Senior Staff and Technical Engineer

Sotalent; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Sotalent in Columbus, Ohio seeks a Senior Staff Process and Technical Safety Engineer to lead process safety across United States refining operations. This role is based in Columbus and acts as the regional SME while collaborating on safety strategy across North American operations.

You will own HAZOP/LOPA/MOC processes, model consequences, ensure RMP/API/NFPA/CCPS compliance, and mentor the engineering team.

Qualifications

• A Bachelor degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• A minimum of 16 years of professional experience specifically within process safety or a closely aligned technical safety field.
• At least 10 years of experience within the oil and gas or petrochemical industry is strongly preferred.
• Proven expertise leading complex HAZOP and MOC processes for large scale industrial operators.
• Demonstrated experience conducting LOPA and translating those findings into SIL requirements.
• Proficiency in consequence modeling software and a deep understanding of RAGAGEP and RMP compliance.
• Familiarity with industry standards including API, NFPA, and CCPS.

Responsibilities

• Direct the implementation of process safety competencies across multiple US refinery sites.
• Own the development of internal methodologies and interpret complex regulatory codes and industry policies.
• Mentor and train a team of engineers in risk assessment methodologies including HAZOP, LOPA, and HAZID.
• Oversee and maintain rigorous quality control for site deliverables, ensuring adherence to PHA and RMP standards.
• Manage and coordinate critical third party studies involving facility siting, fire hazard analysis, and consequence modeling.
• Lead and support internal assurance audits to maintain high safety standards across the organization.

Skills

HAZOP

LOPA

HAZID

Consequence modeling

RMP compliance

RAGAGEP

API/NFPA/CCPS familiarity

Mentoring/leadership

Regulatory interpretation

Technical safety strategy

Education

Bachelors in Chemical or Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Consequence modeling software

Job description

A major player in the energy and refining sector is seeking a high level technical expert to serve as the Senior Staff Process and Technical Safety Engineer for their United States refining operations. Based in Columbus, Ohio, this pivotal role serves as the primary subject matter expert for the region while collaborating on safety strategy across North American operations.

The successful candidate will lead the development and application of process safety methodologies, ensure regulatory compliance, and act as a mentor to the wider engineering team. This is a strategic position designed for a thought leader who can balance technical execution with high level policy development.

Primary Responsibilities

• Direct the implementation of process safety competencies across multiple US refinery sites.
• Own the development of internal methodologies and interpret complex regulatory codes and industry policies.
• Mentor and train a team of engineers in risk assessment methodologies including HAZOP, LOPA, and HAZID.
• Oversee and maintain rigorous quality control for site deliverables, ensuring adherence to PHA and RMP standards.
• Manage and coordinate critical third party studies involving facility siting, fire hazard analysis, and consequence modeling.
• Lead and support internal assurance audits to maintain high safety standards across the organization.

Required Qualifications

• A Bachelor degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• A minimum of 16 years of professional experience specifically within process safety or a closely aligned technical safety field.
• At least 10 years of experience within the oil and gas or petrochemical industry is strongly preferred.
• Proven expertise leading complex HAZOP and MOC processes for large scale industrial operators.
• Demonstrated experience conducting LOPA and translating those findings into SIL requirements.
• Proficiency in consequence modeling software and a deep understanding of RAGAGEP and RMP compliance.
• Familiarity with industry standards including API, NFPA, and CCPS.

Preferred Skills and Certifications

• Functional Safety Engineer certification.
• Experience with QRA, Bowtie analysis, and Safety Critical Element management.
• Background in managing process safety within large scale capital projects.

The Client Environment

Our client is recognized as a top tier employer, offering a culture focused on continuous learning, internal mobility, and technical excellence. They provide a comprehensive total rewards package that includes competitive base salary, annual bonuses, retirement matching, and extensive health and wellness benefits.

This organization is committed to safety, responsibility, and cost efficient energy production, operating a vast network of refining and marketing assets across the United States.

Qualified candidates authorized to work in the United States are encouraged to apply for this influential technical leadership role.