Principal Process Safety Engineer

Placements24; Pretoria; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,100,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Principal Process Safety Engineer for a leading petrochemical client in Pretoria to champion process safety across facilities, advancing hazard identification, risk assessment and mitigation. You will lead PHAs (HAZOP/What-If/FMEA/LOPA), develop and maintain the PSM system, ensure compliance with API/NFPA, and investigate incidents to identify root causes and corrective actions.

Requirements include a Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, 10+ years in process safety,

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or related field; advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum 10 years in process safety engineering, with chemical/petrochemical exposure.
• Deep knowledge of PHA methodologies (HAZOP, What-If, FMEA, LOPA).
• Strong understanding of PSM elements and implementation.
• Experience in incident investigation and root-cause analysis.
• Familiarity with API, ASME, NFPA safety standards.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and influencing skills.
• PE or equivalent certification highly desirable.
• Willing to relocate to Pretoria, South Africa.

Responsibilities

• Lead PHAs including HAZOP, What-If, FMEA, and LOPA studies.
• Develop, implement, and maintain the Process Safety Management system.
• Ensure compliance with national and international process safety standards.
• Investigate process safety incidents and near misses; identify root causes.
• Develop and deliver process safety training to engineers, operators, and management.
• Oversee the Management of Change (MOC) process to ensure safety implications of changes are properly evaluated.
• Review designs of new facilities and modifications for process safety.
• Develop and manage Safety Critical Equipment integrity programs.
• Benchmark process safety performance and drive improvements.
• Act as SME on process safety; mentor junior engineers and foster safety culture.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Influencing skills

Project management

Education

Bachelors in Chemical Engineering

PE certification (desirable)

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major player in the petrochemical industry, is seeking an experienced and highly qualified Principal Process Safety Engineer to join their operations in Pretoria. This senior role is responsible for championing and implementing best practices in process safety across all facilities, ensuring the highest standards of hazard identification, risk assessment, and mitigation. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of chemical process safety principles and regulations, leading efforts to prevent incidents and protect personnel, assets, and the environment. This is a vital position within a significant industrial complex located in the administrative capital of South Africa .

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and conduct comprehensive Process Hazard Analyses (PHAs), including HAZOP, What-If, FMEA, and LOPA studies.
• Develop, implement, and maintain the company's Process Safety Management (PSM) system.
• Ensure compliance with national and international process safety regulations and standards (e.g., OSHA PSM, NFPA).
• Investigate process safety incidents and near misses, identifying root causes and recommending corrective actions.
• Develop and deliver process safety training programs to engineers, operators, and management.
• Oversee the Management of Change (MOC) process to ensure safety implications of changes are properly evaluated.
• Review designs of new facilities and modifications to existing ones from a process safety perspective.
• Develop and manage safety critical equipment (SCE) integrity programs.
• Benchmark process safety performance and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
• Act as a subject matter expert on process safety matters for the organization.
• Mentor junior engineers and foster a strong safety culture throughout the organization.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or a related discipline; advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in process safety engineering, with a significant portion in the chemical or petrochemical industry.
• In-depth knowledge and practical experience with various PHA methodologies.
• Thorough understanding of PSM elements and their implementation.
• Proven experience in incident investigation and root cause analysis.
• Familiarity with relevant safety standards and codes (e.g., API, ASME, NFPA).
• Excellent leadership, communication, and influencing skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities effectively.
• Professional Engineer (PE) or equivalent certification is highly desirable.
• Must be located in or willing to relocate to Pretoria, South Africa .

Benefits

• Our client offers an exceptional salary package, reflecting the seniority and importance of this role, along with substantial performance-based incentives.
• Comprehensive medical aid, life insurance, and provident fund benefits are included.
• This position provides ample opportunities for professional development, including advanced safety certifications and participation in industry conferences.
• Based in the dynamic city of Pretoria , the role offers a stable career path with significant advancement potential within a leading industrial group.