Lead Process Safety Engineer

Placements24; South Africa; Remote; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a highly experienced Lead Process Safety Engineer for a fully remote role in the petrochemical sector. You will develop and maintain robust process safety management systems across our international operations, driving hazard identification, risk assessment, and mitigation strategies.

The ideal candidate will possess deep expertise in PSM, HAZOP, LOPA, SIS, and regulatory compliance, with exceptional leadership and global stakeholder engagement to advance a strong safety

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering; Master's preferred.
• 12+ years in process safety within chemical/petrochemical/oil and gas.
• Expert in PSM elements, PHAs, LOPA, SIS, and risk assessment.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop PSM programs across international operations.
• Facilitate PHAs (HAZOP, What-If, FMEA) and LOPA studies.
• Drive risk reduction, incident investigations, and training.
• Ensure regulatory compliance and remote safety leadership.
• Mentor junior engineers.

Skills

PSM knowledge

HAZOP/LOPA lead

Leadership

Stakeholder communication

Remote leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering

Master's degree (preferred)

Tools

SIS (Safety Instrumented Systems)

PHAs/LOPA facilitation

Job description

Remote Lead Process Safety Engineer - Petrochemical

Our client, a global leader in petrochemical manufacturing, is seeking an experienced and highly motivated Lead Process Safety Engineer for a fully remote position. This critical role will be responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining robust process safety management systems across the company's international operations. You will lead initiatives to identify, assess, and mitigate process-related hazards, ensuring the highest standards of safety are upheld. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of PSM principles, HAZOP studies, LOPA, and risk assessment techniques, coupled with exceptional leadership and communication skills to drive safety culture change. This remote role requires a proactive and self-driven individual capable of influencing stakeholders globally and ensuring compliance with stringent regulatory requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of Process Safety Management (PSM) programs.
• Conduct and facilitate Process Hazard Analyses (PHAs), including HAZOP, What-If, and FMEA studies.
• Perform Layers of Protection Analysis (LOPA) and consequence modeling.
• Develop and implement risk management strategies to mitigate identified process hazards.
• Oversee incident investigations and ensure effective root cause analysis and corrective actions.
• Develop and deliver process safety training programs to relevant personnel.
• Ensure compliance with national and international process safety regulations and standards.
• Provide technical guidance and support on process safety aspects for new projects and modifications.
• Champion a strong safety culture throughout the organization via remote engagement and communication.
• Mentor and develop junior process safety engineers.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or a closely related discipline. A Master's degree is a plus.
• Minimum of 12 years of progressive experience in process safety engineering within the chemical, petrochemical, or oil and gas industry.
• Extensive knowledge and practical application of PSM elements (e.g., OSHA PSM, EPA RMP).
• Proven experience in leading and facilitating PHAs and LOPA.
• Strong understanding of safety instrumented systems (SIS) and functional safety.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Exceptional leadership, interpersonal,