Process Safety Engineer

Placements24; Pietermaritzburg; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical and dental coverage

Retirement savings plan

Continuous professional development

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Process Safety Engineer for our client’s facility in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal. The role focuses on maintaining PSM, leading PHAs, MOC reviews, and incident investigations to uphold safety and integrity in chemical operations.

The ideal candidate has a chemical or mechanical engineering background with 4+ years in process safety, strong analytical abilities, and proficiency in RCA and safety reporting. On‑site, full‑time role with opportunities for development.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical or Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 4+ years of process safety engineering experience in chemical/manufacturing environment.
• Knowledge of PSM, OSHA PSM and relevant safety regulations.
• Proven experience conducting PHAs (HAZOP/What-If/FMEA).
• Strong analytical and communication skills.
• South Africa work authorization.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement and maintain the Process Safety Management (PSM) system.
• Conduct PHAs (HAZOP, What-If, FMEA) and other risk assessments.
• Perform Management of Change (MOC) reviews for process modifications.
• Investigate process safety incidents and near misses; determine root causes and corrective actions.
• Develop and deliver process safety training programs.
• Ensure compliance with national and international safety regulations and standards.
• Conduct safety audits and inspections of plant operations and equipment.
• Develop emergency response plans and PSI documentation.
• Advise management on process safety matters.

Skills

Process safety engineering

PHAs

MOC reviews

Root cause analysis

Incident investigation

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a global leader in the agricultural chemicals industry, is seeking a dedicated Process Safety Engineer to join their established facility in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal. This vital role is centered on ensuring the highest standards of process safety are maintained across all operations, mitigating risks associated with chemical handling and manufacturing. You will be responsible for implementing and overseeing comprehensive safety management systems, conducting rigorous risk assessments, and promoting a strong safety culture throughout the organization. This is a fantastic opportunity to contribute to operational integrity and safety excellence in a key industrial hub of Pietermaritzburg.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and maintain the Process Safety Management (PSM) system.
• Conduct Process Hazard Analyses (PHAs), including HAZOP, What-If, and FMEA studies.
• Perform Management of Change (MOC) reviews for all process modifications.
• Investigate process safety incidents and near misses, determining root causes and recommending corrective actions.
• Develop and deliver process safety training programs to employees.
• Ensure compliance with relevant national and international safety regulations and standards.
• Perform safety audits and inspections of plant operations and equipment.
• Develop emergency response plans and procedures.
• Maintain process safety information (PSI) documentation.
• Advise management and operational teams on process safety matters.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical field.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience specifically in process safety engineering within a chemical or manufacturing environment.
• In-depth knowledge of PSM principles, OSHA PSM, and other relevant safety regulations.
• Proven experience conducting various types of PHAs.
• Strong understanding of mechanical integrity and reliability concepts.Excellent analytical skills with the ability to identify and assess risks.
• Proficiency in incident investigation techniques and root cause analysis (RCA).
• Strong communication and report writing skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Must hold valid work authorization for South Africa.

Benefits

• competitive annual salary
• comprehensive medical and dental coverage
• a generous retirement savings plan
• opportunities for continuous professional development

This role provides a chance to make a significant impact on safety culture and operational excellence.

The position is based at our client's facility in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, and requires full‑time, on‑site presence.