Principal Engineer

Job-ID: 4873Category: EngineeringLocation: Knoxville, TN, United States; Houston, TX, United StatesWorkplace: RemoteSchedule: Full timePosted: 2026-10-13The Principal Engineer, PHA/PSM serves as a technical expert in process hazard analysis (PHA), layer of protection analysis (LOPA), and process safety management (PSM) and may assume project management responsibility for large, complex client engagements. As part of the ABS Consulting Chemical Process Safety Center of Excellence, the Principal Engineer leads and facilitates PHAs/LOPAs and PSM/RMP compliance audits for clients across a wide variety of industries (e.g., refining, petrochemical, oil & gas production, chemical, pulp & paper, pharmaceutical, consumer products). The Principal Engineer provides day-to-day leadership of engineering staff supporting assigned projects by assigning work to other Engineers, monitoring project progress, and ensuring delivery of high-quality service and maintenance of good customer relations.What You Will Do:Plan, conduct, and supervise PHA/LOPA facilitation, PSM/RMP compliance audits, and related engineering analysis assignments involving large, complex projectsLead and scribe Process Hazard Analyses using a variety of methods (HAZOP, What-if, checklists, etc.) and Layer of Protection Analysis (LOPA) to provide risk identification and assessment.Lead and/or participate in PSM (29 CFR 1910.119) and RMP (40 CFR 68) compliance audits.Select the appropriate PHA methodology based on the complexity of the process and the hazards involved.Review project plans to understand scope, schedule, and assigned work, and prepare for PHAs and audits accordingly.Read and interpret process drawings and documentation (PFDs, P&IDs, Cause & Effect Charts, Instrument Diagrams, etc.).Ensure PHA scenarios, consequences, safeguards, and recommendations are complete and correctly identified and captured.Prepare written recommendations, reports, and presentations for clients and for review by an experienced engineer or engineering manager.Perform quality assurance on project deliverables, including those prepared by other team members.Develop an understanding of technical requirements and challenges, and recommend ways to improve effectiveness and efficiency on assigned projects, in day-to-day tasks, among team members, and across the business unit.Track and accurately report hours spent on projects.Work with individuals at all levels, execute multiple assignments, meet agreed deadlines, and adjust to changing client demands.Collaborate directly with clients on technical aspects of projects, communicate technical requirements and deliverables clearly and concisely, and build and maintain positive, professional client relationships.Assist the Project Manager with developing workload estimates, schedules, and budgets, and assume project management responsibility for large, complex projects as assigned.Assign projects to other Engineers, monitor progress of all assigned projects, and provide day-to-day technical leadership of engineering staff.Maintain an active awareness of technical, regulatory, business, and management developments affecting present and potential customers, and communicate this information promptly to management. Leverage the Chemical Process Safety Center of Excellence network, resources, and training materials for good industry practice and benchmarking.Identify and generate new business opportunities by using established rapport and subject matter expertise with existing customers, and collaborate with the sales team by providing solutions.Serve as mentor/coach to mid-level engineers and actively hone the technical skills of others, including PHA facilitation and scribing skills.What You Will Need:Education and Experience10+ years of relevant professional experience, including at least 5 years of process safety experience Must have an advanced degree or bachelor’s degree (preferably chemical or mechanical) and equivalent experienceProfessional certifications requiredKnowledge, Skills and Abilities Required (KSAR):Extensive experience participating on PHA teams as leader and scribe, including facilitating PHAs and LOPAs (HAZOP, What-if, checklists, etc.)Experience participating in and/or leading PSM and/or RMP compliance auditsKnowledge of OSHA's PSM standard (29 CFR 1910.119) and/or EPA's Risk Management Program rule (40 CFR 68)Knowledge of safety systems (Fire & Gas, Deluge, ESD) and safeguardsAbility to read and understand process drawings (e.g., PFDs and P&IDs)Knowledge of and proficiency with Microsoft Word and one or more commercial PHA software programs (e.g., Leader, PHA-Pro)Excellent skills in facilitating group meetings and engaging teams, including conducting client team meetings remotely via web-based platforms (e.g., Teams, WebEx)Ability to communicate effectively through verbal and written means and to adapt communication to reach the intended audience within or outside the organizationAbility to gain, retain, and illustrate comprehension of learned technical knowledge, and to transfer knowledge to other members of the teamAbility to actively listen to the needs of clients by receiving shared information, determining context, and evaluating the information provided, and to engage and collaborate with the sales team on potential opportunities by providing solutionsOpenly accepts change as part of business evolution to meet the needs of clients, provides recommendations to enhance the business, and drives change across the business unitFirm understanding of key performance indicators and their significance to the business, and takes action to drive results within the business unitAbility to utilize established rapport and role as subject matter expert with existing customers to identify and consistently generate new business opportunitiesAbility to coach others on development, customer intimacy, and new opportunitiesDemonstrated ability to plan and deliver successful outcomesUnderstands business goals and holds self and team members accountable for keeping commitmentsSeeks feedback and utilizes root cause analysis to improve performanceDependable, highly reliable, and follows through on all assignmentsDemonstrates independent, objective, open-minded thinking with strong attention to detail and sound judgmentEffective multi-tasker with proficient time management skillsWorking knowledge of the ABS Health, Safety, Quality and Environmental Management SystemWillingness to travel to client assignmentsSalary Range: $160,000 - $175,000 annuallyReporting Relationships:Reports directly to manager-level position or above.About the companyWe set out more than 160 years ago to promote the security of life and property at sea and preserve the natural environment. Today, we remain true to our mission and continue to support organizations facing a rapidly evolving seascape of challenging regulations and new technologies. Through it all, we are anchored by a vision and mission that help our clients find clarity in uncertain times. ABS is a global leader in marine and offshore classification and other innovative safety, quality, and environmental services. We’re at the forefront of supporting the global energy transition at sea, the application of remote and autonomous marine systems, cutting-edge technical solutions, and many more exciting advancements. Our commitment to safety, reliability, and efficiency is ever-present, guiding our clients to safer and more efficient operations. About Our Benefits ABS Group proudly offers a variety of industry-leading benefits designed to enhance the life and well-being of our employees and their families. These benefits include, but are not limited to, medical insurance (PPO and HD), dental and vision insurance, Health Savings account (HSA), Flexible Savings Account (FSA), life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment insurance, disability leave programs, parental leave program, paid holidays, and paid vacation time. The Company provides an Employee Assistance Plan (EAP) that offers additional support in personal wellness, including work-life services. ABS Group also offers a 401K plan with a generous company match, subject to plan requirements. Equal Opportunity The ABS Group of Companies is committed to the equal employment opportunity of its employees and prohibits discrimination against any employee or qualified applicant based on race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, citizenship status or veteran status, or other non-work-related characteristics that may be protected under the law of the Federal Government or specific state employment laws. Notice ABS and Affiliated Companies (ABS) will not pay a fee to any third-party agency without a valid ABS Master Service Agreement (MSA) authorized and signed by Human Resources. Any resume, CV, application, or other forms of candidate submission provided to any employee of ABS without a valid MSA on file will be considered property of ABS, and no fee will be paid. Other This job description is not intended, and should not be construed, to be an all-inclusive list of responsibilities, skills, efforts or working conditions associated with the job of the incumbent. It is intended to be an accurate reflection of the principal job elements essential for making a fair decision regarding the pay structure of the job. #ogjs