Principal Process Safety Engineer - Chemical Energy

Placements24; Randburg; On-site; ZAR 1,800,000 - 3,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Industry-leading salary

Medical and dental coverage

Job summary

Placements24 in Randburg, South Africa, seeks a Principal Process Safety Engineer to lead PSM, PHAs, and risk assessments across chemical/energy processes. The role emphasizes safety culture, regulatory compliance, and mentoring teams.

Responsibilities include PHAs (HAZOP/LOPA/What-If), SIS and MOC oversight, incident investigations, and safety training. On-site position with opportunities to influence safety standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or related field.
• Master's degree preferred for senior level.
• 10+ years in process safety engineering in energy/chemical sectors.
• Pr. Eng. registration with ECSA highly desirable.
• Extensive experience with PHA methodologies and risk analysis.
• Solid understanding of SIS and MOC processes, safety codes and standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and continuous improvement of Process Safety Management (PSM) systems.
• Conduct PHAs (HAZOP, LOPA, What-If) for new and existing processes.
• Develop and review SIL assessments and verification.
• Ensure compliance with OSHA PSM, Seveso-like standards and related regulations.
• Provide technical safety guidance for projects and operations.
• Investigate incidents, determine root causes, and implement corrective actions.
• Develop and deliver process safety training programs.
• Manage process safety information and documentation.
• Participate in safety audits and facility reviews.
• Stay updated on advancing process safety practices.

Skills

Process safety engineering

PHA methodologies

HAZOP

LOPA

What-If

SIS

MOC

Risk assessment

Regulatory compliance

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's in Chemical Engineering

Master's degree (preferred)

Professional Engineer (Pr. Eng.) registration (desirable)

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major force in the chemical and energy processing industries, is seeking an exceptional Principal Process Safety Engineer to join their team in Randburg, Gauteng . This senior role is critical for ensuring the highest standards of safety in process design, operation, and modification, safeguarding personnel, assets, and the environment. The ideal candidate will possess deep expertise in process safety management (PSM), hazard identification, risk assessment, and regulatory compliance within complex industrial settings. This is an on-site role, integral to maintaining safe and efficient operations in Randburg, Gauteng .

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of Process Safety Management (PSM) systems.
• Conduct comprehensive Process Hazard Analyses (PHAs), including HAZOP, LOPA, and FMEA studies, for new and existing processes.
• Develop and review Safety Integrity Level (SIL) assessments and verification.
• Ensure compliance with national and international process safety regulations and standards (e.g., OSHA PSM, Seveso Directive principles).
• Provide technical expertise and guidance on process safety aspects for new projects, modifications, and operational changes.
• Investigate process safety incidents, determine root causes, and recommend corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
• Develop and deliver process safety training programs for engineers, operators, and management.
• Manage and maintain process safety information (PSI) and documentation.
• Participate in safety audits and reviews of company facilities and operations.
• Stay abreast of emerging trends and best practices in process safety engineering within the energy and chemical sectors.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or a related discipline.
• A Master's degree is preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in process safety engineering, with a significant portion in the energy , petrochemical, or chemical processing industries.
• Professional Engineer (Pr. Eng.) registration with ECSA is highly desirable.
• Extensive knowledge and practical experience in conducting various PHA methodologies (HAZOP, LOPA, What-If).
• Strong understanding of risk assessment techniques, safety instrumented systems (SIS), and management of change (MOC) processes.
• Familiarity with relevant safety codes and standards (e.g., API, ASME, IEC 61508/61511).
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Strong leadership and influencing abilities, with effective communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple complex tasks concurrently.
• Commitment to maintaining a strong safety culture.

Benefits

• Our client offers an industry-leading salary, comprehensive medical and dental coverage, a robust retirement fund, and substantial opportunities for professional development and career advancement.

Employees benefit from working on critical safety initiatives that protect both people and the environment. Join a highly respected organization in Randburg, Gauteng , committed to setting the benchmark for safety in the energy sector.