Process Safety Engineer – PHA Facilitator

Cognascents is looking for a Process Safety Engineer – PHA Facilitator. A minimum of 5+ years of relevant experience is expected for this role. An engineering degree is preferred. Individuals without an engineering degree will be considered and evaluated based on their work experience. This role is based in Houston, TX.

Who You’ll Work With

You will work with a strong team of process safety engineers who provide PHA facilitation services. As a member of the Process Safety Team, you will manage and execute PHAs. The work must adhere to industry standards and best practices.

At Cognascents, we believe in people with strong integrity and competence who are loyal to our customers, coworkers, families, and communities.

If this sounds like an opportunity of interest to you or someone you know, please apply or send us your resume and cover letter to hello@cognascents.com.

As a Process Safety Engineer (PSE) – PHA Facilitator, your essential job functions will include, but will not be limited to the following:

 

    • Be client-facing, with a proven record of building and maintaining positive and professional client relationships
    • Prepare, facilitate, scribe, and write reports for the PHA (e.g., HAZOP, What-if, FMEA, HAZID)
    • Select the PHA methodology based on the complexity of the process and hazards involved
    • Ensure the PHA scenarios, consequences, safeguards, and recommendations are complete and correctly identified and captured in the PHA software
    • Assist with process safety and risk management consulting, including LOPA, facility siting, and OSHA PSM (29 CFR 1910.119) / EPA RMP compliance support
    • Produce technical reports
    • Read and interpret Process and Mechanical Drawings, Cause and Effect Charts, SAFE Charts, Instrument Diagrams, etc.
    • Understand and comply with all Cognascents and client safety procedures that govern the work being performed
    • Work for and support other team members and engineering personnel with specific project tasks

 

Minimum Requirements

 

    • 5 + years of process/process safety engineering experience in the upstream, downstream or chemical industry
    • Polished oral and written communication skills
    • Technical competence and creative problem-solving skills
    • Strong attention to detail
    • Strong interpersonal and time management skills
    • S. in Chemical Engineering or a related discipline preferred
    • Must be able to legally work in the United States

 

Travel Requirements:

Travel requirements vary throughout the year, but no more than 30% travel is anticipated.

Compensation & Benefits Highlights:

  • Competitive Salary
  • Medical benefits
  • Simple IRA savings plan
  • Paid volunteer time

 

About Cognascents

Cognascents is an established engineering firm deeply rooted in integrity, ethical values, and an unwavering commitment to quality. Our meticulous attention to detail sets us apart as we embark on a journey to excellence alongside our valued clients. We serve as a long-term engineering solutions provider to our clients, prioritizing service excellence with a 360-degree vision that encompasses every facet of your needs.

Our multidisciplinary team comprises more than 65 process safety and asset integrity engineers, guided by an accomplished and involved leadership team with deep expertise, and provides a unique and technical perspective to problem-solving. Our strength lies in pairing our deep technical expertise with a customer-driven approach to offer innovative solutions to even the most complex challenges. This synergy enables us to systematically analyze data to customize solutions to meet specific needs. With 600+ projects delivered over 15 years, AI is now our value multiplier — agentic engineering workflows accelerate delivery, and every deliverable receives 100% review and sign-off by a senior engineer before it is issued. No exceptions. We are the partner that makes AI work where it must be right.