ADNOC | Abu Dhabi
Introduction
Safety remains one of the most critical pillars of offshore oil and gas operations. From drilling activities and lifting operations to environmental protection and emergency response, every aspect of offshore work depends on effective Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) management. As offshore projects become increasingly complex, energy companies continue to invest heavily in skilled safety professionals who can protect personnel, assets, and the environment while ensuring uninterrupted operations.
The Engineer, Safety position at ADNOC Drilling offers an excellent opportunity for HSE professionals seeking to build or advance their careers within the offshore energy sector. This role places professionals at the heart of operational safety, supporting rig management teams, overseeing safety systems, conducting inspections, coordinating training programs, and ensuring compliance with industry regulations and ADNOC standards.
Candidates with experience in oil and gas safety management, permit-to-work systems, environmental compliance, incident investigation, and offshore operations may find this role particularly attractive. From a career growth perspective, offshore safety engineering roles often provide valuable exposure to operational leadership, risk management, emergency response, and asset integrity management, creating pathways toward senior HSE leadership positions.
Job Overview
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Job Title | Engineer, Safety |
| Company | ADNOC Drilling |
| Job ID | 31643 |
| Category | Health, Safety & Environment |
| Location | Offshore Islands, United Arab Emirates |
| Industry | Oil & Gas Drilling |
| Employment Type | Full-Time |
| Experience Required | Minimum 6 Years |
| Education Required | B.Sc. Degree |
| Posting Source | Official ADNOC Drilling Careers Portal |
Post Status: Active
Last Verified: June 2026
Note: Applicants should verify current availability through the employer’s official careers page.
About the Company
ADNOC Drilling is one of the largest drilling companies in the Middle East and a key contributor to the UAE’s energy industry. The company provides drilling, well construction, and associated services across offshore and onshore assets while supporting ADNOC’s long-term production goals.
Operating a modern fleet of offshore and onshore drilling rigs, ADNOC Drilling is recognized for its commitment to operational excellence, technological innovation, workforce development, and industry-leading safety standards. The company continuously invests in advanced equipment, digital transformation initiatives, and employee development programs to maintain safe and efficient operations.
For safety professionals, ADNOC Drilling offers exposure to complex offshore environments, international safety standards, emergency response systems, and large-scale drilling operations.
Role Overview
The Engineer, Safety serves as a key member of the rig leadership team, supporting the Rig Manager in implementing and maintaining HSE and Asset Integrity Management Systems. The role involves providing professional safety guidance, conducting inspections, monitoring compliance, delivering training programs, investigating incidents, and promoting a proactive safety culture across offshore operations.
The position requires regular interaction with operational personnel, contractors, supervisors, and management teams to ensure that all work activities are performed safely and in accordance with established procedures. Safety Engineers also play a crucial role in emergency preparedness, environmental protection, permit-to-work administration, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Professionals in this position help create a safer work environment while contributing to operational efficiency and regulatory compliance.
Key Responsibilities
Safety Management and Compliance
- Implement HSE policies and procedures
- Monitor compliance with company standards
- Support Asset Integrity Management requirements
- Promote a positive safety culture
Safety Training and Awareness
- Conduct safety induction programs
- Deliver safety training sessions
- Facilitate practical safety exercises
- Support workforce competency development
Permit to Work (PTW) Administration
- Manage permit-to-work activities
- Verify worksite safety conditions
- Ensure proper isolation procedures
- Monitor high-risk work activities
Incident Investigation
- Investigate accidents and near misses
- Conduct root cause analysis
- Prepare investigation reports
- Recommend preventive actions
Emergency Preparedness
- Organize emergency response drills
- Conduct evacuation exercises
- Support fire and rescue preparedness
- Verify emergency equipment readiness
Safety Inspections and Audits
- Conduct workplace inspections
- Audit safety systems
- Monitor corrective actions
- Support internal and external audits
Environmental Management
- Monitor environmental performance
- Conduct environmental inspections
- Support pollution prevention measures
- Deliver environmental awareness training
Asset Integrity Support
- Report integrity-related observations
- Support PAIR reporting processes
- Monitor equipment condition
- Contribute to asset protection initiatives
Required Skills & Qualifications
Education
Applicants should possess a Bachelor of Science degree in one of the following disciplines:
- Petroleum Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Other relevant science or engineering fields
Technical Skills
- Permit to Work Systems
- Job Safety Analysis (JSA)
- Risk Assessment
- Incident Investigation
- Asset Integrity Management
- Environmental Management Systems
- Emergency Response Planning
- HSE Auditing
- Gas Testing Procedures
- Safety Inspection Techniques
Industry Knowledge
- Offshore drilling operations
- Oil and gas safety standards
- Environmental regulations
- Emergency management systems
- Asset integrity practices
- Contractor safety management
Soft Skills
- Communication
- Leadership
- Problem-solving
- Attention to detail
- Decision-making
- Team collaboration
- Analytical thinking
Preferred Certifications
Although not specifically stated, certifications that may strengthen a candidate’s profile include:
- NEBOSH International General Certificate
- IOSH Managing Safely
- H2S Safety Training
- Offshore Survival (BOSIET)
- Incident Investigation Certification
- ISO 45001 Internal Auditor
Why This Role Matters in the GCC Market
The GCC remains one of the world’s most important oil and gas producing regions, with significant investments continuing in offshore exploration, drilling, and production activities. As operational complexity increases, organizations place greater emphasis on safety leadership and risk management.
Safety Engineers help organizations prevent incidents, improve operational reliability, protect the environment, and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements. Their expertise directly contributes to workforce protection and business continuity.
Based on current hiring trends across the GCC, professionals with offshore HSE experience, permit-to-work expertise, incident investigation skills, and environmental management knowledge continue to enjoy strong demand across the energy sector.
Career Growth Opportunities
Senior Safety Engineer
Lead HSE initiatives across multiple rigs or operational areas.
HSE Supervisor
Manage safety teams and coordinate site-wide HSE programs.
Offshore HSE Manager
Oversee safety performance for offshore assets and projects.
Asset Integrity Manager
Focus on equipment reliability, risk reduction, and operational assurance.
Corporate HSE Specialist
Support organization-wide safety governance and policy development.
HSE Director
Provide strategic leadership for enterprise-wide safety and environmental programs.
Interview Preparation Tips
Technical Topics to Review
- Permit to Work Systems
- Risk Assessment Methodologies
- Incident Investigation Techniques
- Asset Integrity Management
- Environmental Management Systems
- Emergency Response Planning
- Offshore Safety Regulations
- HSE Auditing Principles
Common Interview Questions
- How would you investigate a serious incident offshore?
- What are the key elements of an effective PTW system?
- How do you encourage workforce participation in safety programs?
- Describe your experience conducting HSE audits.
- How would you manage environmental incidents on a drilling rig?
Practical Preparation Advice
Prepare examples demonstrating successful safety improvements, incident investigations, emergency drill coordination, audit participation, and hazard identification initiatives.
Industry Expectations
Employers expect offshore Safety Engineers to possess strong technical knowledge, effective communication skills, practical operational awareness, and a proactive approach to risk management.
Living and Working in the UAE Offshore Sector
Work Environment
Offshore assignments often involve rotational schedules and work at remote operational locations.
Accommodation
Most offshore energy companies provide accommodation and logistics support during work rotations.
Transportation
Transportation to offshore locations is typically provided through helicopters or marine vessels.
Work Culture
The offshore industry emphasizes teamwork, discipline, procedural compliance, and strong safety performance.
Lifestyle
Offshore roles often offer structured work schedules that allow employees extended leave periods between rotations.
Our team frequently advises offshore professionals that ADNOC’s offshore operations provide excellent exposure to large-scale drilling environments, helping employees develop technical and leadership skills that are highly valued throughout the global energy industry.
Application Tips
Resume Optimization
Highlight offshore experience, HSE achievements, permit-to-work expertise, incident investigations, emergency response participation, and environmental management activities.
ATS-Friendly Formatting
Use clear section headings and include industry-relevant keywords throughout your resume.
Skill Highlighting
Focus on risk assessment, HSE compliance, PTW administration, safety training, auditing, and incident investigation experience.
Interview Readiness
Prepare practical examples that demonstrate measurable safety improvements and successful problem-solving in operational environments.
How to Apply
To submit an application, visit the employer’s official careers portal and search using Job ID 31643.
Always apply directly through the employer’s official recruitment channels and ensure that all qualifications, certifications, and experience details are accurately reflected in your application.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a Safety Engineer do on an offshore drilling rig?
A Safety Engineer oversees HSE compliance, conducts inspections, manages permit-to-work systems, investigates incidents, delivers training, and supports emergency preparedness activities.
Is offshore experience required?
While not explicitly stated, offshore or oil and gas industry experience significantly strengthens a candidate’s suitability for the role.
What is the Permit to Work system?
The Permit to Work system is a formal process used to control hazardous work activities and ensure proper safety precautions are implemented before work begins.
What environmental responsibilities are included in this role?
The position includes environmental inspections, pollution prevention support, environmental training, and environmental incident investigations.
Can this role lead to management positions?
Yes. Safety Engineers often progress into HSE Supervisor, HSE Manager, Asset Integrity Manager, and senior leadership roles.
Which industries provide relevant experience?
Oil and gas, petrochemicals, offshore drilling, marine operations, energy, utilities, and heavy industrial sectors provide relevant experience.
Final Thoughts
The Engineer, Safety position at ADNOC Drilling offers an excellent opportunity for experienced HSE professionals seeking to advance their careers within the UAE’s offshore energy sector. Combining safety leadership, environmental management, emergency preparedness, asset integrity support, and workforce development responsibilities, this role provides broad exposure to critical operational functions.
Professionals with strong technical expertise, offshore safety experience, and a commitment to continuous improvement may find this position particularly rewarding as they contribute to one of the region’s leading drilling organizations.
To apply for this job please visit jobs.adnoc.ae.
