Pipeline Engineering Specialist Inspector (Band 3/SEO)

A key operational arm of the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is Energy Division (ED), which regulates Great Britains on and offshore oil and gas industry, pipelines, mines, diving and renewables sector. Respected internationally for our independent status and integrity, we have a long-standing reputation for technical expertise which can be applied logically to deliver effective, proportionate solutions enabling hazardous activities to be managed safely.

Energy Divisions Gas & Pipeline teams regulate the GB onshore natural gas transmission and distribution networks, as well as onshore chemical, hydrocarbon and petrochemical pipelines, and offshore subsea pipelines.

As a Pipeline Engineering Specialist Inspector, you will play a key role in delivering this regulatory function, providing technical oversight of high‑hazard onshore and offshore pipelines transporting natural gas, hydrocarbons, petrochemicals and other hazardous products. Your expertise will help ensure the safe and compliant operation of critical energy infrastructure across GB and offshore waters.

This is an important and rapidly evolving time for the sector, with new challenges arising from the use of hydrogen in networks and the development of CCS infrastructure onshore and offshore. The successful candidate will contribute to regulating innovative projects that support the Governments Clean Growth Strategy and the UKs transition to a low‑carbon energy system.

Please note that due to the nature and volume of the work and travel, this role is only suitable for full time working.

Key Responsibilities

• Assessment of safety cases drawing conclusions on the adequacy of the demonstration, raising issues, or considering future inspection work.
• Investigation of incidents or complaints as part of a multi-discipline team, leading or contributing specialist technical expertise where required.
• Inspections (on and offshore) as part of a multi-disciplinary team, working collaboratively and producing accurate, evidence-based reports.
• Recommend and apply proportionate enforcement action in line with HSE policy and legal requirements
• Preparation of technical reports / expert evidence for various levels of legal proceedings.
• Representing HSE or acting as an independent Specialist in legal proceedings.
• Provision of expert advice on health and safety matters associated with Pipeline Engineering within Energy Division, HSE, industry and other relevant stakeholders.

Training & Support

From day one, you will be supported by your manager, team, and wider colleagues to understand and develop in your role in HSE. We support your continuing professional development directly through formal training and through stakeholder support.

You will join our Regulatory Learning Academy and undertake the learning pathway relevant for your role. This pathway will reflect the core operational functions and skills required in this role.

Location

This role can be based in any of the advertised locations however, you will be required to travel for offshore and onshore inspections. For details on HSE locations please see here.

Travel

In role, you will spend on average stays offshore (subject to weather) approximately 4-6 times a year. You will also spend on average stays onshore approximately 10-12 times a year for proactive inspection or reactive investigation work, potentially at short notice and may include overnight stays.

As travel to offshore environment / installation is expected, you will be required to travel by helicopter and, are expected to be medically fit for offshore travel and be able to work in an offshore environment. You must satisfy the safety standards and health requirements as required by the UK offshore energy industry.

When not working offshore or on site, your office attendance would be in accordance with HSEs Hybrid Working Policy.

Medical Requirements

You must be able to satisfy the OEUK approved offshore medical & OPITO approved survival training requirements (BOSIET/MIST).

Essential skills and criteria

Applicants will need to be able to demonstrate:

• A breadth of practical Pipeline Engineering/Pipeline Integrity Management experience gained whilst working in an onshore or offshore environment. (lead criterion)
• Substantial experience in the management of the integrity of onshore or offshore pipeline networks and associated equipment. This should include an in-depth understanding of: (lead criterion)
  • Pipeline engineering principles including initial/ongoing integrity management, safe design and use, risk assessment, etc.
  • Knowledge and application of relevant pipeline engineering codes and standards.
  • Pipeline and associated equipment inspection including risk-based inspection schemes, inspection management, inspection methods, inspection reporting, etc.
  • Anomaly Management including key fitness-for-service assessment codes and potential repair options.
  • Maintenance including maintenance planning and execution, condition monitoring techniques, backlog and deferrals processes, etc.
  • Pipeline failure including failure mechanisms, degradation of materials and life extension methodologies.

• They are self-motivated and able to work independently to contribute to a busy and supportive team, working flexibly, with frequent travel.
• They can plan and manage delivery of priorities against very challenging deadlines.
• They can network and communicate effectively as part of a team.
• They are articulate with well-developed communication and interpersonal skills to establish professional credibility and authority.
• The ability to present to technical audiences on offshore and onshore pipeline engineering topics such as the regulation of pipeline systems integrity.
• The ability to represent HSE as an expert within onshore or offshore pipeline engineering related standards bodies and stakeholder groups.

At HSE, we are proud to be able to offer our people the opportunity to work in a hybrid way which combines working from home and the office. This is a voluntary, non-contractual arrangement, and your allocated office will be your contractual place of work.

There will be a requirement to travel to the office for various activities, e.g., collaborative working, supporting and training colleagues. If hybrid working is suitable for you and your role, you will be expected to attend the office, or other business-related site, for 60% of your working week. The arrangements will be determined primarily by business need, but personal circumstances and other relevant circumstances will also be taken into account.

Therefore, we would encourage candidates to consider if the commute from home to the office is a feasible distance to travel before making an application. Please note that if you are successful, hybrid working will be discussed prior to taking up the post.