About/Intro:
Join Petro Star Inc., Alaska’s only locally owned operating refining and marketing company, a trusted supplier of fuels and petroleum products throughout the state. With refinery operations in North Pole and Valdez, Petro Star plays a vital role in supporting Alaska’s military installations, aviation industry, commercial businesses, and remote communities.
As a subsidiary of Arctic Slope Regional Corporation (ASRC), Petro Star is committed to operational excellence, safety, integrity, and service. Our employees are the foundation of our success, bringing expertise, innovation, and dedication to every aspect of our business.
At Petro Star, we foster a collaborative work environment where employees are empowered to grow professionally, contribute meaningfully, and make a lasting impact on Alaska’s energy future. We are proud to offer rewarding career opportunities for individuals who share our commitment to excellence, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
Overview:
Reporting to the Senior Director, Engineering, the Assistant Director, Engineering is responsible for developing plant processes and capital budgets for refinery expansion and improvement projects. This role supports the Senior Director, Engineering and refinery management by monitoring plant operations, analyzing performance reports, and directing projects from concept through startup, ensuring compliance with safety and environmental standards. This position is based in Anchorage, AK.
Responsibilities:
- In partnership with the Senior Director, Engineering, lead and oversee engineering, planning, and execution of major and minor refinery construction projects as directed by executive leadership.
- Provide direct, in-person engineering support to operations, maintenance, environmental, and safety departments, ensuring timely and effective problem resolution.
- Lead cross-functional engineering teams, mentor staff engineers, and foster collaboration across departments to achieve organizational goals.
- Align engineering initiatives with long-term business objectives, drive process improvements, and implement innovative technologies to enhance refinery performance.
- Communicate effectively with executives and technical teams, providing clear and concise updates and recommendations.
- Proactively anticipate technical questions, conduct research, and provide informed opinions on discipline-specific engineering matters.
- Applies advanced mathematical skills – including algebra, geometry, and trigonometry – to solve engineering problems, assess hydraulic systems, create heat and material balances, model thermodynamic processes, and review professional survey documents; physically lay elevations, set benchmarks, and create grade documents as needed.
- Manage direct contracting of external engineering firms and resources for expansions, improvements, capital projects, and new construction.
- Provide strategic direction and support to refinery leadership, supervising multidisciplinary teams, union contractors, and skilled laborers.
- Develop, submit, and manage capital project funding requests and large-scale capital plans, including engineering budgets and project lifecycles from concept through commissioning.
- Oversee and evaluate Management of Changes (MOC’s) for engineering feasibility and completeness; maintain and update P&IDs, MOC’s, and as-builds to ensure Process Safety Management (PSM) compliance.
- Ensure adherence to established safety, environmental, and regulatory standards – including Energy Isolation, OSHA, ADEC, EPA, and other relevant agencies.
- Support compliance with all applicable federal, state, and refinery permitting and reporting requirements; assist with document distribution and filing for capital projects and MOC’s.
- Promote engagement with Alaska Native communities, demonstrating knowledge of or willingness to learn about Iñupiaq culture and values.
- Undertake additional projects and responsibilities as delegated by the Senior Director, Engineering and executive leadership.
Qualifications:
Education:
Bachelor’s degree or master’s degree in chemical, electrical, mechanical, or civil engineering or a related field is preferred.
Experience:
- Minimum ten (10) years of engineering experience in refinery operations, preferred.
- Experience leading teams across chemical, mechanical, electrical, and civil disciplines.
- Capable of managing refinery turnarounds, shutdowns, and emergency response planning.
- Well-versed in industry safety, environmental standards, and government regulations.
- Skilled in troubleshooting operational, mechanical, and personnel issues using logical and practical methods.
- Demonstrated success in managing multi-million-dollar capital projects, including budgeting, scheduling, and risk management.
- Experience implementing continuous improvement methodologies in refinery environments.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Proficient with general computer applications (Excel, PowerPoint, etc).
- Must have a valid driver’s license.
- Knowledge of or willingness to learn about the Iñupiaq culture and values; experience working in Alaska Native or Indigenous contexts is strongly preferred.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to sit, stand, walk, reach, and use hands and arms regularly.
- Must be able to lift/move up to 10 pounds frequently and up to 25 pounds occasionally.
- Occasional exposure to outdoor weather conditions and industrial environments with moderate noise.
- Requires travel between PSI locations.
Equal Opportunity and Policy Statement:
Why Petrostar is Different
Purpose-Driven Work: Every day, Petro Star employees help fuel Alaska's economy and infrastructure. From supporting military readiness and aviation operations to delivering energy solutions to remote communities, your work directly contributes to keeping Alaska moving.
Safety-First Culture: Safety is at the core of everything we do. We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of environmental stewardship, operational integrity, and workplace safety while empowering employees to take ownership of safe and responsible operations.
Career Growth Opportunities:
- Professional development and technical training programs
- Mentorship from experienced industry leaders
- Opportunities for advancement across refinery, operations, engineering, maintenance, commercial, and corporate functions
- Continuous learning and career development support
Industry Leadership & Stability:
- Alaska’s only locally owned and operated petroleum refining and marketing company
- 40+ of experience serving Alaska's energy needs
- Backed by the strength and stability of ASRC, one of Alaska's largest and most successful companies
- Critical supplier to military, aviation, commercial, and rural markets throughout Alaska
Total Rewards
At Petro Star, we believe exceptional people deserve exceptional benefits. Our comprehensive total rewards package reflects our commitment to your success, well-being, and financial security.
Financial Security:
- Competitive salaries with performance-based opportunities
- 401(k) retirement plan with company matching contributions*
- Employee referral bonus opportunities
Health & Wellness:
- Comprehensive medical plan options through the Federal Employee Health Benefits (FEHB) Program*
- Dental and vision insurance options*
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for employees and their families
- Supplemental insurance offerings including life insurance, disability coverage, AD&D, accident insurance, critical illness insurance, hospital indemnity, legal services, identity theft protection, and pet insurance*
Professional Development:
- Leadership development programs
- Technical and professional skills training
- Mentorship and career advancement opportunities
* Benefit eligibility varies by position, employment status, and work location. Specific benefits for this role will be discussed during the hiring process.
Petro Star Inc., a division of ASRC, is a drug-free workplace and pre-employment drug testing is part of the hiring process.
ASRC and its family of companies is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, religion, disability, protected veteran status, age or any other legal protected status. EOE: M|F|D|V EEO Poster
Petro Star Inc. is the refining division of Arctic Slope Regional Corporation, an Inupiat-owned corporation created as a result of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act.
ASRC's family of companies apply a shareholder preference in employment, to the maximum extent feasible, as authorized by law.
If you require assistance or a reasonable accommodation during the application process, please contact us at asrchr@asrc.com
.