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Process Safety Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Process Safety Engineer Are you the kind of person who is always thinking, sketching, seeking, and adjusting? Who needs to understand how things work and then figure out how they can work better? Are ...

Process Safety Engineer Are you the kind of person who is always thinking, sketching, seeking, and adjusting? Who needs to understand how things work and then figure out how they can work better? Are ...

Provide guidance and mentorship to process safety engineers * Lead and attend Site Leadership Meetings to represent PSM concerns and progress * Own and facilitate the site-level Risk Assurance ...

Site Process Safety Leader

Hopewell, VA · On-site

$104.60K - $156.80K/yr

Provide guidance and mentorship to process safety engineers * Lead and attend Site Leadership Meetings to represent PSM concerns and progress * Own and facilitate the site-level Risk Assurance ...

Bachelor's degree in chemical or mechanical engineering required Minimum 10 years of industry experience required Minimum 4 years process safety experience Demonstrated leadership experience at a ...

Site Process Safety Leader

Hopewell, VA · On-site

$104.60K - $156.80K/yr

Provide guidance and mentorship to process safety engineers * Lead and attend Site Leadership Meetings to represent PSM concerns and progress * Own and facilitate the site-level Risk Assurance ...

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 ...

Strategically enhance our Safety Management Systems and related processes to support the company ... Serve as the facility safety engineer for Richmond area locations, requires periodic site visits.

This position ensures that process safety, environmental, and engineering standards are met at all times during normal operation and the implementation of any process changes. Duties and ...

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Process Safety Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$38.2K

$112.2K

$155.7K

How much do process safety engineer jobs pay per year?

As of May 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for process safety engineer in Virginia is $112,198.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $98,200.00 and $127,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 Virginia? The most popular types of Process Safety Engineer jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Process Safety Engineer jobs in Virginia? For Process Safety Engineer jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Process Safety Engineer jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Process Safety Engineer jobs in Virginia are:
Infographic showing various Process Safety Engineer job openings in Virginia as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $112,198 per year, or $53.9 per hour.

Process Safety Engineer

Ashland

Hopewell, VA

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

Ashland Inc.

Process Safety Engineer

Are you the kind of person who is always thinking, sketching, seeking, and adjusting? Who needs to understand how things work and then figure out how they can work better? Are you a passionate, tenacious solver who loves to work with others who share your drive? Are you positive, constructive, and ingenious?

Are you always solving?

Then we'd like to meet you and bet you'd like to meet us.

Ashland has an exciting opportunity for a Process Safety Engineer to join our team at Ashland LLC in Hopewell, VA. This is a highly visible, significant role within the Company and the EHS&S function. This position will report to the EHS Center of Excellence (COE).

The responsibilities of the position include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Provide transformational leadership to foster management commitment and employee ownership of process safety, enhance site process safety culture and performance, and ensure timely closure of corrective actions through risk assessment and data-driven collaboration.
  • Analyze process safety data and partner with site leadership to develop and implement process safety improvement strategies.
  • Providing subject matter expertise and technical support in the areas of process safety and its implementation to ensure regulatory compliance and operational excellence (PHA/LOPA, facility siting, combustible dust hazard management, effective corrective active closure, incident investigations, consequence modeling, etc.)
  • Apply effective problem-solving and decision-making by developing multiple solutions and making well-informed recommendations to improve process safety outcomes.
  • Coordinate and deliver mandatory process safety training and additional sessions tailored to meet specific site needs, including clear communication of process safety program elements to all organizational levels (operations, engineers, and site management)
  • Lead process hazard analysis (PHA), combustible dust assessment (CDA/DHA), and risk assessments (LOPA) to ensure process hazards are identified and adequately and effectively mitigated in order to meet company risk criteria.
  • Maintain site self-assessment protocols for the process safety program and participate in process safety compliance audits.
  • Partner with global EHS and Engineering to provide process safety support for capital projects at the site.
  • Review, revise, and update site process safety procedures and standards to maintain regulatory compliance and align with corporate standards, promoting continuous improvement and operational excellence.

What This Role Is Not:

  • Not an entry-level position - we need a candidate to hit the ground running with solid experience and a background to prove it
  • Not an office-based role - You will spend a significant portion of your time in the field in a chemical manufacturing facility
  • Not a management position - while you will collaborate with other team members, this is an individual contributor role with no direct reports

In order to be qualified for this role, you must possess the following:

  • Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in chemical engineering or other relevant science/engineering degree
  • Minimum 7 years' experience in the process safety field within an industrial or manufacturing setting, including chemical manufacturing
  • Working knowledge of OSHA PSM and EPA RMP regulatory requirements and RAGAGEP (e.g. API, NFPA, etc.)
  • Subject matter expertise in risk-based process safety management systems and experience implementing PS MS in a chemical manufacturing setting
  • Demonstrated experience leading PHAs using LOPA, DHAs, and MOCs, developing and maintaining PSI, developing and maintaining procedures and training materials, and incident investigation
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities under pressure and quickly adapt to shifting demands
  • Excellent verbal / written communication (English) and interpersonal skills, particularly influencing without authority
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and EHS management software, such as VelocityEHS

The following skill sets are preferred by the business unit:

  • Experience with combustible dust
  • Proficiency with PHA Software, such as PHA Pro or Sphera ARA
  • Working knowledge in consequence modeling and/or process simulation software (e.g. PHAST, Superchems, Aspen, etc.)
  • Experience in pressure relief design and analysis (DIERS)

In more than 100 countries, the people of Ashland LLC. (NYSE: ASH) provide the specialty chemicals, technologies and insights to help customers create new and improved products for today and sustainable solutions for tomorrow. Our chemistry is at work every day in a wide variety of markets and applications, including architectural coatings, automotive, construction, energy, personal care and pharmaceutical. Visit www.ashland.com to see the innovations we offer.
At Ashland our vision is to be a leading, global specialty chemicals company whose inspired and engaged employees add value to all we touch. In fact our people, employees, customers and vendors define who we are. They are the driving force behind everything we do.
Not only do we value our customers but we value our employees, and we work to offer them a dynamic and challenging environment. We hold ourselves to high standards at Ashland, and we value integrity and honesty.
Ashland has a history of attracting the best people and keeping them. The reasons are simple: industry competitive salary and benefits, pay-for-performance incentive plans and a diverse work environment where employees feel challenged and valued. People come to Ashland and stay. As a growing Fortune 500 specialty chemicals company, we offer opportunities for development and advancement throughout our global organization. Our values define who we are and what we care about as a company. If you are looking for a relationship with a company instead of simply a job, this may be a great fit.

Ashland is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer Minorities/Women/Veterans/Disabled/Gender Identity/Sexual Orientation. 

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. NOTE:  We do not accept resumes from external staffing agencies or independent recruiters for any of our openings unless we have a signed recruiting agreement in place to fill a specific position.