Home › Resources › Templates › Functional Safety Engineer (IEC 61511, Process safety, Energy & process, Mid-level)
Job description template · Safety-critical

Functional Safety Engineer (IEC 61511, Process safety, Energy & process, Mid-level)

Have CSA staff this role
StageNot listed in company directoryStandardsIEC 61511 · ATEXIndustryEnergy & processSeniorityMid-levelRegionUnited KingdomWork modeHybridSource year2026Role familyProcess safetyEmployerNot in the directory
Show unavailable metadata (3)
Company sizeUnknownSegmentUnknownEmploymentUnknown

This role is currently open. See the open role on FSTalent.

Hover or focus an underlined term for a plain-language definition.

Role summary

To provide specialist process safety engineering support across a wide range of sustainable energy projects, including gas-powered generation, CHP, biogas, hydrogen, battery energy storage systems (BESS), and other low-carbon energy technologies. You will play a key role in identifying, assessing and mitigating process safety risks, ensuring compliance with relevant legislation, industry standards and best practice throughout all stages of project delivery.

Working closely with Electrical, Mechanical and Project Engineering teams, you will help ensure that the organization projects are designed, installed and operated safely, supporting our commitment to operational excellence and the transition to net zero energy.

Majority of time spent: Leading and supporting process safety activities across engineering projects, including hazard identification, risk assessments, safety studies and the development of safety documentation.

This is an exciting opportunity to influence the safe design and delivery of innovative energy projects across the UK and internationally. You will work alongside multidisciplinary engineering teams to embed process safety principles throughout the project lifecycle and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives across the business.

Responsibilities

  • Process Safety Management: Develop, implement and promote process safety management practices across engineering and operational activities.
  • Hazard Identification & : Lead and facilitate HAZOP studies, LOPA reviews, assessments, assessments and other risk-based safety reviews.
  • Engineering Design Support: Collaborate with engineering teams to ensure process safety requirements are incorporated into equipment, systems and plant designs.
  • Regulatory Compliance: Ensure compliance with relevant legislation, industry standards and best practice, including COMAH, ATEX, ISO standards and other applicable regulations.
  • Safety Studies & Documentation: Produce and review process safety documentation, including risk assessments, safety cases, hazardous area classifications and operating procedures.
  • Incident Investigation: Support investigations into process safety incidents and near misses, identifying root causes and implementing corrective and preventative actions.
  • Operational Safety: Assist with the development and maintenance of safe systems of work, operational procedures and emergency response plans.
  • Training & Awareness: Deliver process safety training and promote awareness across engineering, operations and project teams.
  • Project Support: Provide process safety engineering support throughout project development, installation, commissioning and operational phases.
  • Continuous Improvement: Analyse process safety performance data and recommend initiatives to improve safety culture and reduce operational risk.
  • Client & Stakeholder Engagement: Liaise with clients, suppliers and regulatory bodies as required, providing specialist process safety expertise.

Requirements

  • Strong knowledge of process safety principles and risk management methodologies, including HAZOP, LOPA, , and ATEX.
  • Understanding of industrial process systems, control systems and safety instrumented systems.
  • Knowledge of UK and international process safety legislation and standards, including COMAH and relevant ISO standards.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to assess complex technical risks.
  • Experience preparing technical reports, safety documentation and engineering recommendations.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office applications.
  • Ability to communicate complex technical information to both technical and non-technical audiences.
  • Project management and stakeholder engagement skills.
  • Trustworthy and professional in all dealings.
  • Reliable and dependable, consistently delivering on commitments.
  • Customer-focused, responsive to internal and external stakeholder needs.
  • Supportive and collaborative, working effectively across multidisciplinary teams.
  • Self-motivated, able to manage competing priorities and work independently.
  • Committed to quality and continuous improvement in all aspects of work.
  • Proactive in driving safety excellence and promoting best practice.
  • Keen to learn and develop, keeping up to date with industry developments and regulations.
  • Excellent analytical and risk assessment skills.
  • Strong planning, organisation and attention to detail.
  • Adaptability and flexibility in a dynamic project environment.
  • Ability to influence and build strong working relationships.
  • Resilience and tenacity, maintaining a positive approach under pressure.
  • Strong communication and presentation skills.
  • Degree in Chemical Engineering, Process Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering discipline.
  • Proven experience in a Process Safety Engineering role within power generation, energy, oil & gas, petrochemical, chemical manufacturing or a similar industrial sector.
  • Experience leading or facilitating HAZOP, LOPA and other formal process safety assessments.
  • Strong understanding of process safety regulations, standards and best practice.
  • Full UK/EU Driving Licence.
  • Eligible to work in the UK.

Nice to have

  • Professional registration or working towards Chartered Engineer status.
  • Process Safety qualification such as IChemE Process Safety, NEBOSH Process Safety Management or equivalent.
  • Experience within hydrogen, renewable energy, CHP, biogas or gas-powered generation projects.
  • Experience working within COMAH-regulated environments.
  • Knowledge of and Safety Instrumented Systems ().

Standards

  • IEC 61511 Process Industry Safety Instrumented Systems
  • ATEX Equipment for Explosive Atmospheres (EU Directive 2014/34/EU)

Use this template

Get the Word document, or let CSA scope, staff or post the role for you.