What are the responsibilities and job description for the Process Safety Engineer (PSM) - Chemical Plant position at U.S. Methanol LLC?
JOB SUMMARY / OVERVIEW
The Process Safety Engineer (PSM) will be the technical steward for Process Safety Management (PSM) systems and process optimization, ensuring our operations meet the highest standards of safety, reliability, and efficiency. This position leads initiatives to identify, assess, and mitigate process hazards, while also driving continuous improvement in plant performance. This includes managing compliance with OSHA 1910.119 and other regulatory requirements, facilitating Process Hazard Analyses (PHAs), overseeing Management of Change (MOC) processes, and collaborating with operations, maintenance, and engineering teams to implement best practices in process safety and production. Your expertise will directly contribute to protecting people, the environment, and assets, while enabling the facility to operate at peak performance. This is a hands-on, high-impact role where your decisions will shape both the safety culture and operational excellence of the plant.
KEY FOCUS AREAS
• Championing PSM programs and ensuring regulatory compliance.
• Leading hazard identification, risk assessments, and incident investigations.
• Optimizing methanol production processes for safety, efficiency, and sustainability.
• Partnering with cross-functional teams to implement engineering solutions that prevent incidents and improve plant reliability
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
• Lead and maintain the facility’s Process Safety Management (PSM) program in compliance with OSHA 1910.119, ensuring all elements are implemented effectively.
• Facilitate and document Process Hazard Analyses (PHAs), Layers of Protection Analyses (LOPAs), and other risk assessments to identify and mitigate potential hazards.
• Oversee Management of Change (MOC) process, ensuring all modifications to equipment, processes, or procedures are reviewed for safety and operational impact.
• Oversee Pre-Startup Safety Reviews (PSSRs) program to verify readiness and compliance before introducing hazardous chemicals into new or modified systems.
• Tracks training and requirements for employees and contractors in PSM through the support of the Training Coordinator.
• Manages PSM audits and ensure compliance of cyclical compliance audits.
• Special Projects Lead for HSE Initiatives which may include ACC membership and VPP application; takes a lead role for the VPP Champions facilitates process, data collection and entry and SSP system.
• Ensures the organization complies with all current state and federal regulations including OSHA
• Collaborate with operations and maintenance teams to troubleshoot process issues, optimize production efficiency, and reduce downtime.
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• Monitor and analyze process data to identify trends, deviations, and opportunities for improvement in safety and performance.
• Lead or participate in incident investigations, root cause analyses, and corrective action implementation to prevent recurrence.
• Maintain and update process safety information (PSI), including P&IDs, equipment specifications, and operating procedures.
• Support training programs to enhance employee awareness and competency in process safety and operational best practices.
• Serve as a technical resource during regulatory inspections, audits, and internal compliance reviews.
• Keep management appropriately informed of area activities and of any significant problems.
• Attend and participate in meetings as required.
• Perform miscellaneous clerical functions and special projects as assigned.
• Always present a professional image to clients and vendors and maintain a positive reputation with the company.
• Follow all relevant company policies and procedures.
• Assist other Departments and other administrative personnel, as necessary.
• Perform other tasks as assigned.
LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS, AND/OR REGISTRATIONS
• HAZWOPER certification (29 CFR 1910.120), preferred
• RC14001 & RCMS Auditor certification, preferred
• Certified Safety Professional – BCSP, AIChE, or CCPS, preferred
EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND/OR TRAINING
• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Process Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• 5 years of experience in chemical, petrochemical, or refining operations, with at least 3 years in a PSM-focused engineering role.
• OSHA 1910.119 Process Safety Management training.
• Direct experience in methanol, ammonia, syngas, or similar large-scale continuous chemical processes (highly preferred).
• PHA Leader certification (e.g., HAZOP, LOPA facilitation) (preferred).
• Root Cause Analysis (RCA) / TapRooT® or equivalent investigation training (preferred).
• Six Sigma Green Belt or Lean Manufacturing certification (preferred).
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
• Familiarity with API, CCPS, or AIChE process safety coursework or certification.
• Proficiency with process simulation tools (e.g., Aspen HYSYS, Aspen Plus).
• Strong understanding of process control systems, relief system design, and chemical thermodynamics.
Competitive salary, PTO, medical, dental, vision, life, disability, 401K with Match and paid holidays.
Job Type: Full-time. Plant environment.
Please email your resume with references to info@usmeoh.com