Consultant Engineer-Chemical, Western Michigan (Grand Rapids area) - FM Global

FM is a market leading property insurer of the world's largest businesses, providing more than one-third of FORTUNE 1000-size companies with engineering-based risk management and property insurance solutions. FM helps clients maintain continuity in their business operations by drawing upon state-of-the-art loss-prevention engineering and research, risk management advising, risk transfer capabilities, and superior financial strength. To do so, we rely on a dynamic, culturally diverse group of employees, working in more than 100 countries, in a variety of challenging roles.

With the company’s nearly two centuries of knowledge and experience behind you, you will work hands on with some of the world’s most influential organizations, helping them understand risk and protect their assets. At FM you have the power to influence outcomes and make a difference in the future of your clients. You will develop strong client relationships to advise on risks associated with client businesses as well as develop and implement risk improvement strategies.

When you join our team at FM, you will use your engineering background to learn how to assess a broad range of industrial facility hazards such as fire hazards, explosion hazards, flood hazard zones, structural collapse potential, mechanical and electrical failures, and more.  Initially, assignments will be of limited scope and complexity giving you the opportunity to learn FM’s loss prevention expertise with the support of experienced mentors and a structured engineering training program.  You will gradually begin assessing risks at larger complex industrial sites.  Learning and developing continues throughout your career, with promotion and growth opportunities, in a variety of technical career paths.

FM is currently seeking a Consultant Engineer II with technical industry experience, preferably within the chemical industry. The ideal candidate would possess basic understanding of topics relating to design, operation, maintenance, process safety, and protection for complex process equipment such as reactors, distillation columns, dryers, RTOs, and dust collection systems at large complex chemical plants.  Having work experience with process hazard analysis (PHA), the framework for Process Safety Management (PSM), Management of Change (MOC), manual and automatic process safety interlocks, and automatic fire protection systems is a plus.

Approximately 50% of workload would be expected within the Chemical industry, including petrochemical and ethanol, bulk and specialty chemicals (acids, ammonia, solvents, additives, lubricants), and active pharmaceutical ingredients. The remaining workload would be varied across all other industries. Consultant Engineers at FM enjoy the challenges and weekly variety in working with clients across industries such as healthcare, education, distribution/logistics, a wide range of manufacturing, and more.

This position is based in greater Western Michigan/Grand Rapids area  (working remotely from a home office) and reporting to the FM Cleveland office.

Responsibilities of a Consultant Engineer include:

Identify property hazards (such as fire, explosion, and natural catastrophe hazards) at insured client facilities and deliver practical solutions to minimize or eliminate the hazard.

Communicate key risks and priorities to support clients in making sound risk management decisions based on what matters most to their business.

Apply consistent risk assessment and risk mitigation guidance, based on use of FM Property Loss Prevention Data Sheets and company operating procedures, with an attention to technical detail.

Prepare technical engineering reports, with sound engineering-based judgements, decisions, and technical writing to document conclusions.

Collaborate with various departments such as Operations Engineering, Client Services, Account Management and Underwriting on risk assessment and risk mitigation strategies.

Develop long-lasting relationships with clients and act as a trusted advisor and consultant within your field.

Work from a home office, while managing time, meeting report delivery timelines, and working independently with minimal supervision.

Expected overnight travel once fully trained is 30% (up to 50-70 nights per year).  Typical travel responsibilities will be concentrated in a 2 to 3-hour radius around your home office; however overnight travel may include 4 to 5-day visits to client locations in Kentucky, Ohio, Michigan, Western Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and upstate New York (Buffalo NY region).

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (varies engineering disciplines considered); A chemical engineering background is a plus.
• Possessing technical aptitude, knowledge of engineering principles, a sound problem-solving approach, and an eagerness to learn across a broad range of industries and types of hazards.
• Minimum of 3-5 years’ experience in heavy industry, preferably in a chemical manufacturing environment.  Title and compensation will be commensurate with experience.
• Hands-on understanding of various chemical and mechanical production processes and support systems, which may include various processes involving flammable/combustible materials, heat transfer fluid systems, steam systems, chemical recovery systems, and dust collection systems.
• Experience in process safety practices and safety devices. Familiarity with sprinkler protection is a plus.
• Independent and focused within a home office environment, with strong planning and time management skills. Enjoys working independently.
• Strong verbal and written English communication skills, geared towards a consulting role.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office products.
• A valid driver’s license is required, a company car is provided. This is a field-based role and will require travel to large, complex industrial client sites.
• Physically able to walk 2-3 miles per day during site evaluations. Physically able to lift 25 pounds, able to climb ladders, and experience heights.

FM is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to attracting, developing, and retaining a diverse workforce.

Title and compensation will be commensurate with experience. The hiring range for this position is $78,500 to $112,800. The final salary offer will vary based on geographic location, individual education, skills, and experience. The position is eligible to participate in FM’s comprehensive Total Rewards program that includes an incentive plan, generous health and well-being programs, a 401(k) and pension plan, career development opportunities, tuition reimbursement, flexible work, time off allowances and much more.