Freelance Risk Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Job description

About dss+

At dss+, you don't just deliver projects - you help save lives, improve performance, and build a more sustainable future.

We are a purpose-led global consultancy partnering with organisations in high-risk and asset-intensive industries to solve complex operational challenges across safety, operational excellence, and sustainability.

With a heritage rooted in DuPont's industrial operations, we combine deep expertise, practical problem-solving, and digital innovation to deliver measurable and lasting impact for our clients.

Why This Role

This role focuses on delivering high-quality outcomes through deep expertise in Serious Injury & Fatality (SIF) prevention and operational risk management.

As a freelance SME, you will bring immediate, high-value expertise into client engagements-supporting SIF prevention programmes and helping organisations reduce critical risks and improve safety performance at pace.

Your Impact at dss+

You will lead and support SIF prevention engagements, embedding quickly into client environments and operating with a high degree of autonomy to deliver measurable results.

Key Accountabilities

• Lead and deliver SIF prevention programmes, applying dss+ methodologies to improve safety performance

• Engage stakeholders at all levels, from executives to frontline teams

• Identify and define critical SIF risks, precursors, and improvement opportunities

• Design and implement processes to control and mitigate SIF risks

• Deliver sustainable improvements through coaching, implementation, and capability building

• Facilitate assessments, workshops, and interventions across operational risk and safety programmes

• Contribute to wider transformation programmes as part of multidisciplinary dss+ teams

• Support the development and refinement of SIF methodologies, tools, and assets

What You'll Experience at dss+

Deliver on our Purpose

Be part of a values-led organisation where your work helps save lives, improve performance, and advance sustainability for our clients and their people.

Develop your Trusted Expertise

Gain early autonomy and real accountability, working closely with senior clients on complex, high-impact challenges.

Thrive in a Culture of Respect

Join an inclusive and collaborative environment where your voice is valued, your curiosity is encouraged, and your wellbeing is supported.

#LI-PF1

Job requirements

Who You Are

You bring strong analytical thinking, a proactive mindset, and the ability to operate effectively in complex, international environments. You are comfortable engaging stakeholders, influencing decision-making, and delivering practical, high-impact solutions.

You are an experienced SIF and operational risk expert, with the ability to operate independently, embed quickly into client teams, and deliver results from day one. You are either an established independent consultant or available for contract-based assignments.

Experience

• 10+ years' experience in safety, operational risk, or EHS within industry or consulting

• Minimum 5 years' experience working specifically on SIF prevention programmes

• Proven experience influencing stakeholders across all organisational levels

• Experience delivering safety transformation or risk reduction initiatives in asset-intensive industries

• Strong project or programme delivery experience

Technical Expertise

• Strong understanding of SIF concepts including SIF precursors, risk situations, and decision logic

• Experience with essential safety processes such as:

• Life-Saving Rules implementation

• Root Cause Analysis

• Corrective and Preventive Actions (Hierarchy of Controls)

• EHS performance metrics and dashboards

• Familiarity with operational risk methodologies and frameworks

Capabilities

• Strong coaching, facilitation, and stakeholder engagement skills

• Ability to influence senior leaders and drive behavioural change

• Strong analytical and problem-solving capability

• Ability to translate complex risk concepts into actionable solutions

Education & Certifications

• Degree in Safety, Engineering, Risk Management, or related discipline

• Professional certifications (e.g. CSP, CIH) advantageous

Mobility

• Willingness to travel globally (approximately 60-70%)

• Availability for freelance/contract-based engagements

Growth & Benefits

We offer:

• Opportunities to contribute to high-impact, global safety transformation programmes

• Collaboration with experienced consultants and industry experts

• Exposure to complex operational environments across industries

• Flexible, project-based working arrangements aligned to freelance delivery

• Access to leading methodologies, tools, and expert networks

A Bit More About Us

We are implementers and change-makers. Our teams work from the boardroom to the shop floor, helping organisations build resilience, improve performance, and sustain results over time.

Our expertise spans industries including metals and mining, energy, chemicals, manufacturing, and private equity - combining deep operational knowledge with transformation and capability-building expertise.

Diversity & Inclusion

dss+ is committed to building a diverse workforce and fostering an inclusive culture where everyone is respected, valued, and able to contribute fully.

We believe diversity strengthens our organisation and drives better outcomes for our people, our clients, and the communities we serve.