Principal Process Safety Engineer

Placements24; Rustenburg; On-site; ZAR 1,800,000 - 2,600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Annual bonus

Health and retirement benefits

Career development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Principal Process Safety Engineer for our Rustenburg operations. You will drive the Process Safety Management program, lead hazard analyses, and guide engineering and operations teams to ensure top safety performance.

The role requires extensive experience in hazardous processes, strong leadership, and a track record of improving safety systems within mining or heavy industry. Relocation assistance is available and a premium bonus program accompanies the package.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical or Mechanical Engineering required.
• Minimum 12 years in process safety engineering with hazardous industrial processes.
• Strong PSM knowledge and practical experience.
• Lead HAZOP/LOPA studies and risk assessments.
• Professional Engineer (Pr. Eng.) or equivalent preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop and improve the company's PSM program per international standards (OSHA PSM, EPA RMP).
• Lead PHAs including HAZOP, LOPA, and What-If studies for complex processes.
• Oversee incident investigations and root cause analysis with corrective actions.
• Develop and manage mechanical integrity programs for critical equipment.
• Ensure compliance with national and international process safety regulations and best practices.
• Provide expert training on process safety to engineers, operators, and management.
• Review designs, MOC documents, and operating procedures for safety implications.
• Maintain PSI databases and documentation for process safety.
• Audit safety systems and recommend improvements.
• Champion a strong safety culture at the Rustenburg site.

Skills

PSM expertise

PHAs leadership

Risk assessment

Incident investigation

Technical leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical/Mechanical Engineering

Master's degree (preferred)

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major player in the mining and minerals processing industry, is seeking a highly experienced and authoritative Principal Process Safety Engineer for their operations in **Rustenburg, North West**. This senior position is paramount to ensuring the highest standards of safety across all chemical and physical processes within the company's facilities. You will be responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining robust process safety management systems, conducting in-depth risk assessments, and providing expert guidance to engineering and operational teams. Your role will be critical in preventing incidents, ensuring regulatory compliance, and fostering a proactive safety culture throughout the organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and continuously improve the company's Process Safety Management (PSM) program in alignment with international standards (e.g., OSHA PSM, EPA RMP).
• Lead and facilitate Process Hazard Analyses (PHAs), including HAZOP, LOPA, and What-If studies for complex chemical processes and modifications.
• Oversee incident investigations, root cause analysis (RCA), and the implementation of corrective and preventive actions.
• Develop and manage mechanical integrity programs for critical process equipment, including inspection and testing protocols.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant national and international process safety regulations and industry best practices.
• Provide expert technical consultation and training on process safety principles and procedures to engineers, operators, and management.
• Review process designs, management of change (MOC) documents, and operating procedures for safety implications.
• Develop and maintain process safety information (PSI) databases and documentation.
• Audit and assess the effectiveness of existing safety systems and recommend improvements.
• Champion a strong safety culture, promoting awareness and accountability at all levels within the **Rustenburg** site.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related discipline.
• A Master's degree is a plus.
• Minimum of 12 years of experience in process safety engineering, with a significant portion focused on hazardous industrial processes.
• In-depth knowledge and practical application experience with Process Safety Management (PSM) elements.
• Proven expertise in leading HAZOP, LOPA, and other risk assessment methodologies.
• Strong understanding of chemical process design, hazardous materials, and safety systems.
• Experience with incident investigation and root cause analysis techniques.
• Excellent analytical, report writing, and presentation skills.
• Ability to influence and guide cross-functional teams and senior management.
• Professional Engineer (Pr. Eng.) or equivalent professional certification is strongly preferred.
• Previous experience in mining or heavy industrial sectors is highly advantageous.

Benefits

This role offers a highly competitive salary, a substantial annual bonus, executive-level health and retirement benefits, generous leave provisions, and significant opportunities for professional development and international exposure. Our client provides a stimulating work environment where safety is paramount, and employees are empowered to make a difference. Relocation assistance will be provided to successful candidates moving to **Rustenburg**.