Principal Process Safety Engineer

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

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits and retirement support

Annual leave and development programs

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Principal Process Safety Engineer for its Mossel Bay, Western Cape operations. The role leads hazard analyses, develops and maintains the Process Safety Management system, and ensures compliance with relevant regulations across all facilities.

You will perform QRAs, oversee investigations, and guide training for operations, engineering and maintenance staff. A PE or equivalent certification is highly desirable and a Master’s degree is advantageous.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical or Mechanical Engineering is required.
• Minimum 10 years in process safety with petrochemical/oil and gas exposure.
• Experience with PHA methodologies (HAZOP, LOPA) and QRA.
• Proven ability to develop and implement PSM systems.
• PE or equivalent certification is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Lead and facilitate process hazard analyses (PHA), including HAZOP, LOPA, What-If studies, and FMEA.
• Develop, implement, and maintain the company's Process Safety Management (PSM) system.
• Conduct Quantitative Risk Assessments (QRA) and identify safeguards.
• Oversee incident investigations and root cause analysis (RCA).
• Ensure compliance with OSHA PSM and Seveso-like regulations.
• Deliver process safety training to operations, engineering, and maintenance staff.
• Review engineering designs to address process safety requirements.
• Stay current with industry best practices and trends.
• Provide SME guidance on process safety and manage external consultants.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical/Mechanical Engineering

Master's degree advantageous

Tools

HAZOP

LOPA

QRA

PSM systems

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major force in the petrochemical and refining sector, is seeking a highly experienced Principal Process Safety Engineer to join their esteemed team in Mossel Bay, Western Cape . This pivotal role is responsible for ensuring the highest standards of process safety across all operations, mitigating risks, and fostering a robust safety culture. The Principal Process Safety Engineer will lead hazard identification and risk assessment studies, develop and implement safety management systems, and ensure compliance with all relevant national and international safety regulations. The position demands a deep understanding of process safety principles, quantitative risk assessment (QRA), HAZOP, LOPA, and other safety analysis methodologies. Working in a Mossel Bay, Western Cape facility means being at the forefront of South Africa's key industrial processing regions, contributing to the safe and sustainable operation of critical infrastructure.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and facilitate process hazard analyses (PHA), including HAZOP, LOPA, What-If studies, and FMEA, for new and existing facilities.
• Develop, implement, and maintain the company's Process Safety Management (PSM) system.
• Conduct Quantitative Risk Assessments (QRA) to evaluate the risks associated with process operations and identify necessary safeguards.
• Oversee incident investigations, root cause analysis (RCA), and implement corrective and preventive actions to prevent recurrence.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant process safety regulations, standards, and codes (e.g., OSHA PSM, Seveso Directive principles).
• Develop and deliver process safety training programs to operations, engineering, and maintenance personnel.
• Review engineering designs and modifications to ensure that process safety requirements are adequately addressed.
• Stay abreast of industry best practices and emerging trends in process safety and apply them to enhance the company's safety performance.
• Act as a subject matter expert and provide technical guidance on all aspects of process safety.
• Manage external consultants and contractors involved in process safety studies and audits.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• A Master's degree is a significant advantage.
• A minimum of 10 years of experience in process safety engineering, with a strong focus on the petrochemical, refining, or oil and gas industry.
• In-depth knowledge and practical experience with PHA methodologies (HAZOP, LOPA, etc.) and QRA.
• Proven experience in developing and implementing Process Safety Management (PSM) systems.
• Familiarity with relevant safety standards and regulations.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously and meet deadlines.
• Professional Engineer (PE) or equivalent certification is highly desirable.
• Commitment to fostering a proactive safety culture.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive salary, comprehensive health and wellness benefits, retirement planning assistance, and a generous annual leave policy.

Employees are provided with opportunities for continuous professional development, including advanced training courses and conference participation.

The company culture emphasizes collaboration, innovation, and safety excellence.

This position is based at our key facility in Mossel Bay, Western Cape , offering a stimulating work environment with significant career growth prospects within a leading industrial organization.