Bachelor's degree in Chemical, Mechanical, or Process Engineering.
7-15 years of relevant process safety experience in oil and gas or related sectors.
Experience managing Process Safety Management (PSM) programs.
Knowledge of fire protection engineering principles and regulations.
Familiarity with industry standards like OSHA PSM and EPA RMP.
Professional Engineer (PE) licensure is a plus.
Ability to obtain and maintain a TWIC card.
Responsibilities
Provide technical leadership for Process Safety Management (PSM) elements.
Partner with teams to identify and mitigate process safety risks.
Develop fire protection engineering solutions and specifications.
Prepare and review engineering deliverables like P&IDs and safety documentation.
Lead PHA and LOPA studies, ensuring timely action item closure.
Monitor process safety performance metrics and recommend improvements.
Support contractor commissioning and operational readiness for new installations.
Benefits
Opportunity to work in a critical safety role within a leading organization.
Engagement in continuous improvement initiatives across process safety systems.
Collaboration with cross-functional teams on major projects.
Professional development opportunities, including mentoring junior engineers.
A proactive culture focused on safety and operational excellence.
Full Job Description
We are seeking an experienced Process Safety Senior Engineer to join our team in Houston, TX. This role is responsible for providing technical leadership and expertise in process safety management, fire protection engineering, and operational risk management. The successful candidate will play a critical role in ensuring safe, reliable, and compliant operations while supporting continuous improvement across process safety systems and programs.
Key Responsibilities
Provide technical leadership and oversight for Process Safety Management (PSM) elements, including:
Management of Change (MOC)
Process Hazard Analysis (PHA)
Layers of Protection Analysis (LOPA)
Pre-Startup Safety Reviews (PSSR)
Building Siting Studies
Process Design and Risk Assessments
Partner with operations, engineering, and project teams to identify, evaluate, and mitigate process safety risks.
Develop and implement fire protection engineering solutions, including:
Fire protection system designs
Engineering calculations and specifications
Fire detection and suppression system evaluations
Technical drawings and project documentation
Prepare and review engineering deliverables, including:
Piping & Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs)
Fire and gas detection layouts
Equipment location plans
Fire exposure assessments
Related process safety documentation
Lead and facilitate PHA and LOPA studies, ensuring timely closure and effectiveness of resulting action items.
Monitor process safety performance metrics, analyze trends, and recommend opportunities for continuous improvement.
Provide technical expertise and guidance for fire protection engineering and risk management initiatives.
Participate in Pre-Start-Up and Operational Readiness Reviews for new installations, capital projects, and major equipment commissioning activities.
Support contractor commissioning and start-up teams while coordinating with operations, maintenance, and engineering personnel.
Provide technical assurance over critical operational risk processes, including:
Permit to Work Systems
SIMOPS Planning
Process Safety Event Reporting
Safety Critical Element Management
Inhibits and Bypass Management
Operating Procedure Development and Revision
Railcar/Tank Car Sealing Programs
Start-Up and Shutdown Procedures
Promote and strengthen a proactive process safety culture throughout the organization.
Qualifications
Required Education & Experience
Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Process Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
7-15 years of relevant process safety experience, preferably within the oil and gas, petrochemical, refining, chemical manufacturing, or energy sectors.
Demonstrated experience implementing and managing Process Safety Management (PSM) programs.
Experience with fire protection engineering principles, systems, and regulatory requirements.
Strong knowledge of industry standards, regulations, and best practices related to process safety and risk management.
Professional Engineer (PE) licensure is a plus.
Ability to obtain and maintain a TWIC card is preferred.
Preferred Skills
Experience leading cross-functional risk assessments and safety studies.
Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
Familiarity with OSHA PSM, EPA RMP, NFPA, API, and other industry standards.
Experience supporting major capital projects, commissioning, and start-up activities.
Ability to interpret and review technical engineering documentation.
Key Characteristics
Forward-thinking mindset with a focus on continuous improvement.
Strong leadership and influence skills.
Detail-oriented with excellent organizational capabilities.
Clear and effective communicator across all levels of the organization.
Collaborative team player who values diverse perspectives and ideas.
Ability to mentor, coach, and develop junior engineering talent.
Results-driven with a commitment to operational excellence and safety performance.
Strong decision-making skills and sound engineering judgment.