Process Safety Engineer - Chemical Industry

Placements24; South Africa; Hybrid; ZAR 800,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangement

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Process Safety Engineer for their Polokwane facility. You will design, implement and supervise safety programs to protect personnel and the environment while safeguarding company assets.

You will lead PHAs (HAZOP/LOPA), manage PSM procedures, and ensure compliance with OSHA PSM and Seveso-like standards. Strong analytical and communication skills are essential in this hybrid role based in Polokwane.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or a related field.
• Minimum 5 years of process safety experience in chemical or petrochemical industries.
• Solid knowledge of PSM elements (OSHA PSM, Seveso Directive).
• Experience facilitating PHAs and conducting risk assessments.
• Familiarity with NFPA, API safety standards.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and facilitate PHAs (HAZOP, LOPA, What-If) studies.
• Develop and manage Process Safety Management programs and procedures.
• Ensure compliance with national and international safety regulations.
• Conduct safety audits and inspections of processes and equipment.
• Investigate incidents and near misses, identifying root causes and corrective actions.
• Develop and deliver process safety training to relevant personnel.
• Oversee Management of Change procedures for safe modifications.
• Collaborate with engineering and operations to integrate safety into design and execution.
• Maintain PSI and documentation.
• Promote a strong safety culture across the organization.

Skills

Process safety engineering

Hazard analysis facilitation

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering

Tools

PHAs (HAZOP/LOPA)

PSM programs

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading multinational chemical producer, is seeking a dedicated Process Safety Engineer to enhance safety protocols and compliance at their **Polokwane** facility. This critical role ensures the safe design, operation, and maintenance of all chemical processes, safeguarding personnel, the environment, and company assets. You will be responsible for conducting hazard assessments, developing safety procedures, and implementing risk mitigation strategies. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of process safety management (PSM) principles, regulatory requirements, and hands‑on experience in the chemical industry. This is a fantastic opportunity to make a significant impact on safety culture and operational integrity within a prominent organization in **Polokwane**. You will work closely with engineering, operations, and EHS teams to foster a proactive safety environment and drive continuous improvement in safety performance. The role demands meticulous attention to detail, strong analytical skills, and a commitment to upholding the highest standards of process safety. We are looking for a guardian of safety, dedicated to preventing incidents and promoting a secure working environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and facilitate Process Hazard Analyses (PHAs), including HAZOP, LOPA, and What-If studies.
• Develop, implement, and manage Process Safety Management (PSM) programs and procedures.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant national and international process safety regulations and standards.
• Conduct safety audits and inspections of chemical processes and equipment.
• Investigate incidents and near misses, identifying root causes and recommending corrective actions.
• Develop and deliver process safety training to relevant personnel.
• Oversee Management of Change (MOC) procedures to ensure safety is considered in all process modifications.
• Collaborate with engineering and operations teams to incorporate safety considerations into project design and execution.
• Maintain process safety information (PSI) and documentation.
• Promote a strong safety culture throughout the organization.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or a related engineering discipline.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in process safety engineering within the chemical or petrochemical industry.
• In-depth knowledge of PSM elements (e.g., OSHA PSM, Seveso Directive).
• Proven experience in facilitating PHAs and conducting risk assessments.
• Familiarity with relevant safety standards (e.g., NFPA, API).
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings and process documentation.
• Strong understanding of chemical processes, equipment, and potential hazards.
• Experience with incident investigation techniques.
• Professional certifications in process safety (e.g., CSP) are highly desirable.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, a comprehensive benefits package including medical aid, disability insurance, and a performance-driven bonus structure. This role provides significant opportunities to influence safety practices and career advancement within a globally recognized chemical company. The position is based in **Polokwane** and includes a hybrid work arrangement, offering a balance between site-specific responsibilities and remote flexibility. Employees benefit from ongoing professional development, access to specialized training, and a commitment to fostering a safe and healthy work environment.