Thread regarding ExxonMobil Corp. layoffs

Refinery Principle Engineer

Can you share your thoughts on refinery principle engineer position. I am considered next on the bench in couple years but questioning if I really want to do this and should ki-l this idea and go in different direction now. What are pros and cons.

by
| 1831 views | | 11 replies (last March 27, 2025) | Reply
Post ID: @OP+1jpd29k9c

11 replies (most recent on top)

The guidance I’ve seen is to have 1-2 people “ready”, 3-5 in the 3-5 years out (read as one job rotation prior), and 8-10 on the 5-10 year horizon.

My experience has been that the PE roles are the last technical focused leadership roles. SPEs are often more figure head tasked with implementing staffing/org change guidance (you know what that is how can we get 10-15 years experience in non HC10 new hires in 3 years?) rather than mainly technical leadership like the old STP-C titles. So take that for what it’s worth if it is a technical topic you are interested in and you can add some defined value I’d say go for it.

by
| | Reply
Post ID: @21b+1jpd29k9c

There is a thing called bait and switch which is rampant.

But to qualify for this position you should at least know how to spell.

by
| | Reply
Post ID: @vm+1jpd29k9c

Your manager likely truly wants to get you that role. So do the managers of 18 other people.
The company has been so flattened and there has been so much off-shoring and general elimination of roles that there is an incongruence between the push to move roles every 3 years and the actual availability of roles.

by
| | Reply
Post ID: @g4+1jpd29k9c

Stop looking at that carrot. Carrot @ 3 feet, cliff edge @ 2.

by
| | Reply
Post ID: @fq+1jpd29k9c

You’re in the bench sounds an aweful lot like the check is in the mail and appears to have the same meaning.

by
| | Reply
Post ID: @fk+1jpd29k9c

Yes, this bench needs principled warming!!!!

by
| | Reply
Post ID: @f0+1jpd29k9c

Same story all through Exxon now, no progression possible due to the brunching and blocking, and reduced number of higher roles base case.

by
| | Reply
Post ID: @e0+1jpd29k9c

I’ve been told I’m on the bunch for a Principal for several rotations now- each time I get moved to something else other than principal, they have an excuse and say don’t worry, it’s marked as your “next role”. Finally told them take me off the list, I don’t want it anymore.
From what I understand, supervisors can nominate you and SPE can accept you on the bench, but there’s no limit to the size of the bench and the receiving org has full discretion on who they choose.

by
| | Reply
Post ID: @cw+1jpd29k9c

Very much principled engineer, can't be then principal

by
| | Reply
Post ID: @bv+1jpd29k9c

You're on the bench or you're on the list. That seems to be latest script they've been told to tell the workers.

by
| | Reply
Post ID: @ay+1jpd29k9c

I’ve been told Im on the bench for a different discipline. Is everyone told they are on the bench now? Is it just another lie to string us along?

by
| | Reply
Post ID: @ax+1jpd29k9c

Post a reply

: