Process Safety Chemical Engineer

Placements24; Paarl; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Specialized process safety training

Strong safety culture

Job summary

Placements24 in Paarl, Western Cape, is seeking a Process Safety Chemical Engineer to lead safety across design, operation and maintenance in our chemical facilities.

You will conduct PHAs, develop PSM programs, and enforce regulatory compliance while mentoring teams to strengthen our safety culture and incident prevention practices in a dynamic chemical environment.

Qualifications

• BEng or BSc in Chemical Engineering or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in chemical engineering, with a strong emphasis on process safety.
• Proven experience in conducting PHAs and developing PSM programs.
• In-depth knowledge of process safety regulations, standards (OSHA PSM, EPA RMP), and best practices.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to identify and mitigate complex risks.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and lead cross-functional teams on safety initiatives.
• Familiarity with chemical processes and equipment is essential.
• Must be based in or willing to relocate to the Paarl, Western Cape area.

Responsibilities

• Lead and participate in Process Hazard Analyses (PHAs), including HAZOP, LOPA, and FMEA studies.
• Develop and implement comprehensive process safety management (PSM) programs.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant national and international process safety regulations and standards.
• Conduct incident investigations and root cause analyses (RCAs) related to process safety events.
• Develop and review safety procedures, operating guidelines, and emergency response plans.
• Perform risk assessments for new process designs and modifications to existing ones.
• Provide technical expertise and training on process safety principles and best practices.
• Collaborate with engineering, operations, and maintenance teams to integrate safety into all aspects of plant activities.
• Monitor and report on key process safety performance indicators (KPIs).
• Stay current with emerging trends and technologies in process safety.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Independent work

Cross-functional leadership

Safety culture advocacy

Education

BEng or BSc in Chemical Engineering

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent manufacturer of fine chemicals, is seeking a dedicated Process Safety Chemical Engineer to join their operations in Paarl, Western Cape . This critical role is responsible for ensuring the highest standards of process safety throughout the design, operation, and maintenance phases of our chemical facilities. You will conduct thorough risk assessments, develop safety procedures, and promote a strong safety culture across the organization. The ideal candidate possesses a robust understanding of chemical engineering principles, regulatory compliance, and a proactive approach to hazard identification and mitigation. This position offers a significant opportunity to make a tangible impact on workplace safety and operational integrity within the dynamic chemical industry of the Paarl region.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and participate in Process Hazard Analyses (PHAs), including HAZOP, LOPA, and FMEA studies.
• Develop and implement comprehensive process safety management (PSM) programs.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant national and international process safety regulations and standards.
• Conduct incident investigations and root cause analyses (RCAs) related to process safety events.
• Develop and review safety procedures, operating guidelines, and emergency response plans.
• Perform risk assessments for new process designs and modifications to existing ones.
• Provide technical expertise and training on process safety principles and best practices.
• Collaborate with engineering, operations, and maintenance teams to integrate safety into all aspects of plant activities.
• Monitor and report on key process safety performance indicators (KPIs).
• Stay current with emerging trends and technologies in process safety.

Requirements

• BEng or BSc in Chemical Engineering or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in chemical engineering, with a strong emphasis on process safety.
• Proven experience in conducting various types of PHAs and developing PSM programs.
• In-depth knowledge of process safety regulations, standards (e.g., OSHA PSM, EPA RMP), and best practices.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to identify and mitigate complex risks.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and lead cross-functional teams on safety initiatives.
• Familiarity with chemical processes and equipment is essential.
• Must be based in or willing to relocate to the Paarl, Western Cape area.

Benefits

• Competitive salary with annual bonus potential.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund benefits.
• Opportunities for specialized process safety training and certifications.
• Contribute to a critical safety-focused role within a reputable organization.
• Supportive team environment with a strong emphasis on safety culture.