Principal Chemical Engineer - Process Safety

Placements24; LegKraal Gate; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,700,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully remote work

Health and wellness benefits

Generous leave

Professional development

Remote work equipment provided

Flexible hours

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a highly experienced Principal Chemical Engineer with a Process Safety focus for a fully remote role within South Africa. You will lead the development and oversight of robust process safety management systems across diverse operations.

You will run PHAs (HAZOP/LOPA/What-If), investigate incidents, strengthen mechanical integrity, and guide design and operations with regulatory insight.

Qualifications

• Must have advanced knowledge of process safety management (PSM).
• Experience leading PHAs (HAZOP/LOPA/What-If) for chemicals processes.
• Strong regulatory and standards understanding across international and local codes.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain comprehensive PSM programs across operations.
• Lead and facilitate PHAs (HAZOP/LOPA/What-If) for new and existing processes.
• Conduct incident investigations and root cause analyses with corrective actions.
• Develop and implement mechanical integrity programs for critical equipment.
• Provide guidance on process safety in design, modification, and operation.
• Deliver training on process safety to engineering and operations staff.
• Interpret and ensure compliance with applicable safety regulations and codes.
• Conduct periodic safety audits and drive a proactive safety culture.

Skills

Process Safety

Hazard & Risk Analysis

Regulatory Compliance

Remote Leadership

Analytical Thinking

Technical Reporting

Risk Assessment

Education

Master's or PhD in Chemical Engineering

Tools

PHAST

EFFECTS

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a globally recognized leader in specialized chemical manufacturing, is actively seeking a highly experienced Principal Chemical Engineer with a specialization in Process Safety. This is a premier, fully remote position, offering the unique advantage of contributing your expertise from anywhere within South Africa. You will be instrumental in developing, implementing, and overseeing robust process safety management systems across our client's diverse operations. This role demands a deep understanding of inherent safety principles, risk assessment methodologies, and regulatory compliance within the chemical industry. The ideal candidate will possess exceptional analytical skills, a keen eye for detail, and the ability to influence and guide engineering and operational teams. Your work will directly impact the safety and integrity of our client's facilities, ensuring the well‑being of employees and the protection of the environment. We are committed to providing a fully remote, collaborative, and intellectually stimulating work environment where your contributions are highly valued. This is an opportunity to shape safety culture and standards at a company that prioritizes risk mitigation and operational excellence. The Principal Engineer will act as a key advisor, driving best practices and fostering a proactive safety mindset throughout the organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and maintain comprehensive Process Safety Management (PSM) programs aligned with international standards (e.g., OSHA PSM, SEVESO).
• Lead and facilitate Process Hazard Analyses (PHAs), including HAZOP, LOPA, and What-If studies, for new and existing processes.
• Conduct thorough incident investigations and root cause analyses (RCAs) for safety-related events, recommending and implementing corrective actions.
• Develop and implement mechanical integrity programs for critical process equipment.
• Provide expert technical guidance on process safety considerations during the design, modification, and operation of chemical facilities.
• Develop and deliver training modules on process safety principles and procedures to engineering and operational personnel.
• Interpret and ensure compliance with relevant national and international safety regulations and industry codes.
• Conduct periodic safety audits and assessments of manufacturing sites to identify potential risks and compliance gaps.
• Serve as a technical authority and champion for process safety across the organization, fostering a strong safety culture.

Requirements

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering or a related discipline.
• A minimum of 10-15 years of progressive experience in chemical process engineering, with a strong focus on process safety.
• In-depth knowledge and practical experience with various PHA methodologies (HAZOP, LOPA, FMEA).
• Expert understanding of process safety regulations, standards, and industry best practices.
• Proven ability to lead and influence teams in a remote work environment.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication abilities, with experience in technical report writing and presentation.
• Professional Engineer (Pr. Eng) registration is highly preferred.
• Experience with consequence modeling software (e.g., PHAST, EFFECTS) is an advantage.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary package reflecting the seniority and expertise required.
• Fully remote work arrangement with flexibility in working hours.
• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits package.
• Generous annual leave and paid time off.
• Opportunities for continuous professional development and advanced training in process safety.
• Access to cutting‑edge safety technologies and research.
• Contribution to a company that prioritizes safety and environmental stewardship.
• Company‑provided equipment and technology support for remote work.