineer III/Senior

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

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering required
  • Minimum four years of relevant experience
  • Proficiency with LP models (PIMS) preferred
  • Experience in Refining and Midstream operations preferred
  • Strong analytical and organizational skills

Responsibilities

  • Enable and improve commercial decision-making across refinery operations
  • Manage commercial aspects of regional refinery operations
  • Collaborate with value chain teams to support enterprise-wide optimization
  • Lead discussions on economic drivers within the value chain
  • Verify refinery production plans using LP models and communicate adjustments
  • Evaluate buy-or-make cases with economic models and collaborate with stakeholders
  • Develop and execute backcast models while implementing continuous improvements
  • Assist in developing decision-making frameworks and communicate findings effectively

Benefits

  • Opportunity to influence commercial decision-making processes
  • Collaborative work environment with regional and local teams
  • Development of advanced economic models and analysis
  • Engagement in continuous learning and improvement initiatives
  • Potential exposure to diverse refinery operations across multiple states
Full Job Description

Position Summary

Value Chain Optimization (VCO) is seeking a motivated and dynamic Planning & Optimization 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

  • Enables and improves the commercial decision-making processes across regional refinery operations (feedstock selection, product/intermediate placement, supply chain optimization, market analysis) by driving standard work, governance, tool adoption, and cross-functional alignment without owning the daily planning decisions or plan outputs.

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

  • Collaborates with local and regional value chain teams to align on economic drivers and ensure that planning decisions support enterprise-wide optimization.

  • Leads collaboration meetings within the value chain to discuss both local and regional economic drivers.

  • Verifies refinery production plans using linear programming (LP) models; Understand differences in plan were due to margin shifts, demand changes, or operational constraints. Communicates any changes needed to forecast tools or processes to capture value.

  • Leads end-to-end evaluation of actual buy-or-make cases, by evaluating actual costs, quality, supply logistics, and market conditions. Develops sophisticated economic models and sensitivity analyses to assess risk and uncertainty. Collaborates with cross-functional stakeholders to align strategies with actual outcomes. 

  • Leads the development and execution of backcast models, considering factors such as production efficiency, cost drivers, and market conditions. Conducts in-depth root cause analysis to identify factors influencing historical performance deviations. Collaborates with operational teams to implement corrective actions and continuous improvement initiatives.

  • Assists in developing/verifying decision-making frameworks and communicates findings and recommendations to key stakeholders through clear and concise presentations.

  • Integrates into the local refinery planning team and learn the tools and processes for completing deliverables and scheduling, including APS.  Contribute to the validation of production plans with support from team members and lead any gap closures.

Education and Experience

  • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering required.

  • Four (4) years of relevant experience required. Experience working with LP models (PIMS), as well as Refining and Midstream operations preferred.

Skills

  • Action Planning

  • Adaptability

  • Business Acumen

  • Communication

  • Continuous Learning

  • Critical Thinking

  • Decision Making

  • Innovation

  • Problem Solving

  • Results Driven

  • Teamwork

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:

Bachelors: Engineering

Employee Group:

Full time

Employee Subgroup:

Regular

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.

Job Alert Emails

Customize your experience by subscribing to receive job alerts and insider information tailored to your preferences. Explore the rewarding opportunities that await at Marathon Petroleum.

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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