Process Safety Engineer - Chemical Industry

Placements24; Durban; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Process Safety Engineer for a Durban chemical facility. You will lead safety programs, risk assessments, and incident investigations on-site, ensuring compliance and a strong safety culture.

The role requires a degree in Chemical or Mechanical Engineering, 5+ years in process safety, knowledge of OSHA PSM and NFPA, and HAZOP/LOPA experience. CSP certification is desirable; SIS familiarity is a plus.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical or Mechanical Engineering or related technical field.
• 5+ years in process safety engineering within chemical/petrochemical industries.
• Knowledge of process safety principles, standards (OSHA PSM, NFPA), and methodologies.
• Experience with hazard assessments (HAZOP, LOPA).
• Strong understanding of chemical process operations and equipment.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and investigative skills.
• Effective communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams and influence safety practices.
• Certification in Process Safety (e.g., CSP) is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with safety instrumented systems (SIS) is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and manage comprehensive process safety management (PSM) programs.
• Conduct PHAs such as HAZOP, LOPA, and What-If studies.
• Perform incident investigations and root cause analyses, developing corrective actions.
• Ensure compliance with local and international process safety regulations and standards.
• Develop and deliver process safety training to employees and contractors.
• Oversee the management of change (MOC) process for modifications to processes or equipment.
• Review engineering designs and modifications for process safety implications.
• Conduct regular safety audits and inspections of plant facilities and operations.
• Maintain process safety information (PSI) and ensure its accuracy and accessibility.
• Promote and foster a proactive safety culture throughout the facility in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal.

Skills

HAZOP/LOPA

Risk assessment

Incident investigation

Regulatory compliance

Communication

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical or Mechanical Engineering

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major chemical production facility, is looking for a dedicated Process Safety Engineer to join their operations team in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal . This critical role is responsible for ensuring the highest standards of safety in all chemical processes and plant operations, minimizing risks and preventing incidents. You will be at the forefront of implementing and maintaining robust safety management systems, conducting thorough risk assessments, and promoting a strong safety culture across the organization. This is a hands-on role requiring close collaboration with operational and engineering staff on-site.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and manage comprehensive process safety management (PSM) programs.
• Conduct Process Hazard Analyses (PHAs) such as HAZOP, LOPA, and What-If studies.
• Perform incident investigations and root cause analyses, developing corrective actions.
• Ensure compliance with all local and international process safety regulations and standards.
• Develop and deliver process safety training to employees and contractors.
• Oversee the management of change (MOC) process for all modifications to processes or equipment.
• Review engineering designs and modifications for process safety implications.
• Conduct regular safety audits and inspections of plant facilities and operations.
• Maintain process safety information (PSI) and ensure its accuracy and accessibility.
• Promote and foster a proactive safety culture throughout the facility in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal .

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in process safety engineering within the chemical or petrochemical industry.
• In-depth knowledge of process safety principles, standards (e.g., OSHA PSM, NFPA), and methodologies.
• Experience in conducting various types of hazard assessments (HAZOP, LOPA).
• Strong understanding of chemical process operations and equipment.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and investigative skills.
• Effective communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams and influence safety practices.
• Certification in Process Safety (e.g., CSP) is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with safety instrumented systems (SIS) is a plus.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, excellent medical aid, and retirement fund benefits. You will have the opportunity to work in a state-of-the-art facility and contribute to a vital aspect of the company's operations. Professional development and continuous learning are encouraged. This role is based in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal , and operates under a strictly 'No Remote' policy, requiring full-time presence at the designated location.