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Safety Instrumented System Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Control Systems Engineer will collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering team, project ... Develop specifications and design of DCS, PLC and Safety Instrumented Systems (SIS) hardware and ...

The Control Systems Engineer will collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering team, project ... Develop specifications and design of DCS, PLC and Safety Instrumented Systems (SIS) hardware and ...

The Control Systems Engineer will collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering team, project ... Develop specifications and design of DCS, PLC and Safety Instrumented Systems (SIS) hardware and ...

Automation & Controls Specialist

Monroe, LA Β· On-site +1

$80K - $106K/yr

Support Safety Instrumented System (SIS) design, implementation, and testing for SIL 1, SIL 2, and ... Certified Engineering Technologist (CET), EIT, or equivalent professional designation. * TUV ...

... Safety Instrumented System (SIS), the process Fire and Gas System (FGS), and subsystem Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC). The ICSS Specialist will work with project instrument, electrical ...

Lead efforts related to Safety Instrumented Systems (SIS), Safety Integrity Levels (SIL), and ... Projects & Engineering Support *Support capital and expense projects from concept through startup.

Provide guidance on Safety Instrumented System (SIS) documentation, Safety Integrity Level (SIL ... Support Operations, Engineering, Maintenance, SHE and project teams with process safety reviews ...

... Safety Instrumented System (SIS), the process Fire and Gas System (FGS), and subsystem Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC). The ICSS Specialist will work with project instrument, electrical ...

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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 Sep 14, 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 is a safety instrumented system engineer?

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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a safety instrumented system engineer?

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 teamsβ€”such as process engineers, control engineers, and project managersβ€”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 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.

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Cities with the most Safety Instrumented System Engineer job openings:

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For Safety Instrumented System Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Safety Instrumented System Engineer job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, and 17% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $139,121 per year, or $66.9 per hour.

PRINCIPAL INSTRUMENTATION ENGINEER (PE)

Houston, TX β€’ On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago


Job description

Description:

Position Title: Principal Instrumentation Engineer

Location: Houston, TX


Gulf Companies has served the global energy industry since 1953 by supporting the complete project lifecycle and developing valued business partnerships to ensure the success of the project. Our worldwide experience and multi-disciplined capabilities encompass all aspects of the Engineering, Procurement, Construction Management, Field Inspection, GIS Integrity, Staffing Services and more.


Position Description

The Principal Instrumentation Engineer handles medium, large and complex projects. He/she has wide latitude of technical authority with full work responsibilities, as well as limited administrative responsibilities, over a group of Instrumentation Engineers and Designers. He/she may assign and review work of lower-level personnel. He/she may also function as the Lead Instrumentation Engineer, responsible for all discipline technical and scheduling matters pertaining to the assigned project. Work is periodically reviewed by the Chief Instrumentation Engineer for accomplishment of objectives.


Essential Functions

  • Prepares or reviews discipline job specifications.
  • Prepares or reviews requisitions for inquiry and purchase of equipment, materials, and subcontracts.
  • Approves technical bid evaluations for equipment, materials, bulk materials and subcontracts in cooperation with the Procurement Department.
  • Prepares and reviews/approves operation philosophy and Cause & Effect diagrams.
  • Reviews and provide inputs to Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs) and Process Flow Diagrams (PFDs)
  • Develops Network Architecture, Instrument Index, I/O List and layouts as required by the discipline.
  • Directs/observes factory acceptance testing of equipment.
  • Reviews plot plans and facilities for Instrumentation & Control requirements.
  • Coordinates with and provides liaison with client personnel relative to Instrumentation & Control activities.
  • Reviews and approves vendor documents.
  • Prepares or reviews engineering and design status reports, logs, work plans and project variances.
  • Reviews the discipline scope of work to be executed to ensure it matches project specification and/or the proposal documents as appropriate
  • Accepts both short and extended term assignments to the site, client’s office, etc. as may be requested by the Chief Instrumentation Engineer.


ADDENDUM: INSTRUMENTATION ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT

Instrumentation Engineering is a highly specialized group whose function is to provide design-engineering service covering:

  • Network Architecture – Develop the optimum instrumentation and control system based upon desired reliability, maintainability, flexibility, Integration and cost.
  • Cause and Effect – Develop matrix logic of critical conditions where if a cause happens what should be the effect. Engineer should identify the possible root causes, sort out and relate some of the interactions among the factors affecting a particular process or effect and analyze existing problems so that corrective action can be taken.
  • Operation Philosophy – Develop narrative of how plant operates and its integration with the control systems.
  • Safety Instrumented System (SIS) – Determine location, size and arrangement of major equipment.
  • Basis Process Control System (BPCS) – Determine location, size and arrangement of major equipment.
  • Standards Specifications – Responsible for technical content of standards and preparation of specification including:

SCADA Systems

Temperature, Pressure, Level and Flow Transmitters

Safety Instrumented Systems

Basic Process Control Systems

Temperature, Pressure, Level and Flow Switches

Fire and Gas Systems

Temperature, Pressure, and Level Gauges

Analyzer Systems

Flow meters

Leak detection Systems

Security Systems

Telecommunication Systems

Commissioning and Operation Manuals


  • Construction Drawings – Approved for construction drawings and schedules:

Network Architecture

Interconnecting Wiring Diagrams

Instrument location Plan

Raceway and cable schedule


#LI-RG1

Requirements:

Qualifications

  • Typically 8+ years proven experience in oil and gas, focusing on pipeline facilities.
  • Familiar with natural gas industry standards and codes published by NEMA, NFPA, API, AGA, ISA, IEC, ANSI, etc. and have the ability to apply the standards to measurement, process control and control system designs.
  • Knowledge of computer systems in an engineering environment.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.


Education

  • Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical, Electrical or Chemical Engineering
  • Professional Engineering License required


Competencies

  • Results oriented
  • Customer focused
  • Impact and influence
  • Business and people acumen
  • Strong interpersonal skills to work with Multi-Disciplined Team, and Managers
  • Strong organizational skills to handle multiple projects at once
  • Strong communication and networking skills to work with variety of groups and people


Work Environment/Physical Demands

  • Working conditions are normal for an office environment
  • Frequent sitting and operating a computer
  • Must be able to use body members to work, move or carry objects or office materials
  • Must be able to exert up to 10 pounds of force occasionally
  • Physical demands requirements are at levels of those for sedentary work



Gulf is an Equal Opportunity Employer.? All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.