Specialist III, Chemist, Rodeo Refinery
Rodeo, CA, US, 94572
Phillips 66 & YOU - Together we can fuel the future
As a Chemist Specialist III, you will play a key role in ensuring our products and processes meet rigorous quality, safety, and regulatory standards through advanced laboratory testing and analysis. You will work with a high degree of independence, provide technical guidance to others, and partner closely with operations, engineering, and commercial teams to keep our refinery running safely and reliably. In this role, you’ll help shape lab practices, training, and continuous improvement initiatives that support Our Energy in Action and the broader success of Phillips 66.
What You’ll Do
- Lead complex laboratory testing and quality assurance activities to verify that products and processes meet internal standards, customer specifications, and regulatory requirements, interpreting data and recommending corrective actions when needed.
- Design, validate, and improve specialized test methods and procedures, using advanced analytical equipment and quality tools to enhance accuracy, reliability, and efficiency of lab results.
- Provide analytical and QA/QC support to operations, engineering, and commercial groups, translating lab data into clear recommendations that support safe, reliable, and optimized refinery operations.
- Own key laboratory quality systems and documentation, including LIMS testing and scheduling, QA/QC reporting, and the development, review, and maintenance of standard operating procedures and quality policies.
- Lead and support lab safety and compliance efforts by promoting safe work practices, facilitating or participating in safety meetings, and contributing to audits and inspections to ensure adherence to refinery and regulatory requirements.
- Calibrate, standardize, and troubleshoot complex analytical instruments and methods to maintain equipment readiness, data integrity, and reliable performance for both routine and specialized testing.
- Develop and deliver training for lab technicians in assigned areas, providing technical guidance, coaching, and feedback to build skills and drive consistent, high-quality laboratory practices.
- Analyze quality and process data, prepare insights and performance reports, and recommend action plans that improve work processes, reduce defects, and enhance customer and stakeholder satisfaction.
- Collaborate with cross-functional and external partners to resolve complex quality issues, support incident investigations, and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives across the refinery.
What You’ll Bring – Required
- Legally authorized to work in the job posting country
- Willing and able to obtain a Transportation Worker Identification Card (TWIC)
- Possess a valid driver's license
- Must be willing and able, with or without reasonable accommodation, to comply with the following:
- Travel up to 5%
- Operate company vehicle on site premises and/or public roads up to 10%
- Work extended hours, which may include evenings, weekends, and holidays, and perform occasional on-call duties
- Transport articles up to 50 pounds
- Climb ladders and stairs up to 200 feet
- Work safely near large, hot, high-speed machines, around chemicals and hydrocarbons under high pressure and heat, and in harsh weather conditions
- Wear fire retardant clothing and personal protective equipment
- Maintain face daily for proper respirator/face mask seal (some examples include being free of facial hair and/or clean shaven)
- Bachelor’s degree in a science related field
- 3 or more years of experience in performing testing in a laboratory
- Intermediate or greater proficiency using tools such as Labvantage (LIMS), SAP, and Microsoft 365 (including Excel, Power BI, Power Automate, and Teams)
What Makes You Stand Out – Preferred
- Bachelor of Science in Chemistry or a related science field
- 5 or more years of experience performing testing in a petroleum or refining laboratory
- Knowledge of refining processes and units, refinery product slates, and certification testing requirements
- Experience operating and maintaining advanced analytical equipment and methods such as XRF spectrometers, ICP-OE, automatic titrators, automated distillation, ultraviolet fluorescence/chemiluminescence, and complex chromatographic or knock engine systems
- Demonstrated ability to lead safety initiatives, improve standard operating procedures, and drive continuous improvement in lab work processes
- Experience training and mentoring lab technicians and collaborating effectively with operations, engineering, and commercial teams
- Strong verbal and written communication skills and a track record of promoting inclusion and diversity in team environments
Compensation Range
This position has a base salary range of $124,200 - $151,800.
At Phillips 66, we are committed to pay transparency and competitive, equitable compensation. Each role is assigned a salary grade with a defined pay range, benchmarked against industry peers. Where a candidate offer falls within the posted range depends on the candidate's experience, skills, and alignment with the role’s requirements. Offers are made to ensure internal equity and market competitiveness. Our compensation programs are designed to reward performance and support career growth.
The Rodeo Renewable Energy Complex is a state-of-the-art facility processing renewable feedstocks (waste oils, fats, greases, and vegetable oils) to produce vital transportation fuels, including renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuels for California, Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia. The Rodeo facility has been providing energy and improving lives since 1896. The conversion from crude oil to renewable feedstocks was completed in early 2024, enabling the production of lower carbon-intensity transportation fuels. The converted facility reduces lifecycle carbon emissions by approximately 65% — the equivalent of taking 1.4 million cars off California roads each year. The Rodeo Renewable Energy Complex is Fueling the Future of the next generation of cutting-edge liquid fuels production and beyond.
Benefits
At Phillips 66, we are proud to offer attractive and high-quality benefits which we refer to as Total Rewards. Additional information on Total Rewards.
Phillips 66 has more than 140 years of experience in providing the energy that enables people to dream bigger and go farther, faster. We are committed to improving lives, and that is our promise to our employees and our communities. We are sustained by the backgrounds and experiences of our diverse teams, which reflect who we are, the environment we create and how we work together. We have been recognized by the Human Rights Campaign, U.S. Department of Labor and the Military Times for our continued commitment to inclusive practices and policies in the hiring and retention of those in the LGBTQ+ community and military veterans. Our company is built on values of safety, honor and commitment. We call our cultural mindset Our Energy in Action, which we define through four simple, intuitive behaviors: We work for the greater good, cultivate an environment of trust, seek different perspectives and pursue excellence.
Learn more about Phillips 66 and how we are working to meet the world's energy needs today and tomorrow, by visiting phillips66.com.
To be considered
In order to be considered for this position you must complete the entire application process, which includes answering all prescreening questions and providing your eSignature on or before the requisition closing date of 03/23/2026.
Candidates for regular U.S. positions must be a U.S. citizen or national, or an alien admitted as permanent resident, refugee, asylee or temporary resident under 8 U.S.C. 1160(a) or 1255(a)(1). Individuals with temporary visas such as E, F-1, H-1, H-2, L, B, J, or TN or who need sponsorship for work authorization now or in the future, are not eligible for hire.
Phillips 66 is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Nearest Major Market: San Francisco
Nearest Secondary Market: Oakland