Process Safety Engineer

Placements24; Richards Bay; Hybrid; ZAR 850,000 - 1,150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical benefits

Retirement benefits

Hybrid work model

Career development & training

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a seasoned Process Safety Engineer for Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal. The role focuses on designing, operating, and maintaining robust process safety management systems to minimize hazards in oil and gas operations.

You will lead PHAs, SIL assessments, MOC processes, and safety training while coordinating with engineering and operations teams. The position supports a hybrid work model with on-site and remote duties, requiring strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering (or related field).
• Minimum 6 years of experience in process safety engineering (Oil & Gas, petrochemical or chemical industries).
• Strong knowledge of PSM elements (OSHA PSM, EPA RMP) and API/NFPA standards.
• Experience with PHAs and SIL assessments; familiarity with SIS and functional safety concepts.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and maintain PSM programs aligned with regulatory standards.
• Conduct PHAs (HAZOP, LOPA, FMEA) and facilitate analyses.
• Perform SIL assessments and ensure SIS compliance.
• Oversee MOC procedures during modifications.
• Investigate incidents, root causes, and corrective actions.
• Deliver process safety training to relevant personnel.
• Audit PS systems and PSI information for accuracy and effectiveness.
• Collaborate with engineering, operations, and maintenance to integrate safety.
• Stay updated with evolving process safety regulations and technologies.

Skills

PHAs & SIL assessments

PSM knowledge

Hazard analysis

Analytical & communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical or Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SIS familiarity

Functional safety concepts

Regulatory standards knowledge

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major player in the Oil & Gas sector, is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Process Safety Engineer to join their operations in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal. This critical role ensures the safe design, operation, and maintenance of all process facilities, minimizing risks associated with hazardous materials and complex operations. The Process Safety Engineer will be responsible for developing, implementing, and managing robust process safety management (PSM) systems, conducting hazard analyses, and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements. This role operates on a hybrid model, requiring a balance of on-site presence for critical activities and remote flexibility for analysis and reporting.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and maintain Process Safety Management (PSM) programs aligned with industry best practices and regulatory standards.
• Conduct and facilitate Process Hazard Analyses (PHAs), including HAZOP, LOPA, and FMEA studies.
• Perform safety integrity level (SIL) assessments and ensure appropriate safety instrumented systems (SIS) are in place.
• Oversee Management of Change (MOC) procedures to ensure process safety is maintained during modifications.
• Investigate process safety incidents, near misses, and deviations, identifying root causes and recommending corrective actions.
• Develop and deliver process safety training to relevant personnel.
• Audit process safety systems and procedures to ensure ongoing compliance and effectiveness.
• Maintain process safety information (PSI) and ensure its accuracy and accessibility.
• Collaborate with engineering, operations, and maintenance teams to integrate safety into all stages of the facility lifecycle.
• Stay current with evolving process safety regulations, standards, and technologies within the Oil & Gas industry.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in process safety engineering, preferably within the Oil & Gas, petrochemical, or chemical industries.
• In-depth knowledge of PSM elements (e.g., OSHA PSM, EPA RMP) and industry standards (e.g., API, NFPA).
• Proven experience in conducting and facilitating PHAs and SIL assessments.
• Familiarity with safety instrumented systems (SIS) and functional safety concepts.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a hybrid work environment, effectively managing time between office and remote duties.
• Strong understanding of hazardous materials and risk management principles.
• Relevant professional certifications (e.g., CSP, CFPS) are a plus.
• Experience with Richards Bay operations or similar industrial environments is beneficial.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive medical and retirement benefits, and opportunities for career growth.
• The hybrid work model provides flexibility, and the role is based in the vibrant industrial hub of Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal.
• Employees benefit from working on critical safety initiatives within a leading Oil & Gas company, contributing to operational excellence and a culture of safety.
• Professional development and training are strongly supported.