Safety & Fire Protection Engineer

We are proud to announce the launch of Volkswagen Group’s largest cell factory, PowerCo, in St. Thomas. This is more than just a job – it’s a unique opportunity to shape the future of sustainable energy. Join us as we ramp up operations and help build a world-class company. 

At PowerCo, we believe in fostering an environment where ambition meets collaboration, and where flexibility and creativity thrive.  You'll be part of a diverse, talented team that is shaping the future of battery production. You’ll have the chance to advance your career while working alongside passionate colleagues who share a vision of making a lasting impact on the world.

Are you ready to be part of something exciting? Power up your career with us!

As the Safety and Fire Protection Engineer you will be responsible for the provision of expert advice on all safety and fire protection aspects to both the Facilities Services, Equipment Planning and the Head of Health and Safety.  This will include supporting the building design, construction, equipment procurement, design, approval, safety assessments, fire engineering and emergency planning during the design, installation and operation phases of the site.  You will also be responsible for provision of expert emergency planning advice and the development of the site emergency response plan.

**This is a temporary flex hybrid model, requiring 2 days in office. Once the Battery Plant is built and functional, this role will be fully onsite**

•    Lead on the fire engineering process and explosion protection during factory design/re-design, construction, commissioning and operation with engineering teams, suppliers and other relevant organizations, in line with local, national and enhanced fire codes, including FM Global
•    Coordination, support and implementation of insurance requirements during the building and equipment design phase, inline with internal and external standards

•    Support the Head of HSE during the development and implementation of construction and equipment move-in concept, including undertaking quality assurance inspections.
•    Support the risk assessments and hazard evaluations for all production processes, including, but not limited to, HAZID, HAZOP, PSR, LOPA, SIL, SEVESO, ATEX and internal pre-start safety reviews. 
•    Development, implement and management of strategies to mitigate identified process safety and fire risks.
•    Ensure all processes safety equipment comply with all relevant Canadian regulations, including the Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA), the Occupational Health and Safety Act as well as internal PowerCo design requirements.
•    Support and take part in the factory acceptance and site acceptance assessments.
•    Support the design and implementation of safety management systems for process safety equipment. Regularly review and update safety procedures and policies.
•    Preparation and review of safety-related documentation such as safety reports, expert opinions, statements.
•    Provision of expert advice on Canadian safety regulations and standards relevant to manufacturing equipment in particularly related to the manufacture of Lithium-ion batteries.
•    Undertake proactive inspections safety and fire prevention inspections including the recommendation of reports and improvements.
•    Incidents or near-miss assessments including root cause analysis, development of corrective actions and timely reporting in compliance with Canadian regulations and PowerCo requirements.
•    Provision of training and guidance to staff on safety practices, emergency response, and compliance with Canadian safety standards on process manufacturing equipment.
•    Collaborate with internal teams and external agencies to ensure alignment with safety objectives and regulatory requirements.
•    Lead on the development, implantation and maintenance of Health, Safety and Environmental emergency plans for the site including compliance with external major accident hazard guidance such as SEVESO, including facilitating and delivering local exercising of the plans with PowerCo personnel and external responders.
•    Support the Head of HSE on design of the site with regard to fire protection and production process layout 

•    Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, preferably in process engineering, mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, fire safety or safety engineering.
•    Minimum of 5 years of experience in process safety and fire engineering within the advanced manufacturing, nuclear or chemical industry, including undertaking HAZID, HAZOP, PSR, LOPA, SIL, SEVESO, ATEX, internal pre-start safety reviews and fire engineering design

• Attractive Remuneration: We offer a competitive and attractive remuneration that reflect your skills, experience, and contributions.
• Vacation Allowance: We offer our employees competitive paid time off. Plus, you don’t need to take any vacation days from December 24 to December 31.
• Opportunities for development 
• Relocation Support
• Opportunities to participate in exciting company events that give back to the community. 
• Competitive employer paid benefits and overall compensation package with extended health care, dental, vision and mental health support.
• Pension and Retirement Savings: We contribute the equivalent of 5% to a Registered Pension Plan and matching contribution to a retirement savings plan.  
• And much more! 

*This is a flex hybrid work structure, where employees can work both remotely and on-site. However, please note all hybrid work arrangements are subject to the terms and conditions of our hybrid work policy as may be amended from time to time.

Please note that we appreciate the interest of all candidates, however only those under consideration will be contacted.

We believe that the best results are created in a diverse and inclusive environment. 

Therefore, all qualified applications will be considered for employment regardless of age, race, religion, gender (identity), sexual orientation, national origin or disability.

PowerCo Canada Inc. is committed to providing accommodations for people with disabilities including during the application process. If you require an accommodation because of a disability, we will work with you to determine what reasonable accommodation may be available to meet your needs whether it be as an applicant or an employee. Applicants need to make their needs known in advance. If you are selected for an interview and require an accommodation, you are encouraged to advise the Recruiter who will consult with you to determine an appropriate and reasonable accommodation. #LI-Hybrid