Subject Matter Expert

auduboncorporatecareers; Louisiana (MO); On-site; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Audubon is seeking a Safety Instrumented System (SIS) Subject Matter Expert to join a client-site project team. You will lead design, validation, and ongoing performance of SIS, aligning with IEC 61511 standards and delivering robust protections in high-hazard chemical processing environments.

This onsite role interfaces with process engineering, operations and maintenance to drive safety outcomes. The ideal candidate brings 15+ years of SIS experience, deep LOPA and FTA expertise, and a track

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering or related discipline.
• 15+ years of experience in SIS design, implementation and lifecycle management in chemical/petrochemical industries.
• Strong expertise in LOPA workbook development and facilitation.
• Deep knowledge of IEC 61511/IEC 61508 standards.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership in process safety, risk assessment, and functional safety implementation across high-hazard environments.
• Lead design, specification, and validation of Safety Instrumented Systems across projects and facilities.
• Apply LOPA methodologies to determine SIL requirements and perform FTA analyses for risk assessment.
• Ensure SIS lifecycle compliance including hazard analysis, SIL verification, installation, commissioning and monitoring.
• Collaborate with process engineering, operations and maintenance to integrate SIS within safety frameworks.
• Conduct SIS performance audits, proof test reviews, and gap assessments.
• Mentor engineering teams on functional safety best practices.

Skills

Functional Safety Lifecycle Management

Risk Assessment & Hazard Analysis

SIL Determination & Verification

Reliability Engineering

Process Safety Management

Leadership

Education

BSc in Chemical Engineering or Electrical Engineering

Tools

Honeywell SIS

Emerson SIS

Yokogawa SIS

Schneider Electric SIS

Job description

Safety Instrumented System (SIS) Subject Matter Expert

Audubon is currently seeking a SIS Subject Matter Expert to be part of a project team, working onsite at a client’s plant. The SIS Subject Matter Expert will be responsible for the lifecycle management, design, and optimization of SIS in accordance with industry standards such as International Electrotechnical Commission IEC 61511.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Providing technical leadership in process safety, risk assessment, and functional safety implementation, ensuring robust protection layers in high-hazard chemical processing environments.
• Leading the design, specification, and validation of Safety Instrumented Systems (SIS) across multiple projects and operating facilities.
• Applying and facilitating Layer of Protection Analysis (LOPA) using structured workbook methodologies to determine Safety Integrity Level (SIL) requirements.
• Performing and reviewing Fault Tree Analysis (FTA) and other reliability modeling techniques to assess risk reduction and system integrity.
• Ensuring SIS lifecycle compliance including hazard analysis, SIL verification, installation, commissioning, and ongoing performance monitoring.
• Collaborating with process engineering, operations, and maintenance teams to integrate SIS within broader process safety frameworks.
• Conducting periodic SIS performance audits, proof test reviews, and gap assessments.
• Providing technical mentoring and guidance to engineering teams on functional safety best practices.
• Supporting Management of Change (MOC) processes involving SIS modifications.
• Interfacing with corporate and regulatory bodies to ensure adherence to internal standards and external compliance requirements.
• Additional duties as assigned.

EXPERIENCE AND SKILL REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related discipline.
• 15+ years of experience in SIS design, implementation, and lifecycle management in the chemical or petrochemical industry.
• Proven experience working with or within organizations such as Dow Chemical Company or similar large-scale process industries.
• Deep expertise in LOPA workbook development and facilitation.
• Strong hands-on experience in Fault Tree Analysis (FTA) and quantitative risk assessment techniques.
• Extensive knowledge of IEC 61511 / IEC 61508 standards.
• Experience with SIS platforms (e.g., Honeywell, Emerson, Yokogawa, Schneider Electric).
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional safety studies (HAZOP, LOPA, SIL reviews).

Preferred Certifications

• TÜV Functional Safety Engineer (or equivalent)
• Certified Safety Professional (CSP) or similar

Key Skills

• Functional Safety Lifecycle Management
• Risk Assessment & Hazard Analysis
• SIL Determination & Verification
• Reliability Engineering & Modeling
• Process Safety Management (PSM)
• Strong analytical and leadership capabilities

No Recruiters Please!

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled

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