Process Safety Engineer - Petrochemical

Placements24; Mtubatuba Local Municipality; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive base salary

Performance bonuses

Health insurance coverage

Retirement plan

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Process Safety Engineer for our client in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal. This role focuses on ensuring safety across chemical processes and operations, developing robust safety management systems and conducting risk assessments to protect personnel, assets and the environment.

You will lead PSM programs, perform PHAs (HAZOP/LOPA), investigate incidents, ensure equipment integrity, review MOC and monitor safety KPIs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related technical field.
• Minimum of 6 years in process safety engineering in petrochemical/chemical manufacturing.
• In-depth knowledge of PSM elements and risk assessment methods.
• Familiarity with OSHA PSM, EPA RMP, NFPA standards.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication with ability to influence stakeholders.
• Ability to work independently and in teams.
• CSP certification is a significant advantage.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement Process Safety Management programs per industry best practices and regulatory requirements.
• Conduct PHAs, including HAZOP, LOPA, and What-If studies.
• Investigate incidents and near misses; identify root causes and corrective actions.
• Develop and deliver process safety training to employees at all levels.
• Ensure mechanical integrity of process equipment and safety-critical systems.
• Review designs and Management of Change processes to embed safety.
• Monitor KPIs for process safety and report to management.
• Stay updated with evolving safety regulations and standards.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication

Stakeholder engagement

Teamwork

Education

Bachelors in Chemical Engineering

Bachelors in Mechanical Engineering

CSP certification

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major player in the petrochemical industry, is seeking a dedicated Process Safety Engineer to join their team in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal. This vital role focuses on ensuring the highest standards of safety across all chemical processes and operations, safeguarding personnel, assets, and the environment. The Process Safety Engineer will be responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining robust safety management systems, conducting risk assessments, and promoting a strong safety culture throughout the organization. This is a critical position within our client's operations in Richards Bay, contributing directly to their commitment to operational excellence and responsible manufacturing.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive Process Safety Management (PSM) programs in accordance with industry best practices and regulatory requirements.
• Conduct thorough Process Hazard Analyses (PHAs), including HAZOP, LOPA, and What-If studies.
• Investigate process safety incidents and near misses, identifying root causes and recommending corrective actions.
• Develop and deliver process safety training to employees at all levels.
• Ensure mechanical integrity of process equipment and safety-critical systems.
• Review engineering designs and Management of Change (MOC) processes to ensure safety is integrated from the outset.
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) for process safety and report on performance to management.
• Stay current with evolving safety regulations, industry standards, and technological advancements in process safety.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical field.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in process safety engineering, preferably within the petrochemical or chemical manufacturing industry.
• In-depth knowledge of PSM elements, hazard identification techniques, and risk assessment methodologies.
• Familiarity with relevant safety standards (e.g., OSHA PSM, EPA RMP, NFPA).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a meticulous attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to influence and engage stakeholders.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced industrial environment.
• Certification in process safety (e.g., CSP) is a significant advantage.

Benefits

Our client offers an attractive remuneration package, including a competitive base salary, performance bonuses, comprehensive health insurance coverage, and a generous retirement plan. Opportunities for professional development and career advancement within a leading industry organization are provided. This position is based at our client's facility in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal, requiring full-time, on-site dedication to ensure effective implementation and oversight of safety programs.