Job brief
We are seeking a proactive Process Safety Engineer to join our safety and integrity team to lead hazard analysis and risk mitigation across our upstream and downstream assets. You will serve as the primary subject matter expert for process safety management (PSM) initiatives, driving continuous improvement in our safety culture and operational reliability. This is an exceptional opportunity to influence the design and maintenance lifecycle of complex energy projects while ensuring compliance with stringent safety regulations. If you are passionate about applying engineering principles to solve high-stakes safety challenges, we invite you to help us maintain a culture of excellence.
Key highlights
- Lead formal Hazard and Operability (HAZOP) studies to identify potential process deviations and implement effective risk mitigation strategies.
- Evaluate Safety Instrumented Systems (SIS) design against IEC 61511 standards to ensure target Safety Integrity Levels (SIL) are achieved.
- Conduct Layer of Protection Analysis (LOPA) to verify that independent protection layers are adequate for high-consequence scenarios.
- Manage the Management of Change (MOC) process to ensure all technical modifications adhere to established process safety protocols.
What is a Process Safety Engineer?
A Process Safety Engineer is a specialized technical professional dedicated to preventing major industrial accidents by identifying, analyzing, and mitigating risks within complex oil and gas infrastructure. Using methodologies such as HAZOP, LOPA, and QRA, a Process Safety Engineer translates theoretical safety protocols into actionable operational controls. Their work directly safeguards human life, protects critical energy assets, and ensures continuous alignment with strict regulatory standards like OSHA 29 CFR 1910.119.
What does a Process Safety Engineer do?
A Process Safety Engineer spends their time performing rigorous safety audits, reviewing P&IDs for potential failure points, and leading multidisciplinary hazard identification sessions with onsite operations teams. They utilize specialized software like PHA-Pro or BowTieXP to model potential process deviations and provide detailed recommendations for integrity management of pressure vessels, relief systems, and piping. By collaborating with process engineers and environmental departments, they ensure that safety instrumented systems (SIS) are maintained according to IEC 61511 standards, effectively preventing catastrophic loss-of-containment events.
Key responsibilities
- Lead formal Hazard and Operability (HAZOP) studies to identify potential process deviations and implement effective risk mitigation strategies.
- Evaluate Safety Instrumented Systems (SIS) design against IEC 61511 standards to ensure target Safety Integrity Levels (SIL) are achieved.
- Conduct Layer of Protection Analysis (LOPA) to verify that independent protection layers are adequate for high-consequence scenarios.
- Manage the Management of Change (MOC) process to ensure all technical modifications adhere to established process safety protocols.
- Perform Quantitative Risk Assessments (QRA) to determine the impact of hazardous releases on personnel and facility infrastructure.
- Investigate process safety incidents and near-misses using Root Cause Analysis (RCA) tools like TapRooT or Fishbone diagrams.
- Review technical specifications and P&IDs to confirm the integrity of pressure relief and blowdown systems for complex hydrocarbon units.
- Collaborate with field operations teams to ensure site-specific emergency response plans align with identified process hazards and technical risks.
Requirements and skills
- Bachelor’s degree in Chemical, Mechanical, or Petroleum Engineering with 5+ years of experience in oil and gas process safety.
- Advanced proficiency in hazard analysis software including PHA-Pro, BowTieXP, or similar risk modeling and management platforms.
- Proven understanding of OSHA Process Safety Management (PSM) regulations and international standards such as ISO 45001 or API 754.
- Deep technical knowledge of oil and gas facility design, including centrifugal pumps, compressors, and pipeline pressure protection systems.
- Certification as a Certified Functional Safety Professional (CFSP) or Process Safety Professional (PSP) is highly preferred.
- Demonstrated ability to translate complex quantitative risk data into clear actionable guidance for non-technical stakeholders and executive leadership.
- Experience interpreting engineering documentation including Plot Plans, PFDs, P&IDs, and cause-and-effect diagrams for brownfield modifications.
- Strong aptitude for leading multi-functional teams through intense design reviews and technical safety integrity workshops.
FAQs
What does a Process Safety Engineer do daily?
A Process Safety Engineer focuses on identifying and controlling hazards to prevent industrial accidents. Daily tasks include facilitating HAZOP meetings, reviewing engineering change requests for safety impacts, analyzing P&IDs for integrity gaps, and performing quantitative risk assessments on new or existing processes.
What technical skills are required for a Process Safety Engineer?
Successful candidates require deep knowledge of chemical engineering principles, process safety management (PSM) frameworks, and industry standards like API and IEC. Proficiency with risk analysis software like PHA-Pro, experience with SIL/SIS verification, and the ability to conduct Root Cause Analysis are essential technical competencies.
Who does a Process Safety Engineer work with in oil and gas?
A Process Safety Engineer works at the intersection of various departments, regularly collaborating with process engineers, field technicians, maintenance managers, and environmental compliance officers. They also interact with C-suite stakeholders to present risk data and provide guidance on capital project safety investments.
Why is a Process Safety Engineer career path rewarding?
This role is critical for the long-term sustainability of energy operations, as it directly prevents catastrophic environmental and human impact. It is a high-responsibility, high-impact career that offers deep technical challenges and significant professional growth opportunities for engineers dedicated to integrity, ethics, and site safety.