Chemical/Process Safety Engineer

Borg; Gosford; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Woodchem Group is expanding and seeks a Process Safety Engineer to establish and lead process safety capability across the Woodchem Group, with a focus on the Oberon MHF site and broader chemical processing operations.

You will develop and embed PSM frameworks, lead hazard studies, ensure regulatory compliance, investigate incidents, and support major capital and operational projects. Join a growing Australian manufacturing group at this pivotal time.

Qualifications

• Degree in Chemical Engineering
• Membership of IChemE and registration as Professional Process Safety Engineer (essential)
• Chartered Engineer status preferred or working towards Chartership
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in the process industry, MHF experience advantageous
• Strong experience in process safety within chemical processing, manufacturing or heavy industry
• Good communication, leadership and stakeholder engagement skills

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement Woodchem Group-wide Process Safety Management framework
• Lead process hazard studies including HAZID, HAZOP, Bowtie and LOPA analyses
• Provide specialist process safety support to Woodchem operations, including the Oberon Major Hazard Facility
• Ensure compliance with Australian MHF regulatory requirements, dangerous goods legislation and relevant engineering standards
• Conduct incident investigations and lead root cause analysis for process safety events
• Provide technical input into project plant design, modifications, commissioning and change management
• Develop and monitor process safety performance indicators and reporting systems
• Support emergency preparedness and major incident risk management
• Coach and influence engineering and operational teams in process safety practices

Skills

Process safety

Risk management

Leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Chemical Engineering degree

IChemE membership & PEng registration

Job description

Join a Growing Australian Manufacturing Group

As our operations continue to expand, we are seeking a Process Safety Engineer to establish and lead process safety capability across the Woodchem Group.

A key aspect of this role includes supporting the Woodchem Oberon site, which is classified as a Major Hazard Facility (MHF), requiring robust process safety systems, risk management frameworks and regulatory compliance oversight.

Reporting to the Engineering and Compliance Manager and based at our Somersby Head Office, this newly created position offers a unique opportunity to shape process safety standards, influence major projects and support the safe growth of a diverse manufacturing business.

This is a rare opportunity for an experienced Chemical Engineer to build a lasting legacy by developing best-practice process safety systems that support operational excellence, regulatory compliance and sustainable growth.

About the Role

The Process Safety Engineer will be responsible for developing and embedding process safety systems across the Group, ensuring consistent management of major hazards, particularly within Woodchem’s chemical processing operations. The role will also have a large project focus.

The role will work closely with project teams, engineers and operational stakeholders to strengthen risk management practices, implement new process, improve safety performance and support capital and operational projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement Woodchems Group-wide Process Safety Management framework
• Lead process hazard studies including HAZID, HAZOP, , Bowtie and LOPA analyses
• Provide specialist process safety support to Woodchem operations, including the Oberon Major Hazard Facility
• Ensure compliance with Australian MHF regulatory requirements, dangerous goods legislation and relevant engineering standards
• Conduct incident investigations and lead root cause analysis for process safety events
• Provide technical input into project plant design, modifications, commissioning and operational change management
• Develop and monitor process safety performance indicators and reporting systems
• Support emergency preparedness and major incident risk management
• Coach and influence engineering and operational teams in process safety practices

About You

You are a highly capable chemical or process engineer with deep experience in managing complex industrial risks

You will bring:

• Degree qualifications in Chemical Engineering
• Membership of the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) and registration as Professional Process Safety Engineer (essential)
• Chartered Engineer (CEng) status preferred or actively working towards Chartership
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in the process industry. MHF experience would be an advantage
• Strong experience in process safety within chemical processing, manufacturing, resources or heavy industry
• Good communication, leadership and stakeholder engagement skills

Why Join Woodchem?

This is a unique opportunity to contribute to an Australian manufacturing group at a pivotal time in its expansion.

You will:

• Work on high-hazard chemical processing operations including a Major Hazard Facility.
• Play a key role in capital projects, safety and operational improvement initiatives.
• Join a business committed to long-term investment in people, systems and capability.