Chemical Engineer - Process Safety and Risk Management

Placements24; East London; On-site; ZAR 550,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Annual bonus potential

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Life insurance

Professional development support

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a dedicated Chemical Engineer specialized in Process Safety and Risk Management to join our client's East London operations in the Eastern Cape. You will develop, implement, and maintain safety protocols to ensure safe chemical processes, conduct hazard identification and risk assessments, and provide training to site staff.

The ideal candidate has a strong grasp of process hazards, safety regulations (OSHA PSM, COMAH), and risk mitigation strategies, and will collaborate

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or related field.
• Minimum 5 years in process safety, risk assessment or EHS in the chemical industry.
• Experience with PHAs (HAZOP, What-If, FMEA) and PSM/regulatory compliance.

Responsibilities

• Perform PHAs including HAZOP, What-If, and FMEA.
• Develop and implement Process Safety Management programs.
• Conduct risk assessments and develop mitigation strategies.
• Ensure compliance with national and international process safety regulations.
• Investigate incidents and root causes; recommend corrective actions.
• Deliver process safety training to site personnel.
• Review designs and MOC for safety implications.
• Maintain PSI and emergency response plans.
• Conduct safety audits and inspections of facilities and operations.
• Collaborate with operations, engineering and EHS teams.

Education

BSc in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Safety software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent chemical manufacturing company, is seeking a dedicated Chemical Engineer specializing in Process Safety and Risk Management to join their team in East London, Eastern Cape . This crucial role involves developing, implementing, and maintaining robust safety protocols to ensure the safe operation of chemical processes. You will conduct hazard identification and risk assessments, develop safety procedures, and provide training to operational staff. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of chemical process hazards, safety regulations (e.g., OSHA PSM, COMAH), and risk mitigation strategies. You will work closely with operations, engineering, and EHS departments to foster a strong safety culture and minimize operational risks. This position is essential for maintaining regulatory compliance and protecting personnel, assets, and the environment. We are looking for a detail-oriented and proactive individual committed to achieving the highest standards of process safety.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct Process Hazard Analyses (PHAs) including HAZOP, What-If, and FMEA studies.
• Develop and implement Process Safety Management (PSM) programs and procedures.
• Perform risk assessments and develop risk mitigation strategies for chemical processes.
• Ensure compliance with relevant national and international process safety regulations.
• Investigate process safety incidents and near misses, identifying root causes and recommending corrective actions.
• Develop and deliver process safety training programs to site personnel.
• Review engineering designs and management of change (MOC) requests for process safety implications.
• Maintain process safety information (PSI) and ensure its accuracy and accessibility.
• Develop and manage emergency response plans and procedures.
• Conduct safety audits and inspections of plant facilities and operations.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or a related technical discipline.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in process safety, risk assessment, or EHS in the chemical industry.
• Strong knowledge of process hazards, safety engineering principles, and risk management methodologies.
• Experience conducting HAZOP studies and other PHA techniques.
• Familiarity with PSM elements and relevant safety regulations.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and investigative skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to train and influence others.
• Proficiency in safety management software is an advantage.
• Certification in Process Safety (e.g., CCPSC) is highly desirable.
• Ability to work effectively within a plant environment.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, annual bonus potential, and a comprehensive benefits package including medical aid, retirement fund, and life insurance. Opportunities for professional development and certifications in process safety are supported. This permanent, full-time role in East London provides a vital function within the company, ensuring operational safety and compliance in a key industrial hub.