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Safety Instrumented System Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Safety Instrumented System (SIS) Subject Matter Expert Audubon is currently seeking a SIS Subject ... Collaborating with process engineering, operations, and maintenance teams to integrate SIS within ...

Safety Instrumented System (SIS) Subject Matter Expert Audubon is currently seeking a SIS Subject ... Collaborating with process engineering, operations, and maintenance teams to integrate SIS within ...

Lead Process Safety Engineer

Tonawanda, NY

$98.50K - $128K/yr

Determination and design of Safety Instrumented Systems * Implementation of process safety ... Assessing and promoting compliance with Linde Engineering, Linde Gas and corporate process safety ...

New

Senior I&C Specialist

Spring, TX · On-site

$88.80K - $117.20K/yr

Mentor junior I&C technicians, engineers, and project staff. * Plan and execute pre-commissioning ... Working knowledge of common PLC platforms and dedicated safety instrumented system (SIS) platforms.

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Safety Instrumented System Engineer information

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How much do safety instrumented system engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of May 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for safety instrumented system engineer in the United States is $66.89, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54.33 and $79.09 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Safety Instrumented System Engineer, you need a solid background in control systems engineering, process safety, and safety standards like IEC 61511, usually supported by a degree in engineering and relevant work experience. Familiarity with safety PLCs, Distributed Control Systems (DCS), safety lifecycle management tools, and certifications such as TÜV Functional Safety Engineer are typically required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and ensuring system integrity. These competencies are essential to design, implement, and maintain safety systems that protect people, assets, and the environment in high-risk industrial settings.

What are some common challenges faced by Safety Instrumented System Engineers on large industrial projects?

Safety Instrumented System Engineers often encounter challenges such as ensuring compliance with international safety standards (like IEC 61511), integrating safety systems with existing plant control systems, and managing complex documentation requirements. Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams—such as process engineers, control engineers, and project managers—is essential to align safety requirements with operational needs. Additionally, these engineers must frequently troubleshoot unexpected issues during commissioning and ensure that all safety functions are properly validated before start-up.

What are Safety Instrumented System Engineers?

Safety Instrumented System (SIS) Engineers are specialized professionals responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining automated safety systems in industrial environments, such as oil and gas, chemical, and manufacturing plants. Their primary role is to ensure that safety systems, like emergency shutdowns and alarms, function correctly to protect people, equipment, and the environment from hazardous incidents. SIS Engineers work closely with other engineering disciplines to assess risks, develop safety requirements, and verify that safety systems comply with industry standards. They are essential for maintaining regulatory compliance and minimizing operational risks.

What is the difference between Safety Instrumented System Engineer vs Control Systems Engineer?

AspectSafety Instrumented System EngineerControl Systems Engineer
CertificationsFunctional Safety certifications (e.g., IEC 61511, IEC 61508)Control system design and programming certifications (e.g., PLC, DCS)
Work EnvironmentIndustrial plants, process industries, safety-critical systemsManufacturing, automation, process control environments
Industry UsageProcess safety, oil & gas, chemical manufacturingAutomation, manufacturing, building management
Primary FocusEnsuring safety integrity and risk reductionOptimizing control processes and system performance

The Safety Instrumented System Engineer focuses on designing and maintaining safety systems to prevent accidents, emphasizing safety integrity and risk management. In contrast, the Control Systems Engineer concentrates on controlling and automating processes for efficiency. While both roles work within industrial environments and may require technical certifications, their core responsibilities differ significantly in safety versus control optimization.

More about Safety Instrumented System Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Safety Instrumented System Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Safety Instrumented System Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Safety Instrumented System Engineer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $139,121 per year, or $66.9 per hour.

Safety Instrumented Systems Engineer

Bayport Polymers LLC

Pasadena, TX • On-site

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago


Job description

Description
BASIC FUNCTION
The SIS Engineer will manage the Site Technical Practices for SIL rated instrumentation and drive continuous improvement in work execution processes. Work closely with operations, PSM, as well as parent companies to align SIS information and maintenance philosophies are ensuring all SIS equipment is maintained appropriately. Also, this position provides technical support to the electrical and instrumentation activities of the HDPE and HDA plants when it is called for.
RESPONSIBILITIES
• Directly responsible (i.e. gatekeeper / custodian) for executing Life Cycle Management Program activities at the site.
• Responsible for validating (e.g. documenting, requirements are met, etc.) SIS activities.
• Owner and Custodian of SIF test procedures.
• Create and Maintain PMs for SIL rated instruments and SIF procedures.
• To make corrections, enhancements or adaptations to the SIS, ensuring that the required SIL is achieved and maintained.
• Maintain critical instruments list.
• Identify gaps and drive continuous improvement in the engineering work processes.
• Responsible for alerting site management of SIS deficiencies in a timely manner and periodically reporting the status of SIS testing. This includes issuing quarterly SIF test reports (i.e. KPIs) to management.
• To specify the requirements for each SIS, in terms of the required SIF and their associated safety integrity to achieve the required functional safety.
• Collaborate with process engineers, operations staff, and maintenance teams to review system performance.
• Assist maintenance and operations in troubleshooting SIS equipment problems when necessary
• Perform root-cause analysis and implement changes after SIS equipment failure or SIS testing for continual improvement
• Review the spare parts stored in the warehouse to ensure that parts are available as required for maintenance
• Assist with managing the plant designated critical spare inventory, tracking and report to plant management
• Provide technical support to the Maintenance I&E Supervisor, I&E Planner, I&E technicians, and DCS specialists
• Provide direction and make tactical decisions while executing long-term planning, driving improvement and optimization
• Provide technical guidance and expertise, identifying performance gaps and implementing training plans
• Review performance of plant systems and recommend changes regarding operation, maintenance, or testing
• Optimize PMs, end of life strategy, and overall instrumentation maintenance strategy
• Provide engineering assistance and supervision for the justification, design, and installation of capital projects
• Prepare and review engineering documents (i.e., data sheets, loop drawings, and isometric drawings, calculations, specifications, analysis, drawings, evaluations, etc.)
• Ensure all company policies and procedures are followed
• Requires on-call duties, and the successful candidate must be able to respond 24/7, 100% of the time to plant emergencies on short notice, including nights, weekends, and holidays while on-call
• Position is located in a chemical processing facility and requires overtime to meet plant needs, including alternative shifts as needed to meet facility needs
• Perform other duties as assigned
CORE VALUES
Must exhibit and demonstrate our 4 Core Values
  • Caring: Dedicated to Safety, Employees, Customers, Community and Environment
  • Trustworthy: Living a Culture of Openness, Honesty and Collaboration
  • Connected: Build Strong Partnerships
  • Driven for Excellence: Commit to Continuous Improvement

COMPETENCIES
• Job Knowledge- Understands facets of job, aware of duties and responsibilities, keep job knowledge current
• Leadership - Provides strong leadership, sets a good example, skilled decision maker, motivator, encourager
• Quality- Strives to eliminate errors, accurate work is a priority, seeks opportunities to improve product/services
• Safety - HSSE - Works in a safe manner, uses PPE, recognizes hazards, makes safety suggestions and observations, current on Training Mine
QUALIFICATIONS / EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
• Bachelor's degree in electrical or chemical engineering (other engineering/ technical degrees or multiple years of experience will be considered depending on the experience of the individual)
• 5 years' experience with plant maintenance or reliability is critical (operations experience a plus)
• Knowledge of relevant standards such as IEC 61511, ISA 84, and other industry-specific regulations.
• Experience with common operations processes
• Knowledge of employee relations, applicable safety and environmental regulations, federal and state regulations, and technical standards
• Exceptional Computer literacy. Very strong skills in the use of word processing, spreadsheet, flow-charting, project scheduling, databases, data analytics tools
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills (e.g., presentation, listening, report writing).
• Strong team-working skills and ability to manage/produce in a culturally and geographically diverse, multi-company, matrix organization
• Excellent planning, organization, and time management skills as an individual and as a manager
• Experience in challenging processes, decisions and plans at levels up to senior management
• Process improvement skills
• Ability to juggle multiple issues/projects simultaneously
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS / EXPERIENCE
• Master's degree in engineering from an accredited institution
• Managed multiple turnarounds and outages successfully
• 10+ years of work experience in a manufacturing or operations environment
• 2+ years of work experience in Lean, Continuous Improvement or Operations of Excellence
• 7+ years managing people or project teams
• Lean Six Sigma, Agile or equivalent qualification preferred
PHYSICAL CAPACITY REQUIREMENTS
This position requires the incumbent to:
• Follow site safety requirements for the role and wear mandatory FRC and PPE (foot, head, ear, eye, hand, and fall protection) when inside plant environment or where directed by signage or procedure
• Read and understand technical documents and procedures in English
• Specific vision abilities include near, far, and intermediate distances, color vision, peripheral vision, and depth perception
• Required to work at ground level, from ladders, and from heights greater than 250' above grade on fixed platforms, mobile equipment platforms, and scaffolding
• Ascend and descend stairs and stationary vertical ladders with and without a safety cage
• Access confined spaces and pressure vessels through standard 24" manways
• Must be capable of lifting/carrying/pushing/pulling up to 50 pounds
• Frequent bending, reaching, stooping, crawling, walking, and climbing
• Sit or stand for extended periods of time
• Work at computer for significant periods of time throughout the day
• Required to reach overhead and at shoulder level with hands and arms
• Must demonstrate fine and gross motor coordination including pinching, gripping, turning, and keyboarding of both hands
• Move about uneven surfaces, including catwalks, deck grating, and wet and muddy areas
• Work outside in all weather conditions walking up to ½ mile per job