Lead Process Safety Engineer - Chemical Processing

Placements24; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Provident fund

Annual leave

Professional development

International assignments

Bonuses

Job summary

Placements24 in Cape Town is seeking a Lead Process Safety Engineer to drive PSM across operations, lead PHAs, LOPA, SIL assessments, and ensure regulatory compliance in a high-hazard environment.

The role focuses on developing procedures, training, and continuous improvement of safety culture, with opportunities for international exposure and career development.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in chemical/mechanical engineering or related field.
• Master's degree is advantageous for advanced roles.
• Minimum 10 years of process safety experience in chemical/petrochemical environments.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and manage Process Safety Management (PSM) programs.
• Lead PHAs including HAZOP, LOPA, and What-If studies.
• Oversee SIL assessments and LOPA.
• Ensure mechanical integrity programs for critical equipment.
• Develop operating procedures, emergency plans, and MOC processes.
• Investigate incidents and deviations to determine root causes.
• Provide training on process safety principles to staff.
• Audit compliance with PSM elements and drive improvements.
• Collaborate with design, project, and operations teams to embed safety.
• Stay updated on evolving regulations and industry trends.

Skills

PHAs

LOPA

SIL assessments

Risk assessment

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering

Master's degree (advantage)

Tools

PSM frameworks (OSHA PSM, Seveso)

SIS design & verification

API/NFPA/ISA standards

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading force in the chemical processing and petrochemical industry, is seeking a highly experienced Lead Process Safety Engineer to spearhead safety initiatives in Cape Town . This critical role involves ensuring the highest standards of process safety are maintained across all operations, safeguarding personnel, assets, and the environment. The successful candidate will lead the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of our client's process safety management (PSM) systems. You will be responsible for conducting rigorous risk assessments, developing safety procedures, and fostering a robust safety culture throughout the organization. This position is integral to maintaining operational integrity and regulatory compliance within a high-hazard environment. The ideal candidate will possess extensive expertise in process safety principles and a proactive approach to risk mitigation. Join our client to play a pivotal role in upholding safety excellence in a demanding industrial landscape.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and manage comprehensive Process Safety Management (PSM) programs in accordance with international standards and local regulations.
• Lead and conduct Process Hazard Analyses (PHAs), including HAZOP, LOPA, and What-If studies, for new and existing processes.
• Oversee the development and implementation of safety integrity level (SIL) assessments and layers of protection analysis (LOPA).
• Ensure that mechanical integrity programs for critical equipment are robust and effectively maintained.
• Develop and review operating procedures, emergency response plans, and management of change (MOC) processes.
• Investigate incidents, near misses, and deviations to identify root causes and implement corrective actions.
• Provide technical guidance and training to engineers, operators, and other personnel on process safety principles and best practices.
• Audit compliance with PSM elements and identify areas for improvement.
• Collaborate with design engineers, project managers, and operations personnel to ensure safety is integrated into all project phases.
• Stay abreast of evolving process safety regulations, industry trends, and emerging risks.
• Promote a strong safety culture and leadership commitment to process safety throughout the organization.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• A Master's degree is an advantage.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in process safety engineering, with a significant focus on the chemical or petrochemical industry.
• Demonstrated expertise in conducting PHAs, LOPA, and SIL assessments.
• In-depth knowledge of PSM frameworks (e.g., OSHA PSM, Seveso Directive).
• Strong understanding of relevant industry standards and codes (e.g., API, NFPA, ISA).
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and risk assessment skills.
• Effective leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Proven experience in incident investigation and root cause analysis.
• Experience with Safety Instrumented Systems (SIS) design and verification.
• Must be based in or willing to relocate to CapeTown .

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary package commensurate with experience.
• Comprehensive medical aid and provident fund contributions.
• Generous annual leave and company holidays.
• Opportunities for professional development, certifications, and advanced training.
• Exposure to large-scale, complex projects.
• Stable and reputable industry leader.
• Company-provided safety equipment and resources.
• Employee assistance program.
• Potential for international assignments.
• Annual performance bonuses.