Sr Process Safety Engineer

Kaneka Americas Holding, Inc.; Pasadena (TX); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Kaneka North America is seeking a Sr. Process Safety Engineer to lead compliance with PSM, OSHA, and EPA RMP requirements. You will design processes and safety programs to minimize chemical risks and partner with the HSSE team.

You will apply risk assessment methods, conduct incident investigations, and develop front-end design input for PSM projects, while mentoring staff and driving continuous improvement across plants.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering is required.
• 7–10 years of process safety experience in a chemical manufacturing environment.
• Proficiency with MS Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Outlook is required.

Responsibilities

• Provide oversight and direction for PSM systems owned by the HSSE Department.
• Drives improvements in the site's PSM program through execution of the PSM elements.
• Serves as PSM subject matter expert and conducts training regarding PSM fundamentals, procedures, and requirements.
• Identifies and analyzes process safety risks that have potential for significant business impact.
• Routinely audits all PSM elements to ensure compliance and identify improvements and best practices.
• Develops innovative process solutions to improve process safety of plants and processes.

Skills

MS Word

MS PowerPoint

MS Excel

MS Outlook

Education

Bachelor's in Chemical Engineering

Job description

Why Work at Kaneka North America?

At Kaneka North America, you'll find more than just a job—you'll find a place to build a career. We offer a people‑first, safety‑focused environment where employees are encouraged to learn, grow, and contribute. Whether you're early in your career or bringing years of experience, you'll have the chance to do meaningful work, collaborate across teams, and support products and industries that make a difference every day. Your contributions are valued, and your development is supported.

Our Culture & Values

Our culture is built on respect, teamwork, and doing things the right way. We believe people do their best work when they feel supported, trusted, and empowered to speak up and share ideas. Safety, integrity & trust, quality, and innovation guide everything we do, and we invest in our employees through continuous learning, collaboration, and opportunities for growth. At Kaneka North America, you're encouraged to take ownership of your work, grow your skills, and build a long‑term career in an environment that values both accountability and people.

Job Details

The Sr. Process Safety Engineer is responsible for providing leadership and compliance oversight with Process Safety Management (PSM) requirements. This includes process and procedure design to improve safety and health systems to control and minimize occupational and plant chemical risks. This also includes coordinating with other members of the HSSE Department to address PSM matters as necessary, particularly the Sr. HSSE Manager. The Sr. Process Safety Engineer is primarily responsible for supporting compliance with OSHA's Process Safety Management (PSM) rule (29 CFR Part 1910.119), the EPA's RMP rule (40 CFR Part 68), and various industry guidance such as facility siting (API RP 752). The work includes the application of engineering principles to the technical requirements of the regulations in addition to compliance oversight.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Provides oversight and direction for key Process Safety Management (PSM) systems owned by the HSSE Department which includes but is not limited to the following duties:
• Implements and where necessary develops KNA'S CSR management systems, procedures and process improvements as needed to ensure continuous improvement in all OSHA, PSM, and EPA RMP regulations.
• Drives improvement in the site's PSM program through execution of the PSM elements.
• Serves as PSM subject matter expert and conducts training regarding PSM fundamentals, procedures, and requirements.
• Identifies and analyzes process safety risks that have potential for significant business impact.
• Routinely audits all PSM elements to ensure compliance and identify improvements and best practices. Identifies/secures necessary resources needed and leads the effort to close gaps.
• Develops innovative process solutions to improve the process safety of plants and processes, particularly when addressing audit and PHA findings.
• Conducts statistical analysis on hazards and assists in developing programs, analytical protocols, and management reports.
• Works to become knowledgeable in the process chemistry and operating philosophies for new and existing plants and technologies.
• Leads, facilitates or participates in site incident investigations to determine root causes of incidents, especially those that are considered PSM in nature. Coordinates incident investigation training.
• Directs risk assessment techniques to include Process Hazard Analysis, Layers of Protection Analysis, Process Control and Safety Instrumented Systems. Reviews and recommends risk evaluation methods for new projects.
• Supports the development of front end design for PSM related projects.
• Provides project input concerning process safety requirements included in generally accepted engineering standards such as NFPA, ASME, API, IEC and CGA, to prevent, control and mitigate risks.
• When requested, works proactively with operating plants and/or projects department to develop Inherently Safer Technology solutions.
• At times, this position can be requested to conduct computer chemical dispersion modeling for PSM/RMP analysis.
• Must demonstrate the following emotional intelligence skills:
  • Emotional Empathy
  • Positive Attitude
  • Excellent Communication Skills
  • Flexibility / Adaptability
  • Interpersonal Skills

Qualifications

Behaviors

Detail Oriented - Capable of carrying out a given task with all details necessary to get the task done well.

Education

Bachelors of Chemical Engineering (required)

Experience

7 - 10 years: Process safety experience in chemical operations from a manufacturing environment (required)

Skills

• MS Word (required)
• MS PowerPoint (required)
• MS Excel (required)
• MS Outlook (required)

Equal Opportunity Employer / Protected Veterans / Individuals with Disabilities

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.