Process Safety Engineer - API Manufacturing

Process Safety Engineer - API Manufacturing

Kelly Government Solutions has a full-time direct hire opportunity to work on-site at Phlow Corp as a Process Safety Engineer (API Manufacturing) on the Petersburg, VA campus.

• Competitive compensation, annual bonus program, and comprehensive benefit package
• 100% employer-paid health, vision, and dental plans
• Paid leave and company holidays
• 401(k) plan with 6% company match
• Opportunity for reimbursement of relocation expenses (if applicable)

• Build the API Manufacturing Process Safety program from the ground up for small‑molecule API manufacturing
• Build, implement, and continually improve the API Process Safety program in alignment with OSHA PSM, EPA requirements, and Phlow procedures.
• Responsible for the process safety activities associated with technology transfer, process design, and GMP startup
• Lead process safety assessments, Management of Change (MOC), and the implementation and verification of safeguards in GMP manufacturing
• Lead PFMEAs, PHAs, and PSSRs for new and existing API processes; translate outcomes into practical engineered and administrative controls for GMP operations.
• Identify and control hazards typical to API operations (e.g., exotherms, over pressure, vacuum collapse, flammable/toxic releases, static, dust deflagration) and ensure safeguards are in place and effective.
• Coordinate thermal hazard characterization (e.g., DSC/ARC/RC1) and ensure data are integrated into equipment design, operating limits, automation strategies, interlocks, and procedures.
• Develop and support relief and vent strategies (PSVs/rupture discs, vent sizing, scrubbers/containment) and contribute to LOPA/SIL evaluations and verification of assumptions.
• Own the process safety portion of the MOC process by evaluating risk impacts, defining required safeguards, and confirming PSI updates, training, and startup readiness.
• Define mechanical integrity expectations for critical protective systems and instrumented functions; work closely with Maintenance and Engineering to prioritize and validate testing.
• Develop and deliver training and coaching for employees and contractors on process safety and life safety requirements related to API manufacturing.
• Collaborate with Tech Transfer, GMP Manufacturing Operations, Process Engineering, Quality & Regulatory, Facility Security, and local emergency responders to support drills, pre‑incident planning, and safe execution of campaigns.

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering or a closely related scientific or engineering discipline.
• Minimum of seven (7) years of experience that includes process safety, chemical engineering, or EHS in a manufacturing capacity; pharma/API or chemical processing experience highly preferred.
• Demonstrate practical experience with exothermic/reactive chemistry, over pressure protection, or cryogenic/flammable systems.
• Working knowledge of OSHA/EPA regulations and core PSM elements (PHA/HAZOP, LOPA/SIL concepts, MOC, PSSR, incident investigation).
• Proficiency with process safety tools and documentation (PSI, risk assessments, action tracking).
• Ability to work in GMP manufacturing suites, technical areas, and utilities with potential exposure to chemical materials, elevated noise, and high awareness for personnel and equipment safety.

Kelly is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants regardless of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and we take affirmative action to recruit, employ, and advance qualified individuals with disabilities and protected veterans in the workforce.

Requests for accommodation related to our application process can be directed to the Kelly Human Resource Knowledge Center. Kelly complies with the requirements of California’s state and local Fair Chance laws. A conviction does not automatically bar individuals from employment. Kelly participates in E‑Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I‑9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.