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Safety Instrumented System Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Automation Technician

Plaquemine, LA · On-site

$41K/yr

Maintain, modify, and troubleshoot Distributive Control Systems (DCS), Safety Instrumented Systems (SIS), Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC) and HMIs to maximize use of control technology and ...

Automation Technician

Plaquemine, LA · On-site

$41K/yr

Maintain, modify, and troubleshoot Distributive Control Systems (DCS), Safety Instrumented Systems (SIS), Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC) and HMIs to maximize use of control technology and ...

Support Safety Instrumented System (SIS) documentation, including Cause & Effect, Safety ... Monitor subcontracted engineering services and provide technical oversight * Provide input to ...

Engineer III

San Diego, CA · On-site

$81K - $141K/yr

Experience with designing and supporting Safety Instrumented Systems (SIS), Safety Instrumented ... A Professional Engineering License, original work(s) published in professional engineering journals ...

The Senior Automation Engineer - SIS provides support to Tippecanoe production and support areas ... Provide design of Safety Instrumented Systems (SIS) including conducting SIL assessments ...

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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 Jul 10, 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 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 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 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:
(I&C) Control System Engineer - Principal

(I&C) Control System Engineer - Principal

Delan Associates, Inc

Greenville, SC • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 7 hours ago


Job description

Work Location: (In-Office at Aiken, SC or Greenville, SC)

Job Title: I&C) Control System Engineer - Principal

Job Description

Provide the essential administrative processes, technical knowledge and leadership as described below. This position has oversight of a specific project area and acts as a representative of the engineering discipline ensuring technical accuracy in project execution in all phases. This is a lead position on assigned projects performing engineering assignments of advanced complexity.

Under general supervision of the Discipline Lead Engineer, serve as a Supervising Lead providing guidance / supervision to other engineers and designers

Analyze and make independent recommendations regarding technical solutions to problems of advanced complexity in accordance with project requirements

Develop and review specifications and design criteria

Perform and check engineering analyses and calculations; specify materials, equipment and systems; and solve technical problems of advanced complexity

Coordinate technical issues with other disciplines, project management, vendors, and clients

Execute work in compliance with Project Quality Plan and procedures

Execute work in accordance with the approved project scope, cost, and schedule baselines

Develop and review estimates, schedules, and progress reports including effort-hour estimating and staff forecasting

Establish, control and report on material key quantities; provide analysis and forecasts

Provide technical support to activities associated with equipment and material procurement and subcontracting including scopes of work, technical bid evaluations, and review of vendor submittals

Provide technical support to activities associated with construction administration including response to construction requests-for-information and field changes

Other duties as assigned

Basic Job Requirements

U.S. Citizenship required

Bachelor of Science degree in Control Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering or related engineering field and minimum fifteen (15) years of work-related experience

Professional Engineer license

Working knowledge of applicable federal (including Department of Energy orders), state, and local codes and standards

Ability to communicate effectively with audiences that include but are not limited to project management, coworkers, clients, vendors, and subcontractors

Job related technical knowledge necessary to complete the job

Advanced knowledge of discipline codes and standards

Ability to perform work in compliance with applicable local, state, and federal codes, statutes and guidelines

Ability to attend to detail and work in a time-conscious and time-effective manner

Intermediate computer and software skills to include proficiency in the use of word processing, e-mail, spreadsheet and electronic presentation programs

Significant experience providing Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) services on large industrial projects

Proficiency executing large EPC projects utilizing engineering analysis, 3D modeling and 2D Computer-Aided Drafting and Design (CADD) automation tools in a multi-discipline environment

Discipline Specific Job Requirements

Perform a broad range of I&C design activities, including design definition, control systems architecture and development, digital systems, Programmable Logic Controller (PLC), Distributed Control Systems (DCS), network configuration, logic development, network switches, process controls, Piping and Instrumentation Diagram (P&ID) development support and review, Human Machine Interfaces (HMI), communication protocols, routing, and layout, Safety Integrity Level (SIL), and procurement activities

Perform control systems sizing calculations for control valves, relief valves, flow elements, thermowells and other instrumentation

Create instrument index and datasheets, generate reports, and monitor design wiring and loop development activities in Intergraph SmartPlant Instrumentation (SPI) database

Develop complex control systems narrative specifications

Prepare complex instrument design and installation requirements

Develop complex control systems logic diagrams and/or cause and effect diagrams

Represent control systems in model reviews; closely monitor 3D modeling prepared by the design group using review software

Review and audit specifications for DCS, PLC, and Safety Instrumented Systems (SIS) hardware and software applications

Monitor DCS / PLC / SIS design developed by the design group

Preferred Qualifications

Advanced knowledge of commercial availability and cost of materials

Experience with design of systems, structures and components for nuclear facilities under the requirements of American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) NQA-1

Demonstrated experience managing and leading large projects

Proficiency with project set-up, development of control-level schedules, progress reporting and project close-out

Practical field experience

EPC project experience for the following industries:

U.S Department of Energy or other U.S. Federal Government Agency

Nuclear facilities under a nuclear quality assurance program

Manufacturing, pharmaceutical or biotechnology

Proficiency with Bentley MicroStation

Proficiency with Autodesk AutoCAD

Proficiency with Intergraph SPI

Advanced knowledge of:

Specifying instrumentation

Control systems procurement activities

P&ID representation; can recognize / report problems associated with control systems representation on P&ID

Developing control strategies and represent on P&ID

Knowledge and experience developing safety requirement specifications for Safety Instrumented Systems

Practical experience in Layer of Protection Analysis (LOPA) and Hazard and Operability (HAZOP) reviews and SIL assignment

Experience in SIL verification calculations

Experience in commissioning and startup of DCS, PLC, and SIS