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Process Safety Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Sr. System Safety Engineer

Carlsbad, CA · Hybrid

$176K - $264K/yr

Contribute to continuous improvement of system safety processes, analysis methods, and documentation templates What you'll need * Bachelor's degree in a STEM field (Systems Engineering, Safety ...

Systems Safety Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$128K - $214K/yr

The Senior System Safety Engineer will help protect our national security while supporting the USSF ... process * Experience with Environmental Compliance/NEPA, Orbital Debris Mitigation Standard ...

... assessment processes to identify hazards, evaluate risks, and drive mitigation strategies ... Help build and scale the safety engineering function as the robotics organization grows. You might ...

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Showing results 1-20

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 Jul 19, 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.

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:
Infographic showing various Process Safety Engineer job openings in California as of July 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.
Staff System Safety Engineer

Staff System Safety Engineer

Anduril Industries

Costa Mesa, CA • On-site

Other

Posted 10 days ago


Anduril rating

9.4

Company rating: 9.4 out of 10

Anduril

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7.4

Company rating compared to similar companies: 7.4 out of 10

Manufacturers average

Based on 71,359 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

ABOUT THE TEAM

Anduril's Reliability & System Safety Engineering organization is hiring Staff System Safety Engineers across our product portfolio. Domains may include Air Dominance & Strike, Maritime, Ground Systems, Space, Counter-UAS, and Autonomy/Lattice. The Reliability & System Safety Engineering team works with our broader Engineering team to ensure our products are safe and meet all mission performance, environmental, and customer requirements. We develop cutting-edge System Safety processes and methods to secure scalable, long-term business success.
As a Staff System Safety Engineer at Anduril, you will establish discipline philosophy across product lines, tackle unprecedented challenges without standard frameworks, and transform departmental capability through new methodologies and multi-year enterprise initiatives. You will lead safety across multiple programs and define safety methodology org-wide.

WHAT YOU'LL DO
  • Define System Safety methodology org-wide and establish discipline philosophy across product lines
  • Lead System Safety across multiple concurrent programs, setting strategy and resolving cross-program technical conflicts
  • Drive multi-year enterprise initiatives that transform departmental capability and scale System Safety to support rapid product development
  • Architect tailored System Safety program plans aligned with MIL-STD-882E and the needs of Anduril and its customers
  • Provide expert technical direction on complex safety analyses including FHA, Fault Tree, SCFTA, FMECA, and System Safety Assessments
  • Influence system architecture and design trades from concept through deployment to drive Design for Safety outcomes
  • Establish hazard management standards, tracking infrastructure, and risk mitigation frameworks used across programs
  • Serve as the senior Subject Matter Expert in the Design Requirements Process and across Development Milestone Reviews (PDR, CDR, QDR)
  • Own the most complex Safety corrective actions from RCCA investigations and Mishap Reports, and ensure lessons learned propagate org-wide
  • Develop and implement System Safety processes and reports that streamline Design, Manufacturing, and Deployment Operations
  • Verify and validate risk and hazard reduction measures at the program and portfolio level
  • Represent Anduril externally to customers, regulatory bodies, and industry working groups on safety-related matters
  • Drive continuous improvement in System Safety processes and methodologies
  • Ensure compliance with relevant military and industry safety standards
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Minimum of 12 years of industry experience as a System Safety Engineer or equivalent engineering background
  • B.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, or equivalent technical discipline
  • Deep experience with safety-critical hardware and software systems in the defense or aerospace industry, with a preference for Weapon Systems, Aircraft, UAS, Maritime, Space or Rotorcraft
  • Expert-level knowledge of MIL-STD-882E and other relevant safety standards
  • Demonstrated experience establishing System Safety Engineering frameworks across multiple products or programs, including early-stage Design for Safety and Hazard Analysis
  • Expert background in safety analysis techniques including FTA, FHA, SCFTA, and FMECA
  • Experience with requirements decomposition for Safety at the system-of-systems level
  • Failure investigation/analysis experience with a proven track record of solving problems and preventing reoccurrence
  • Extensive Design Review experience (PDR, CDR, MRR) and confident presentation skills across all levels of leadership, including executives and external stakeholders
  • Strong analytical/problem-solving skills and excellent communication skills with the ability to collaborate cross-functionally
  • Eligibility to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • M.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, or equivalent technical discipline
  • Experience or familiarity with ARP-4754, ARP-4761, MIL-STD-516C, and JSSSEH
  • Experience with Relyence, Teamcenter, JIRA, JAMA, Cameo, and/or Ansys
  • Software safety case development experience
  • AI/ML software safety experience (strongly preferred)
  • Experience with risk management, change control/change management reviews, and software/firmware HITL/SITL
  • Front-end software architecture and requirements definition experience
  • Executive communications, reporting, and roadmap presentation experience
  • Experience drafting requirements for Software & Hardware

Working at Anduril


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About Anduril Industries

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Anduril Industries is a trailblazer in the technology industry based in Costa Mesa, CA, US. Founded in 2017 by Palmer Luckey, the creator of Oculus VR, the company focuses on developing innovative technology to equip and empower those in the defense sector. Its primary products include cutting-edge autonomous systems and AI software that assist in combating threats to national and global security. The mission of Anduril Industries is to integrate technology and defense by building transformative, scalable solutions that ensure a safer world.

Industry

Guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Costa Mesa, CA, US

Year founded

2017

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