Safety Engineer
Location: Madrid, SpainContract Type: Contract
Contract Length: 7 months
Job Purpose
As a Safety Engineer (HSE Engineer), you will work within a Project Management Consultancy (PMC) team to ensure that large-scale industrial projects, typically in the oil and gas or petrochemical sectors, comply with stringent safety and environmental regulations. This role involves strategic planning, hands-on monitoring, and leadership to maintain a safe working environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop, implement, and maintain a project-specific HSE Management System (HSEMS) that aligns with client requirements, international standards (such as ISO 45001 and ISO 14001), and local regulations.
- Lead hazard identification (HAZID) and risk assessments (HAZOP) during the design and construction phases to identify potential hazards and implement effective control measures.
- Review and endorse contractors' HSE plans and procedures, conduct audits and inspections of their activities, and ensure compliance with all project safety specifications and legal requirements.
- Conduct regular site inspections and audits to monitor compliance with HSE standards, track non-compliance issues, and ensure implementation of corrective actions.
- Oversee incident management activities, including prompt notification, investigation (using root cause analysis methods), reporting, and tracking corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
- Develop and deliver HSE training programs, safety inductions, and awareness campaigns to build a strong safety culture and ensure all personnel are aware of site-specific risks and safe working practices.
- Develop, coordinate, and test emergency response plans (including conducting drills) in collaboration with internal teams and external emergency services.
- Collect, analyze, and report on HSE performance data and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), using trends to suggest improvement plans.
- Monitor and manage environmental aspects of the project, including waste management, pollution prevention, and ensuring compliance with environmental legislation and permits.
- Serve as the key HSE point of contact for external regulatory bodies, clients, and third-party auditors, and coordinate safety meetings with contractor representatives.
- Act as the main PMC interface between the Owner/Client, EPC contractor, vendors, and third parties.
- Review and approve EPC contractor safety procedures, method statements, and testing protocols.
- Identify commissioning risks and implement mitigation plans.
- Coordinate HAZOP, HAZID, SIMOPS, and operational readiness reviews.
- Enforce safe work practices during energization, first oil/gas, or equipment start-up.
- Coordinate vendor site support, start-up specialists, and OEM representatives.
Requirements
- Bachelor's Degree in Engineering.
- Minimum 8 years' experience in HSE with EPC phases: FEED, detailed engineering, procurement, construction, commissioning, and start-up.
- At least 5 years' experience in oil and gas industries.
- Minimum 3 years' experience in a related designation or specialty.
- Experience working on EPC and PMC phases of major capital projects.
- Specialized certifications such as:
- NEBOSH International Diploma in Occupational Health & Safety
- IOSH Chartered Membership
- OSHA certifications (e.g., Process Safety Management)
- ISO 14001 / ISO 45001 Lead Auditor credentials
Industry Sectors
- Oil & Gas (Onshore)
- Petrochemicals & Refining
- LNG facilities
- Power plants (CCGT, thermal, renewable)
- Mining & heavy industrial plants
- Large infrastructure / utilities
Skills and Abilities
- Risk assessment & hazard analysis (HAZOP, HAZID, LOPA)
- Crisis management & emergency planning
- Environmental monitoring & sustainability programs
- Strong communication & leadership skills to influence safety culture
- Analytical mindset for interpreting safety data and KPIs
- Training & mentoring abilities to build workforce awareness