Job Title: Safety and Compliance Instrumentation Engineer
Job Summary:
The Mid-Level Safety and Compliance Instrumentation Engineer is responsible for overseeing the design, installation, maintenance, and optimization of safety and compliance instrumentation systems used to monitor and safeguard industrial processes. This role involves managing safety-critical systems, including pressure, temperature, flow sensors, safety shutdown systems, and alarms. The engineer will ensure that all systems meet safety regulations, maintain compliance with industry standards, and operate efficiently. This role also involves troubleshooting complex issues, implementing improvements, and mentoring junior engineers.
Key Responsibilities:
System Design and Optimization:
- Lead the design and installation of safety and compliance instrumentation systems, ensuring that all devices and systems are configured to meet operational requirements and safety standards.
- Work closely with senior engineers to optimize existing systems, ensuring they function efficiently and meet compliance requirements.
- Ensure that safety-related instrumentation, such as pressure relief systems, shutdown valves, and emergency alarms, are accurately calibrated and integrated with the broader control systems.
Installation, Calibration, and Maintenance:
- Oversee the installation, calibration, and ongoing maintenance of safety and compliance instrumentation systems.
- Perform routine checks and calibrations of safety instrumentation, including sensors, flow meters, pressure gauges, and control valves to ensure optimal performance.
- Lead preventive and corrective maintenance efforts to reduce system downtime, address performance issues, and prevent system malfunctions.
Troubleshooting and Problem Resolution:
- Troubleshoot complex issues with safety instrumentation systems, including sensor malfunctions, alarm failures, and system communication problems.
- Perform root cause analysis of system failures and implement corrective actions to prevent reoccurrence.
- Work with the maintenance and operations teams to resolve issues and optimize safety systems to maintain a safe operating environment.
Regulatory Compliance and Quality Assurance:
- Ensure that all safety and compliance instrumentation systems comply with relevant industry regulations and safety standards (e.g., OSHA, ISO, NFPA, EPA).
- Collaborate with quality assurance teams to perform audits and inspections of instrumentation systems, ensuring that they meet both internal and external regulatory requirements.
- Prepare documentation and reports for internal and external audits, ensuring full traceability and compliance with safety regulations.
Performance Monitoring and Reporting:
- Monitor the performance of safety and compliance instrumentation systems, tracking key metrics such as system reliability, downtime, and accuracy.
- Develop and track key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the effectiveness and efficiency of safety systems.
- Generate and present performance reports to senior management, identifying trends, risks, and areas for improvement.
Safety System Improvements and Continuous Development:
- Identify opportunities for improvement in safety instrumentation and compliance systems, proposing and implementing upgrades to enhance performance, reduce risk, and comply with evolving regulations.
- Lead continuous improvement initiatives to enhance the safety, reliability, and efficiency of safety systems and instrumentation.
- Stay current with industry trends, best practices, and regulatory changes to ensure systems meet or exceed safety requirements.
Collaboration and Mentoring:
- Work closely with engineering, operations, and safety teams to ensure smooth integration and functioning of safety instrumentation systems across operations.
- Mentor and provide technical support to junior engineers and technicians, sharing best practices in safety system design, troubleshooting, and maintenance.
- Participate in team meetings to discuss system performance, challenges, and improvements.
Data Management and Documentation:
- Maintain accurate records of calibration, maintenance, and performance of safety and compliance instrumentation systems.
- Assist in developing and updating standard operating procedures (SOPs) and maintenance protocols to ensure consistent and compliant operation of safety systems.
- Ensure that all safety instrumentation documentation is up-to-date and accessible for audit purposes.
Skills and Knowledge Required:
- Advanced knowledge of safety and compliance instrumentation systems, including sensors, valves, pressure gauges, flow meters, and emergency shutdown systems.
- Proficiency in system design, integration, and troubleshooting of safety-critical systems.
- Strong understanding of industry regulations and safety standards (e.g., OSHA, NFPA, ISO, EPA, IEC).
- Experience with performance monitoring, data analysis, and reporting tools for safety instrumentation systems.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to address complex safety system issues.
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams and present technical information to non-technical stakeholders.
- Ability to mentor and guide junior engineers and technicians in safety instrumentation and compliance.
Educational Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Instrumentation Engineering, Control Systems Engineering, or a related technical field.
- Certifications in safety systems, instrumentation, or regulatory compliance (e.g., ISO 9001, Six Sigma, OSHA certifications) are highly desirable.
Experience:
- 3-5 years of experience in safety and compliance instrumentation, industrial automation, or process control systems, with a focus on safety-critical applications.
- Proven experience with calibration, maintenance, and troubleshooting of safety instrumentation systems.
- Hands-on experience with regulatory compliance, audits, and safety system certifications is preferred.
- Experience with PLC programming, SCADA systems, or process control software is a plus.
Tools and Technologies:
- Expertise in instrumentation calibration tools, industrial sensors, and control systems.
- Proficiency with PLC programming (e.g., Siemens, Allen-Bradley), SCADA systems, and industrial control systems.
- Experience with data collection and reporting software (e.g., Power BI, Excel, Minitab).
- Familiarity with safety management systems and compliance documentation tools.
Other Requirements:
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, ensuring accurate documentation and compliance with safety standards.
- Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, maintaining focus on safety, compliance, and operational goals.
- Willingness to work in industrial or manufacturing environments, including on-site troubleshooting and maintenance activities.
- Ability to work independently, take initiative, and lead problem-solving efforts in safety-critical situations.