Senior Process Safety Engineer

UNAVAILABLE; Loures; On-site; EUR 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Hovione is seeking a Senior Process Safety Engineer in Lisbon, Portugal, to lead process safety management and compliance efforts at a technologically advanced manufacturing site. You will play a critical role in safeguarding people, environment, and operations while influencing strategic safety decisions.

Key responsibilities include leading risk assessments, improving safety frameworks, and managing compliance audits. Candidates must possess a degree in engineering, a Master’s in Process Safety, and extensive experience in a manufacturing environment.

Qualifications

• 5–8+ years in manufacturing or industrial environment (chemicals/pharma preferred).
• Strong experience in leading complex technical assessments and projects.
• Advanced knowledge of process safety methodologies and regulatory frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Lead and continuously improve the Process Safety Management System (PSM).
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and internal policies.
• Lead complex technical risk assessments: HAZOP, PHA, LOPA.
• Lead internal audits, inspections, and compliance activities.
• Act as a key point of contact for regulatory authorities.

Skills

Process Safety and Major Hazard management

HAZOP / LOPA studies (as Chair)

New Process Introduction (NPI)

Analytical and problem-solving skills

Fluency in English and Portuguese

Education

Degree in Engineering, Chemistry or related scientific field

Master’s in Process Safety or equivalent

Industrial Safety Level VI certification (Portugal)

Tools

MS Office

Data analysis tools

Job description

Join a Market Leader

About Hovione

At Hovione, we help partners turn scientific innovation into medicines that reach patients around the world. For more than 65 years, we have connected science, technology, and manufacturing to scale complex ideas into high‑quality and innovative solutions that truly make a difference.

As an international Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO), we support the development and manufacture of drug substances, intermediates, and drug products across the full life cycle. We are globally recognized for our leadership in specialized technologies such as Spray Drying and Continuous Tableting. But what truly sets us apart is not just what we do — it is how we do it: with purpose, care, collaboration, and a deep commitment to doing the right things right.

Our people are the reason for our success. We are a global and diverse team of more than 2,600 team members across Europe, the USA, and Asia, bringing together different experiences and perspectives to help our partners to overcome complex challenges. We believe that an inclusive environment — where everyone, regardless of background, identity or ability, is respected, heard and empowered to contribute — is essential to drive innovation, ensure quality, and secure long‑term sustainable success.

And as we grow, so do the opportunities for our people to develop, broaden their perspectives, and build meaningful careers. Because at Hovione, better starts with those who choose to make a difference every day. Will you be one of them?

You will be responsible to:

As a Senior Process Safety Engineer, you will play a critical role in safeguarding people, environment, and operations, while shaping the future of process safety excellence across a complex and technologically advanced manufacturing site. This is a high‑impact role offering broad cross‑functional exposure, continuous learning, and the opportunity to influence strategic safety decisions in a dynamic industrial environment. You will lead the implementation, governance, and continuous improvement of HSE Process Safety frameworks, ensuring compliance, driving best practices, and embedding a strong safety culture across the organization.

Process Safety Leadership & Strategy

• Lead and continuously improve the Process Safety Management System (PSM) at site level
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements (e.g., COMAH), internal policies, and industry standards
• Identify system gaps and drive strategic improvements and optimization initiatives

Risk Management & Technical Safety

• Lead complex technical risk assessments:
  • HAZOP, PHA, LOPA
• Evaluate risks related to:
  • New Process Introductions (NPI)
  • Process changes and equipment/facility upgrades
• Assess and manage:
  • Major accident scenarios
  • Chemical risks
  • Hazardous area classifications

Projects & Innovation

• Lead complex, cross‑functional process safety projects
• Propose and implement new technologies and best practices
• Support engineering design and operational decision‑making with safety expertise

Compliance, Audits & Performance

• Lead internal audits, inspections, and compliance activities
• Monitor and report HSE performance metrics and KPIs
• Ensure accurate data management and reporting for process safety activities

Incident Investigation & Continuous Improvement

• Lead and support incident investigations
• Define and implement corrective and preventive actions
• Drive a culture of learning and continuous improvement

Training & Safety Culture

• Deliver and lead HSE training programs
• Promote a culture of:
  • Safety excellence
  • Continuous learning and knowledge sharing
• Support onboarding and mentoring of team members

Stakeholder Engagement

• Act as a key point of contact for:
  • Regulatory authorities and external stakeholders
  • Cross‑functional internal teams
• Lead communication and engagement on process safety topics

Emergency Preparedness

• Develop and enhance emergency response systems and procedures

We are looking to recruit a Candidate:

• Degree in Engineering, Chemistry or related scientific field (mandatory)
• Master’s in Process Safety or equivalent (mandatory)
• Industrial Safety Level VI certification (Portugal)
• Health & Safety professional certification (desirable)
• 5–8+ years in manufacturing or industrial environment (chemicals/pharma preferred)
• Strong experience in:
  • Process Safety and Major Hazard management
  • Leading HAZOP / LOPA studies (as Chair)
  • New Process Introduction (NPI)
  • Proven ability to manage complex technical assessments and project
• Advanced knowledge of:
  • Process Safety methodologies
  • Regulatory frameworks (e.g., COMAH)
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills
• Proficient in MS Office and data analysis tools
• Fluency in English and Portuguese (mandatory)

Hovione is a proud Equal Opportunity Employer

Inclusion and diversity are key to us. We are committed to creating an inclusive recruitment experience and welcome applications from all qualified candidates. If you require any reasonable accommodation or support during the application or interview process, please contact us, and we will be happy to assist.

Notice to Agencies and Search Firms Representatives

Hovione does not accept unsolicited resumes from agencies or search firms for this job posting. Any resumes submitted to Hovione by a third‑party agency or search firm without a valid written and signed search agreement will become the sole property of Hovione. No fees will be paid if a candidate is hired for this position as a result of an unsolicited referral.