Principal Safety Engineer in Horsham

Ceres is a global leader in solid oxide technology, driving the clean energy revolution. Our steel‑supported fuel cell and electrolyser technology provides partners with a decade of development advantage, enabling faster innovation across power generation, green hydrogen, and distributed power solutions for data centres. At Ceres, innovation is part of who we are. Join us and become part of a world‑class team making a meaningful and positive impact on the planet.

Purpose of the role: We are seeking an inquisitive and highly organised engineer who can adapt to the challenges of engineering a safer, greener future. As Ceres continues to rewrite the rulebook in solid‑oxide electrochemistry, this role offers the opportunity to demonstrate that world‑class technology must be underpinned by world‑class safety engineering. The role combines the principles and processes of process safety with the multidisciplinary problem‑solving and attention to detail associated with systems engineering and is responsible for developing robust safety cases for Ceres technologies. This includes identifying and analysing hazards and potential control measures for fuel cell and electrolysis stacks, systems, and test stands, preparing clear safety case arguments and technical documentation and collaborating with internal teams and external partners to develop and document safety management plans. The role manages the delivery and evidencing of all activities required to support safety cases across product development and technology demonstration programmes and liaises closely with development and demonstration partners to ensure effective safety assurance of demonstrations and pilots, including related knowledge transfer under licence.

Knowledge and skills required:

• Degree in Systems Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or related disciplines
• Knowledge of systems safety management processes, tools, and techniques including but not limited to HAZOP, HAZID, LOPA
• Experience of the full project lifecycle from initiation through development and operation to end of life
• Experience of formal certification/approval of a complex system (e.g. fuel cells, automotive, aerospace, chemical plants)
• Working knowledge of functional safety standards (e.g. IEC 61508, ISO 26262, IEC 61511) and their real‑world application
• Experience with structured engineering tools and processes applicable to, for example, risk management, problem resolution or requirements management
• Understanding of basic principles of a wide range of technical disciplines (e.g. thermodynamics, mechanical design, chemical processes, electrical/electronic systems), and demonstrated ability to work cross‑functionally
• Working exposure to safety aspects related to hazardous substances, flammable atmospheres, gaseous hydrogen, O2‑enriched environments
• Willingness to adapt and tailor working practices to suit the demands of the business
• Strong logical and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to conduct thorough risk assessments