Safety Systems Engineer

Job Summary:

The Senior Safety Systems Engineer leads the design, implementation, and lifecycle management of Safety Instrumented Systems (SIS), including Emergency Shutdown (ESD), Fire & Gas Detection (F&G), and High Integrity Pressure Protection Systems (HIPPS). The role includes SIL assessments, safety lifecycle compliance, and project execution aligned with IEC 61511 / IEC 61508 standards. This is a technical leadership role requiring a blend of engineering, risk analysis, and cross-discipline coordination.

Key Focus Areas & Responsibilities:

1. Functional Safety Lifecycle Management

• Lead the design and verification of safety instrumented functions (SIFs) from concept to decommissioning.

• Oversee the creation of Safety Requirement Specifications (SRS) and Cause & Effect (C&E) matrices.

• Ensure full compliance with IEC 61511, IEC 61508, and ISA S84 across all project and operational phases.

2. SIL Determination & Verification

• Facilitate and participate in HAZOP, LOPA, and SIL assessments in collaboration with process safety and operations teams.

• Perform or supervise SIL calculations, risk reduction analysis, and reliability modeling.

• Verify SIF performance and initiate mitigation plans for gaps identified during assessments.

3. System Design & Integration

• Lead configuration and programming of safety PLCs (e.g., Triconex, HIMA, ProSafe-RS, S7-400H).

• Oversee integration of SIS with BPCS (e.g., DCS/SCADA systems) and manage interface logic.

• Ensure system architectures (e.g., 1oo2, 2oo3) are designed per SIL and redundancy requirements.

4. Testing, Commissioning & Validation

• Approve and supervise Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT), Site Acceptance Tests (SAT), and Integrated System Tests (IST).

• Lead commissioning efforts for SIS and F&G systems, ensuring flawless handover to operations.

• Review and approve test documentation, loop folders, and verification reports.

5. Operations & Maintenance Support

• Implement proof test strategies and diagnostic coverage plans for installed SIFs.

• Analyze system failures, initiate root cause investigations, and recommend improvements.

• Mentor junior engineers and support knowledge transfer for long-term system sustainability.

6. Documentation, QA & Compliance

• Maintain auditable documentation for all safety lifecycle phases (concept, design, validation, operation).

• Support internal and external audits (e.g., by regulators or certifying bodies).

• Lead Management of Change (MOC) processes related to safety-critical systems.

Key Skills & Competencies:

• Deep expertise in functional safety and process risk analysis.

• Strong command of safety PLC platforms and SIS/DCS integration.

• In-depth knowledge of safety system architectures and fail-safe principles.

• Proficiency in SIL software tools (e.g., exSILentia, SILSolver, RiskGraph).

• Strong leadership, communication, and project coordination abilities.

Qualifications:

• B.E. / B.Tech / M.Tech in Instrumentation, Electrical, Electronics, or related discipline.

• 7+ years of relevant experience in safety systems engineering, with at least 3+ years in a lead or senior role.

• Certification in Functional Safety (TÜV Rheinland / Exida FSEng or FSExp) highly preferred.

• Experience in EPC, brownfield modifications, and operational safety compliance.

• Working knowledge of industry standards (API, IEC, ISA, ISO) and regulatory expectations.