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Process Safety Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

SST Direct

Safety Engineer III

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$71 - $79/hr

We are seeking a Safety Engineer III to partner with Engineering, Test Operations, Facilities, and ... Support design reviews, operational readiness reviews, and Management of Change (MOC) processes.

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ApTask

Safety Engineer

Burbank, CA · On-site

Role: Engineer - System Safety III Location: North Hollywood, CA 91601 Duration: 04+ Months ... Continually update and ensure compliance with *** processes and procedure * Support onboarding and ...

Archer

Safety Engineer

San Jose, CA

$104K - $135K/yr

The Safety Engineer is responsible for ensuring the safe operation, integration, and compliance of ... Experience with powertrain equipment testing and validation processes, including test cells and ...

Hensel Phelps

Safety Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$74K - $81K/yr

The Safety Engineer is a resource for supporting the safety manager and project team in the ... Participate in the six-step quality control/safety process including reviewing the activity hazard ...

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Process Safety Engineer information

See California salary details

$38K

$111.7K

$154.9K

How much do process safety engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for process safety engineer in California is $111,687.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $97,700.00 and $127,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by Process Safety Engineers, and how are they typically addressed within teams?

Process Safety Engineers often face challenges such as ensuring compliance with complex regulations, identifying and mitigating potential hazards, and fostering a safety-first culture across multidisciplinary teams. These challenges are typically addressed by conducting thorough risk assessments, staying updated on evolving safety standards, and collaborating closely with operations, maintenance, and management teams. Regular safety audits, clear communication, and ongoing training also play vital roles in overcoming these hurdles and maintaining a safe working environment.

What Does a Process Safety Engineer Do?

Process safety engineers work to decrease risk and ensure safety in construction and manufacturing companies. They assess the work conditions and identify potential risks and offers cost-effective solutions to diminish or remove those hazards. You find process safety engineers in many industries, including construction, manufacturing, and aerospace. To become a process safety engineer, you must have a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, or a related field. Additional qualifications include strong technical and mechanical skills and experience in a manufacturing environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Process Safety Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Process Safety Engineer, you need a solid background in chemical or mechanical engineering, risk assessment, and regulatory compliance, usually supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with process simulation software, hazard analysis tools (such as HAZOP or LOPA), and certifications like CSP or CCPSC are commonly required. Attention to detail, strong analytical thinking, and effective communication help professionals excel in identifying and mitigating risks. These skills and qualifications are crucial to ensuring operational safety, regulatory adherence, and the prevention of industrial accidents.

What are Process Safety Engineers?

Process Safety Engineers are professionals who focus on identifying, evaluating, and mitigating risks associated with industrial processes, particularly those involving hazardous materials or conditions. Their primary goal is to prevent accidents, fires, explosions, and environmental releases by designing and implementing safety protocols and systems. They work closely with engineering teams, management, and regulatory agencies to ensure compliance with safety standards and promote a culture of safety within organizations. Process Safety Engineers also investigate incidents, conduct hazard analyses, and develop emergency response plans.

What is the difference between Process Safety Engineer vs Process Engineer?

AspectProcess Safety EngineerProcess Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in chemical, mechanical, or safety engineering; certifications like ASP or CSP are commonRequires a degree in chemical, mechanical, or industrial engineering; certifications are less common
Work EnvironmentFocuses on safety protocols, hazard analysis, and risk management in industrial plantsDesigns, optimizes, and oversees manufacturing processes in similar settings
Industry UsageUsed in industries with high safety risks like oil & gas, chemicals, and refiningUsed across manufacturing, chemical, and process industries for process development

The Process Safety Engineer primarily concentrates on hazard prevention, safety protocols, and risk mitigation to ensure safe operations. In contrast, the Process Engineer focuses on designing and improving manufacturing processes. Both roles require engineering backgrounds but differ in their core responsibilities and safety emphasis.

More about Process Safety Engineer jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Process Safety Engineer jobs in California? The most popular types of Process Safety Engineer jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Process Safety Engineer jobs in California? For Process Safety Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Process Safety Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Process Safety Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Process Safety Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Process Safety Engineer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Process Safety Engineer jobs in CA? For Process Safety Engineer jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Process Safety Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Process Safety Engineer job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $111,687 per year, or $53.7 per hour.
Process Safety Engineer (Raptor/Starship)

Process Safety Engineer (Raptor/Starship)

SpaceX

Hawthorne, CA • On-site, Remote

$110K - $130K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago

SpaceX rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 144 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

13th of 60 rated aerospace companies

Job description

PROCESS SAFETY ENGINEER (RAPTOR/STARSHIP) 

The SpaceX Environmental Health and Safety team is seeking a highly driven engineer to establish human safety parameters across various cutting-edge technologies and manufacturing processes. A successful engineer in this role will thrive in a high-paced collaborative environment, establishing themselves as a process safety SME with key stakeholders. They will proudly contribute to the design, build, and test of Earth's first colonization class launch vehicles. 

RESPONSIBILITIES:  

  • Establish safety tools and procedures to ensure compliance and efficiency for production process planning and optimization
  • Perform risk assessments on complex industrial machinery, design functional safety systems (SIS, SIL), and review safety code
  • Serve as the department's Laser Safety Officer (LSO)
  • Conduct PFMEAs to uphold safe manufacturing processes
  • Analyze tooling and ground support equipment (GSE) for appropriate safety and load factors
  • Provide safety design guidance on high pressure systems and attend test readiness reviews 

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS: 

  • Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, materials engineering, manufacturing engineering, chemical engineering, electrical engineering, or another STEM field
  • 1+ years in a manufacturing, quality and/or design engineering role (student project team or internship experience qualifies) 

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE: 

  • Master's degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, materials engineering, or electrical engineering
  • Knowledge of quality tools such as lean principles, measurement systems analysis, design of experiments, statistical process control, root cause analysis and corrective action, advanced product quality planning (APQP), metrology, process failure mode and effects analysis (PFMEA), control plans, and various problem-solving approaches
  • Knowledge of MySQL, Python, R, JMP, Minitab, Tableau, and Ignition software
  • Strong proficiency with CAD tools (NX, Solidworks, Creo, Catia)
  • Experience with Robotic Process Automation (RPA)
  • Experience with CAE / CFD tools (Ansys)
  • Extensive knowledge of process safety management methods, pressure systems, and chemical delivery systems is highly preferred
  • Strong interpersonal and collaborative skills, enthusiasm for the mission of enabling multi-planetary life 

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: 

  • This isnota remote or hybrid position and will require relocation if not already local to the Hawthorne, CA area
  • Position occasionally requires the ability to work extended hours and weekends when needed 

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS: 

Process Safety Engineer/Level I: $95,000.00 - $115,000.00/per year 
Process Safety Engineer/Level II: $110,000.00 - $130,000.00/per year  

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock, stock options, or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Employees accrue paid sick leave pursuant to Company policy which satisfies or exceeds the accrual, carryover, and use requirements of the law.

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