Principal Process Safety Engineer

Placements24; Durban; Hybrid; ZAR 1,500,000 - 2,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

Retirement plan

Annual bonus

Remote work

Training & conferences

Job summary

Placements24 client, a major energy company, seeks a Principal Process Safety Engineer for a fully remote role in South Africa. You will lead process safety across operations, conduct PHAs, and drive risk mitigation while aligning with international standards.

This position suits a seasoned professional who can influence stakeholders remotely from anywhere in SA. Key duties include leading HAZOP/LOPA, developing PSM frameworks, mentoring teams, investigating incidents, and delivering safety

Qualifications

• Bachelor in Chemical or Mechanical Engineering required.
• 12+ years in process safety in the energy sector.
• Strong knowledge of PSM, risk assessment, OSHA PSM, API, IEC.

Responsibilities

• Lead PHAs (HAZOP, LOPA, FMEA).
• Develop and maintain PSM systems.
• Provide expert guidance on process safety principles.
• Lead incident investigations and root cause analyses.
• Develop and deliver process safety training.
• Review process safety aspects of designs and projects.
• Act as SME for process safety and promote safety culture.

Skills

HAZOP/LOPA

PHAs

PSM systems

Leadership

Root cause analysis

Regulatory knowledge

Remote work

Education

Bachelor's in Chemical/Mechanical Eng

Master's degree advantageous

Tools

Safety software

Process modeling tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major force in the energy industry, is seeking a highly accomplished Principal Process Safety Engineer to join their distinguished team. This is a full-time, fully remote position, allowing you to contribute your expertise from anywhere within South Africa. You will be at the forefront of ensuring the highest standards of process safety across all company operations, playing a critical role in risk mitigation and accident prevention. This role demands a deep understanding of safety regulations, best practices, and hazard analysis techniques within the energy sector. As a Principal Engineer, you will provide expert technical guidance, lead safety reviews, and develop robust safety management systems. Your leadership will be instrumental in fostering a strong safety culture and driving continuous improvement in safety performance. We are looking for an individual with exceptional analytical skills, a proactive approach to problem-solving, and the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels. This remote opportunity is ideal for a seasoned professional seeking to make a significant impact in a globally recognized organization, contributing to the safe and sustainable operation of critical infrastructure. The Durban area hosts significant operational oversight, though this role is entirely remote.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and conduct comprehensive Process Hazard Analyses (PHAs), including HAZOP, LOPA, and FMEA studies.
• Develop, implement, and maintain robust Process Safety Management (PSM) systems in compliance with international standards and South African regulations.
• Provide expert technical guidance on process safety principles, engineering design, and operational procedures.
• Oversee and participate in incident investigations, root cause analyses, and the development of corrective actions.
• Develop and deliver process safety training programs to engineers and operational staff.
• Review and approve process safety aspects of new designs, modifications, and projects.
• Act as a subject matter expert for process safety within the organization.
• Stay current with evolving process safety regulations, industry standards, and best practices.
• Promote and champion a strong safety culture across all levels of the organization.
• Contribute to the development of company-wide safety policies and procedures.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• A Master's degree is advantageous.
• Minimum of 12 years of experience in process safety engineering, with a significant portion within the energy sector.
• In-depth knowledge of process safety management systems, risk assessment methodologies, and relevant safety standards (e.g., OSHA PSM, API, IEC).
• Proven experience in leading HAZOP, LOPA, and other PHA studies.
• Strong understanding of mechanical integrity, fire protection, and emergency response principles.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making capabilities.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively and independently in a remote team environment.
• Experience with safety software and modeling tools.
• Must be legally eligible to work remotely within South Africa.

Benefits

• This role offers a highly competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, including advanced medical coverage, retirement planning, and an annual performance bonus.
• As a fully remote position, you will enjoy the flexibility to work from any location within South Africa.
• Our client invests heavily in employee development, providing access to cutting-edge training, industry conferences, and opportunities for career advancement.
• You will be part of a forward-thinking energy company with a strong commitment to safety and sustainability.
• This position allows you to leverage your expertise on critical projects while maintaining an optimal work-life balance.
• The collaborative and supportive remote culture ensures continuous engagement and professional growth.
• Join a team that values your expertise and contributions to safe operations.