Sr. Systems Engineer

Sr. Systems Engineer 

Status: Exempt (Salaried)  

Department: Engineering 

Position Summary 

As a Senior Systems Engineer, you will lead safety engineering activities across Plug Power’s infrastructure systems’ product lifecycle to mitigate the probability and consequences of failures. The role supports the development, implementation, and maintenance of a comprehensive risk management programs for various products or specific application projects.   

This position plays a key role in ensuring that solutions Plug Power delivers are designed and implemented in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations as well as recognized industry best practices. The role is primarily focused on process safety and functional safety engineering, including supporting the development and maintenance of Plug Power’s functional safety lifecycle in accordance with IEC 61511-1. 

While the role primarily supports process safety management activities, responsibilities may also include advising on occupational safety, environmental regulatory considerations, and risk mitigation strategies as they relate to product design and infrastructure deployment. The Senior Systems Engineer will contribute to building a strong safety culture across the organization and support proactive measures to continuously improve risk management practices. 

The ideal candidate is a self-starter who can work independently as well as collaborate effectively across engineering, operations, and service teams in a fast-paced environment. This role requires frequent interaction with external partners including suppliers, customers, or regulatory bodies, and therefore strong written and verbal communication skills are essential. 

 
Core Duties and Responsibilities 

• Lead and facilitate PHA including HAZOP and LOPA for infrastructure systems and product designs. 

• Conduct risk assessments and advise engineering, operations, and service teams on risk mitigation strategies and appropriate safeguards  

• Support establishing, maintaining, and improving Plug Power’s Functional Safety Lifecycle in accordance with IEC 61511-1, including supporting SRS, risk reduction strategies, and lifecycle documentation. 

• Execute Management of Change processes to evaluate safety implications of modifications and facilitate additional design implementation where necessary 

• Lead Root Cause Analysis investigations for incidents and near misses and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence. 

• Support compliance with applicable process safety regulations and standards, including OSHA PSM, EPA, RMP, and relevant NFPA codes. 

• Develop procedures, templates, and internal guidance documents to strengthen Plug Power’s risk management and functional safety governance. 

• Audit and monitor process safety programs and lifecycle activities to identify gaps, recommend actions, and drive continuous improvement. 

• Collaborate with engineering, operations, service, and product management teams to ensure safety considerations are integrated throughout the product and infrastructure system lifecycle. 

• Communicate safety risks, recommendations, and compliance concerns to leadership and stakeholders. 

• Perform all other duties as assigned  

Education and Experience 

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field of study 

• Minimum of five (5) years of relevant experience in process safety within a manufacturing or process plant environment 

• Professional certifications including Professional Engineer (PE), Project Management Professional (PMP), Certified Safety Professional (CSP), Industrial Hygienist (CIH) or other related safety certifications are strongly preferred 

• Prior experience as a HAZOP & LOPA facilitator is highly preferred. Prior experience participating in risk assessments and recommendation close outs is required  

• Knowledge and broad technical background with federal and state regulations (NFPA, OSHA, RCRA, DOT, DEC) is required  

• Experience establishing or upgrading corporate policies and procedures is preferred  

• Proven skill set with a variety of computer and software programs including: Microsoft Office, aeShield, exSILentia, PHAWorks, SalesForce, etc.. 

• Capability to present information effectively to diverse audiences and stakeholders while responding to questions from groups of managers, employees, customers and the leadership team 

• Proven leadership, teamwork and flexibility to manage changes in projects and priorities 

• Ability to write reports and procedural manuals 

• Superior communication and public speaking skills 

• Ability to manage complex projects and multi-task effectively 

• Excellent follow-through