Process Safety Engineer - South England

NES Fircroft; West Alvington; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

NES Fircroft in the UK is seeking an experienced Process Safety Engineer to join our client and support safe, compliant operation across UK sites. You will drive process safety leadership, risk management, and regulatory compliance in LPG, chemical, and oil & gas environments.

The role offers autonomy, variety, and the chance to influence safety culture through audits, PSPI monitoring, incident investigations, and implementation of mitigations. Travel across UK sites is required.

Qualifications

• Degree in Chemical/Process Engineering or related field.
• Minimum 5 years in design, technical, or operations in chemical/oil & gas/high-hazard industries.
• Experience at Upper Tier COMAH sites is preferred.
• Strong knowledge of process safety, hazard identification and risk assessment.
• Experience conducting safety studies such as HAZOP/HAZID/LOPA/PHR/SIL.

Responsibilities

• Lead and participate in Process Hazard Analyses (HAZID, HAZOP, SIL, LOPA).
• Identify process safety risks at sites and implement effective mitigations.
• Ensure compliance with COMAH, DSEAR, ATEX and related regulations.
• Conduct audits and safety reviews across locations.
• Review P&IDs, PFDs, SIS, and plant modifications.
• Investigate incidents and near-misses to identify root causes and preventive actions.
• Provide guidance on emergency planning, risk reduction, and best practice.
• Develop and monitor Process Safety Performance Indicators (PSPI).
• Promote proactive process safety culture across the business.

Skills

Process safety

HAZOP/HAZID/LOPA

Regulatory compliance

Risk assessment

Stakeholder management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering

Job description

We are looking for an experienced and proactive Process Safety Engineer to join our Client and play a key role in supporting the safe and compliant operation of the sites across the UK.

This is an exciting opportunity for a safety-focused engineering professional who is passionate about preventing major incidents and driving continuous improvement within high-hazard environments. Working closely with engineering, operations, and leadership teams, you will provide expert guidance on process safety, risk management, and regulatory compliance across a range of LPG, chemical, and oil & gas operations.

The role offers significant variety, autonomy, and the opportunity to influence safety culture across multiple operational sites.

What You’ll Be Doing As a Process Safety Engineer, you will:

• Lead and participate in Process Hazard Analyses including HAZID, HAZOP, SIL, and LOPA studies
• Support operational sites by identifying process safety risks and implementing effective mitigation measures
• Ensure compliance with key legislation and standards including COMAH, DSEAR, and ATEX
• Conduct audits and safety reviews across operational locations
• Review P&IDs, PFDs, Safety Instrumented Systems (SIS), and plant modifications
• Investigate process safety incidents and near misses, identifying root causes and preventative actions
• Provide expert guidance on emergency response planning, risk reduction, and process safety best practice
• Support the development and monitoring of Process Safety Performance Indicators (PSPI’s)
• Promote a strong and proactive process safety culture across the business

What We’re Looking For Essential Skills & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Process Engineering, or a related discipline
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in a design, technical, or operational engineering role within chemical manufacturing, processing, oil & gas, or similar high-hazard industries
• Previous experience working at Upper Tier COMAH sites
• Strong understanding of process safety principles, hazard identification, and risk assessment methodologies
• Practical experience conducting safety studies including HAZOP, HAZID, LOPA, PHR, or SIL assessments
• Experience auditing safety systems and ensuring regulatory compliance
• Sound knowledge of current health, safety, and environmental legislation
• Strong analytical, communication, and stakeholder management skills
• Ability to work independently, manage priorities effectively, and travel regularly across UK sites
• Proficient IT and report writing skills

Desirable:

• Chartered Engineer (CEng) status or working towards accreditation
• Formal auditing qualification
• Experience within the LPG industry or similar sectors
• Knowledge of Human Factors and Human Reliability studies
• Previous experience within manufacturing, chemical, or oil & gas environments

Employment type:

- Permanent - Full-time

Work Locations:

\"ThreeSeats\"

• 1-South East England -Canvey Island
• 2- East Anglia -Saxham
• 3-South West England -Plymouth

With over 90 years’ combined experience, NES Fircroft (NES) is proud to be the world's leading engineering staffing provider spanning the Oil & Gas, Power & Renewables, Chemicals, Construction & Infrastructure, Life Sciences, Mining andManufacturingsectors worldwide. With more than 80 offices in 45 countries, we are able to provide our clients with the engineering and technical expertise they need, wherever and whenever it is needed. We offer contractors far more than a traditional recruitment service, supporting with everything from securing visas and work permits, to providing market-leading benefits packages and accommodation, ensuring they are safely and compliantly able to support our clients.