Principal Process Safety Engineer

Placements24; Noord-Kaap; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Principal Process Safety Engineer for a Kimberley-based role. Lead the Process Safety Management program across operations, ensuring compliance with national and international standards, and guide risk assessments, PHAs, and emergency response planning to protect personnel and assets.

The ideal candidate will have 10+ years in process safety within petrochemical/oil & gas sectors, deep regulatory knowledge, and strong leadership with stakeholder engagement skills to

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or related field.
• 10+ years in process safety engineering within petrochemical/oil & gas/chemical industries.
• Strong knowledge of PHA methodologies (HAZOP, LOPA, FMEA) and regulatory requirements.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and improvement of the Process Safety Management (PSM) system.
• Conduct PHAs such as HAZOP, LOPA, and What-If studies.
• Oversee incident investigations and corrective actions.
• Develop MOC procedures to embed safety in process changes.
• Ensure compliance with national/international process safety regs and standards.
• Deliver process safety training for site personnel.
• Perform safety audits and risk assessments.
• Provide expert process safety advice to engineering, operations and management.
• Lead emergency response plan development and implementation.
• Promote a strong safety culture across the organization.

Skills

Risk assessment

Leadership

Regulatory knowledge

Stakeholder engagement

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering

Tools

SIS

SIL assessments

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major player in the petrochemical and Energy sector, is seeking a highly experienced and technically astute Principal Process Safety Engineer . This critical role, based in Kimberley, Northern Cape , will be responsible for leading and advancing the company's process safety management (PSM) program across all operations. You will ensure compliance with stringent safety regulations, conduct rigorous risk assessments, and implement best practices to prevent major accidents. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of chemical processes, hazard analysis techniques, and regulatory requirements, combined with strong leadership and communication skills. This is a senior position offering the chance to significantly impact safety culture and operational integrity within the Northern Cape region.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of the Process Safety Management (PSM) system.
• Conduct and review comprehensive Process Hazard Analyses (PHAs), including HAZOP, LOPA, and What-If studies.
• Oversee incident investigations, root cause analyses (RCAs), and ensure effective implementation of corrective actions.
• Develop and manage Management of Change (MOC) procedures to ensure safety is considered in all process modifications.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant national and international process safety regulations and industry standards.
• Develop and deliver process safety training programs to site personnel.
• Conduct safety audits and assessments to identify potential risks and non-compliance issues.
• Provide expert technical advice and support on process safety matters to engineering, operations, and management teams.
• Lead the development and implementation of emergency response plans related to process safety events.
• Promote a strong safety culture throughout the organization.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or a closely related engineering discipline.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in process safety engineering, with significant experience in the petrochemical, oil & gas, or chemical industries.
• In-depth knowledge and practical experience with PHA methodologies (HAZOP, LOPA, FMEA).
• Strong understanding of process safety regulations (e.g., OSHA PSM, Seveso Directive principles).
• Proven experience in incident investigation, root cause analysis, and corrective action tracking.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to influence and engage stakeholders at all levels of the organization.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Professional Engineer (Pr. Eng.) registration is highly desirable.
• Experience with safety instrumented systems (SIS) and SIL assessments is a plus.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive salary, comprehensive medical aid, generous leave, and a substantial retirement fund contribution. This role provides significant opportunities for professional development, leadership, and making a tangible impact on operational safety. You will be part of a dedicated team focused on maintaining the highest standards of safety and operational excellence. The position is based in Kimberley, Northern Cape .