Process Safety Senior Engineer

Novetus Engineering; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Novetus Engineering LLC in Houston, TX seeks an experienced Process Safety Senior Engineer to provide technical leadership in process safety management, fire protection engineering, and risk management. The role supports continuous improvement across PSM programs and safety systems.

The candidate will lead PHA/LOPA studies, oversee MOC, PSSR, and risk assessments, and collaborate with operations and project teams to ensure safe, compliant operations and readiness for new facilities and major

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Process Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership and oversight for Process Safety Management (PSM) elements (MOC, PHA, LOPA, PSSR, Building Siting, 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 (fire protection system designs, calculations, specifications, fire detection and suppression evaluations, project documentation).
• Prepare and review engineering deliverables (P&IDs, fire and gas detection layouts, equipment location plans, fire exposure assessments, and related documentation).
• Lead and facilitate PHA and LOPA studies with timely closure of actions.
• Monitor process safety performance metrics, analyze trends, and recommend improvements.
• Provide expertise for fire protection engineering and risk management initiatives.
• Support start-up readiness reviews for new installations, capital projects, and major equipment commissioning; coordinate with operations, maintenance and engineering.
• Provide technical assurance over critical operational risk processes (Permit to Work, SIMOPS, process safety event reporting, SCE management, bypass control, SOP development, railcar sealing, start-up/shutdown procedures).
• Promote proactive process safety culture throughout the organization.

Skills

PSM Leadership

Fire Protection

Risk Assessments

P&ID Review

PHA/LOPA Facilitations

MOC Oversight

Operational Readiness

Safety Culture

Leadership & Mentoring

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Process Engineering

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.

About Novetus Engineering LLC

Novetus is unsurpassed in our commitment to achieving our objectives as efficiently as possible. From a piping modification or pump upgrade project to helping to manage a multi-billion-dollar international development, Novetus will field the right team and the right systems to get the work done quickly and fit for the purpose. Novetus combines engineering workflow automation expertise with an experienced team of engineers and project managers to execute projects with exceptional efficiency. An engineering company focused on the oil, gas, and petrochemical industry, Novetus is based in Houston, Texas and is privately held.