Principal Chemical Engineer - Process Safety

Placements24; Mtubatuba Local Municipality; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Pension fund

Annual performance bonus

Job summary

Placements24 is recruiting a Principal Chemical Engineer specializing in Process Safety to lead PSM programs across facilities in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal. The role emphasizes SHE culture, risk mitigation, and technical leadership for engineers and operators.

You will drive PHAs, QRAs, RCA analytics, and safety training while ensuring compliance with OSHA PSM and Seveso-like directives. A strong track record in process safety is essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's in Chemical Engineering; professional engineer status is highly desirable.
• Minimum 12 years in chemical process engineering with at least 7 years in process safety.
• Extensive experience with PHA methods (HAZOP, What-If, FMEA) and QRAs.
• Strong knowledge of PSM standards (OSHA PSM, Seveso directives); leadership and communication skills.
• Experience in Richards Bay or KwaZulu-Natal is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and maintain Process Safety Management (PSM) across facilities.
• Lead PHAs and risk assessments; drive risk reduction actions.
• Oversee incident investigations and root cause analyses.
• Deliver process safety training and conduct audits; ensure regulatory compliance.
• Mentor junior process safety engineers and share best practices.

Skills

Process safety leadership

PHAs (HAZOP, What-If, FMEA)

QRA/LOPA

Incident investigation & RCAs

Training & mentoring

Safety audits & compliance

Stakeholder influence & communication

Project leadership

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering

Tools

HAZOP

What-If analysis

FMEA

QRA software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major force in the petrochemical industry, requires a highly experienced Principal Chemical Engineer specializing in Process Safety. This critical role, based in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal , will be instrumental in upholding and enhancing the company's safety culture and operational integrity. You will lead the development, implementation, and oversight of comprehensive process safety management (PSM) programs across multiple facilities. The successful candidate will possess deep technical knowledge of chemical processes, hazard identification, risk assessment, and mitigation strategies. This position offers the opportunity to influence safety standards at a high level within a globally recognized organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and maintain robust Process Safety Management (PSM) systems in accordance with industry standards and regulations.
• Lead and facilitate Process Hazard Analyses (PHAs), including HAZOP, What-If, and FMEA studies.
• Conduct Quantitative Risk Assessments (QRAs) and develop risk reduction strategies.
• Oversee incident investigations, root cause analysis (RCA), and the implementation of corrective and preventive actions.
• Develop and deliver process safety training programs for engineers and operators.
• Perform safety audits and assessments of new and existing facilities and processes.
• Ensure compliance with relevant safety legislation and company policies.
• Provide expert technical guidance on process safety matters to project teams and operational staff.
• Stay abreast of emerging trends and best practices in process safety engineering.
• Mentor and guide junior process safety engineers.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering or a related field.
• Minimum of 12 years of experience in chemical process engineering, with a strong focus on process safety for at least 7 years.
• Extensive experience in conducting various PHA methodologies (HAZOP, What-If, etc.).
• Demonstrated experience with risk assessment techniques (e.g., LOPA, QRA).
• In-depth knowledge of PSM elements (e.g., OSHA PSM, Seveso Directive).
• Strong understanding of chemical processes, equipment, and operational hazards.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Exceptional communication, influencing, and leadership capabilities.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively under pressure.
• Experience in the Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal region is a plus.
• Professional Engineer (Pr.Eng) certification is highly desirable.

Benefits

• Our client provides a competitive salary and an attractive benefits package, including medical aid, a pension fund, and annual performance bonuses.
• This hybrid role offers flexibility, combining essential on-site collaboration in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal with periods of remote work.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development within a safety-conscious organization are abundant.

Join a team dedicated to ensuring the highest standards of operational safety.