Chemical Engineer - Process Safety Management

Placements24; Midrand; On-site; ZAR 277,000 - 461,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 is partnering with a leading chemical manufacturer in Midrand to hire a Chemical Engineer specializing in Process Safety Management on a contractor basis. The role focuses on hazard identification, risk assessment, and robust safety protocol implementation on-site.

You will lead PHAs, MOC management, incident investigations, safety training, and audits, driving a strong safety culture and compliance across operations with direct impact on risk reduction.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or related field.
• Minimum 5 years in process safety, hazard analysis, and risk assessment.
• Deep knowledge of PSM elements (OSHA PSM, EPA RMP).
• Proven PHAs experience and MOC management.
• Strong understanding of chemical process operations and hazards.
• Excellent analytical and investigative skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication with stakeholders.
• Certification in process safety (e.g., CSP) desirable.
• On-site work in Midrand/Gauteng.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and maintain Process Safety Management programs per best practices and regulatory requirements.
• Conduct PHAs, including HAZOP, FMEA, and What-If studies.
• Manage the MOC process to assess safety implications of changes.
• Oversee incident investigations, RCA, and corrective actions.
• Develop and deliver safety training programs to operational staff.
• Ensure compliance with safety regulations, conduct audits.
• Maintain safety documentation, permits, and records.
• Liaise with regulatory bodies and safety consultants.
• Promote a proactive safety culture throughout the organization.

Skills

Process Safety Management

PHAs (HAZOP, FMEA)

MOC

Safety audits

Incident investigation

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering

CSP certification (desirable)

Tools

HAZOP

RCA

OSHA PSM

EPA RMP

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a key player in the chemical manufacturing sector, is seeking a dedicated Chemical Engineer with a specialization in Process Safety Management (PSM) to join their team on a contractor basis in Midrand, Gauteng, ZA. This critical role will focus on ensuring the highest standards of safety across all operational processes, including hazard identification, risk assessment, and the implementation of robust safety protocols. The successful candidate will play a vital role in maintaining compliance and fostering a strong safety culture throughout the organization. This is an on-site position, demanding direct involvement in operational safety assessments and improvements.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and maintain Process Safety Management programs in accordance with industry best practices and regulatory requirements.


• Conduct Process Hazard Analyses (PHAs), including HAZOP, FMEA, and What-If studies.


• Manage the Management of Change (MOC) process to ensure safety implications of changes are assessed.


• Oversee incident investigations, root cause analysis (RCA), and the implementation of corrective actions.


• Develop and deliver safety training programs to operational staff.


• Ensure compliance with safety regulations and standards, conducting regular audits.


• Maintain safety documentation, including safety procedures, permits, and records.


• Liaise with regulatory bodies and third-party safety consultants.


• Promote a proactive safety culture throughout the organization.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or a related field.


• Minimum of 5 years of experience in process safety, hazard analysis, and risk assessment within the chemical industry.


• In-depth knowledge of PSM elements (e.g., OSHA PSM, EPA RMP).


• Proven experience in conducting PHAs and managing MOC processes.


• Strong understanding of chemical process operations and associated hazards.


• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and investigation skills.


• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders.


• Certification in process safety (e.g., CSP) is highly desirable.


• Ability to work independently and manage time effectively on site.


• Familiarity with the industrial sector in Midrand and Gauteng is beneficial.

Benefits

This contractor position offers a competitive daily or hourly rate, commensurate with experience. While not a permanent role, it provides a significant opportunity to gain valuable experience in process safety management with a reputable company. The role offers direct exposure to critical safety operations and the chance to make a tangible impact on operational risk reduction. Potential for contract extension exists based on performance and project needs.