Safety Engineer

fourgen; Oak Brook (IL); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Continental Energy Solutions seeks an experienced Safety & Environmental Engineer to provide technical safety and environmental expertise for renewable energy construction projects, including solar and battery storage. You will partner with project teams to implement safety programs, oversee field operations, and manage risks to uphold our safety and environmental standards.

The role requires strong knowledge of OSHA/NEC/NFPA, electrical safety, incident investigations, and experience with EHS

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
• Minimum 5 years of construction safety experience.
• 3+ years leading electrical safety programs.
• Strong knowledge of OSHA, NEC, EPA, NFPA safety regulations.
• Experience conducting incident investigations and root‑cause analyses.

Responsibilities

• Provide on-site safety leadership and oversight for solar and BESS projects.
• Lead safety briefings, toolbox talks, and site safety huddles.
• Oversee subcontractor onboarding, safety orientation, and JHAs.
• Implement environmental programs such as SWPPP and SPCC; manage waste and spills.
• Conduct safety training and maintain training records.
• Investigate incidents, perform root-cause analyses, and implement corrective actions.

Skills

OSHA/NEC/NFPA knowledge

Electrical safety expertise

Incident investigation

Regulatory compliance

Safety program leadership

EHS systems proficiency

Education

Bachelor's degree in Industrial/Electrical/Mechanical Engineering or Construction Safety Management

Tools

Enablon

Cority

Intelex

Job description

Position Summary

The Safety & Environmental Engineer provides technical safety and environmental expertise for renewable energy construction projects including solar and battery energy storage systems (BESS). This role ensures safe work practices, regulatory compliance, and environmental protection while supporting project teams across all phases of construction. The Safety & Environmental Engineer partners closely with project managers, field leadership, subcontractors, and corporate safety teams to implement safety programs, conduct field oversight, and manage risks that uphold Continental Energy Solutions’ high standards for safety performance and environmental stewardship.

What you’ll do

Provide on-site safety leadership and oversight

• Conduct daily site safety inspections, hazard assessments, and risk control reviews for solar and battery storage installations.
• Verify safe practices around energized electrical work, DC/AC systems, inverters, switchgear, and high‑voltage equipment.
• Ensure proper implementation of safety programs including LOTO, arc flash protection, fall protection, confined space entry, trenching and excavation, and hot work.
• Lead daily safety briefings, toolbox talks, and site safety huddles.
• Support emergency response planning, drills, and incident response activities.

Manage subcontractor safety performance

• Oversee subcontractor onboarding, safety orientation, and competency verification.
• Review and approve subcontractor safety plans, Job Hazard Analyses (JHAs), and lift plans.
• Monitor subcontractor compliance with contract safety requirements, permitting, and PPE standards.
• Escalate safety concerns and coordinate corrective actions with project leadership.

Ensure environmental compliance

• Implement environmental management programs including stormwater protection (SWPPP), erosion control, hazardous and universal waste management, and spill prevention (SPCC).
• Support compliance related to battery and lithium‑ion energy storage systems.
• Conduct environmental inspections and maintain regulatory documentation.
• Coordinate recycling, waste characterization, and disposal documentation.

Lead safety training and orientation

• Deliver site‑specific safety orientations to employees and subcontractors.
• Provide training on electrical safety, LOTO, fall protection, equipment operation, emergency response, and hazard communication.
• Maintain training records and ensure certifications remain current.

Support incident management and continuous improvement

• Prepare site safety plans, environmental documentation, permits, and inspection records.
• Support project teams during constructability reviews to integrate safety and environmental requirements.
• Investigate incidents including near misses, injuries, electrical events, environmental spills, and property damage.
• Conduct root cause analyses and ensure corrective and preventive actions are implemented.
• Track safety metrics and contribute to safety reporting and continuous improvement initiatives.

What you’ll need for success

• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Construction Safety Management, or related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in construction safety, with at least 3 years leading electrical safety programs.
• Demonstrated knowledge of OSHA, NEC, EPA, and NFPA safety regulations and compliance requirements.
• Strong understanding of electrical hazards, energized work controls, arc flash protection, and lockout/tagout (LOTO) practices.
• Experience conducting incident investigations and root‑cause analyses.
• Ability to influence teams and communicate effectively with field personnel, subcontractors, and leadership.
• Experience working with EHS management systems such as Enablon, Cority, Intelex, or similar platforms.
• Knowledge of ISO 45001 and ISO 14001 management systems preferred.
• Ability to maintain clear documentation, regulatory records, and safety metrics.
• Willingness to travel approximately 40%, including overnight travel.

Certifications (Preferred)

• Certified Electrical Safety Compliance Professional (CESCP)
• Certified Utility Safety Professional (CUSP)
• Associate Safety Professional (ASP) or Associate Safety & Health Manager (ASHM)
• Construction Health & Safety Technician (CHST)

Physical & Environmental Requirements

The Safety & Environmental Engineer must be able to safely perform work in industrial, manufacturing, and construction environments. This includes standing and walking for extended periods while conducting site inspections across warehouses, production areas, outdoor environments, and active construction sites.

The role requires climbing stairs and ladders, working at heights, entering confined spaces, and navigating uneven terrain such as scaffolding access points, compacted soil, and active work areas with moving equipment or materials.

The employee must be able to lift, carry, push, or pull 25–40 pounds occasionally, including safety equipment, monitoring devices, and documentation materials. Visual and auditory acuity are required to identify hazards, observe equipment, review technical documentation, and communicate in high‑noise environments.

The role requires wearing appropriate PPE including hard hats, respirators, safety glasses, steel‑toe boots, fall protection, and hearing protection. Exposure to outdoor weather conditions, heat, cold, dust, fumes, and chemicals may occur. The position may also require rapid response during emergency situations or incident investigations across multiple project locations.

Working for Continental Energy Solutions provides:

• Assistance, tools, and resources for success
• A collaborative, engaging and respectful workplace
• Fulfilling career opportunities and skills development

Continental Energy Solutions is an equal opportunity employer, and does not discriminate in employment on account of race, color, religion, national origin, citizenship status, ancestry, age, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, military status or unfavorable discharge from military service, arrest or conviction record, source of income or credit history.