Process Safety Engineer - Petrochemical Plant Operations

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

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid

Pension fund

Performance bonuses

Professional certifications

Annual leave

Job summary

Placements24 in Rustenburg, North West, seeks a Process Safety Engineer to elevate the plant's safety performance. You will own process safety management programs, conduct PHAs (HAZOP/HAZID) and risk assessments, and oversee SIS design and MOC to ensure regulatory compliance.

You will lead training, audits, and incident investigations, promoting a culture of safety and continuous improvement across the site. A strong background in chemical engineering and 6+ years in process safety are required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical or Mechanical Engineering; Master's preferred.
• At least 6 years in process safety within chemical/oil & gas.
• Experience with PHA methodologies (HAZOP/HAZID).
• Knowledge of SIS and IEC 61508/61511 standards.
• Strong analytical and communication skills; ability to work in multidisciplinary teams.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage process safety management (PSM) programs.
• Conduct PHAs (HAZOP/HAZID/LOPA) and risk assessments.
• Ensure regulatory compliance and SIS design reviews.
• Lead management of change (MOC) procedures and safety audits.
• Deliver process safety training and maintain documentation.

Skills

Chemical Engineering

Process safety

HAZOP/HAZID

SIS & safety standards

Regulatory knowledge

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering

Master's degree preferred

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major force in the Oil & Gas and petrochemical industry, is seeking a dedicated Process Safety Engineer to bolster their operational integrity and safety management systems at their facility in Rustenburg, North West . This role is paramount in ensuring the safe design, operation, and maintenance of all process facilities, minimizing risks associated with hazardous materials and processes. The successful candidate will be responsible for implementing and overseeing robust safety protocols, conducting hazard analyses, and ensuring compliance with stringent regulatory standards. This is a critical position for an individual passionate about process safety, aiming to safeguard personnel, assets, and the environment. Based in the industrious city of Rustenburg , you will contribute to a culture of safety excellence. Our client is committed to upholding the highest safety standards and invests heavily in ensuring a secure working environment. This position requires a hands‑on approach and a deep understanding of chemical processes and their associated hazards. You will be a key advocate for safety, driving continuous improvement in all aspects of plant operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and manage comprehensive process safety management (PSM) programs.
• Conduct Process Hazard Analyses (PHAs), including HAZOP, HAZID, and LOPA studies, for new and existing processes.
• Perform risk assessments and implement mitigation strategies to reduce potential hazards.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant local and international process safety regulations and standards (e.g., OSHA PSM, COMAH).
• Develop and review Safety Integrity Level (SIL) assessments and Safety Instrumented Systems (SIS) design.
• Oversee management of change (MOC) procedures to ensure safety is considered in all process modifications.
• Investigate process safety incidents, near misses, and deviations to determine root causes and implement corrective actions.
• Develop and deliver process safety training programs for plant personnel.
• Conduct regular safety audits and inspections of plant facilities and operations in Rustenburg .
• Maintain process safety documentation, including safety manuals, procedures, and reports.
• Promote a strong safety culture throughout the organization, encouraging active participation from all employees.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline. A Master's degree is a plus.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in process safety engineering within the chemical, petrochemical, or Oil & Gas industries.
• Demonstrated experience with PHA methodologies (HAZOP, HAZID).
• Solid understanding of safety instrumented systems (SIS) and functional safety standards (IEC 61508/61511).
• Knowledge of relevant process safety regulations and best practices.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, with meticulous attention to detail.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Experience in the North West region is an advantage.
• Must possess the legal right to work in South Africa .

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary package with annual reviews.
• Robust medical aid and pension fund benefits.
• Opportunities for advanced training and professional certifications in process safety.
• Potential for bonuses based on safety performance.
• Stable employment with a well-established industry leader.
• Generous annual leave allowance.
• Exposure to large-scale industrial operations in Rustenburg .
• A strong emphasis on employee well-being and a safe working environment.
• Career development prospects within the organization.
• Supportive management and a collaborative team atmosphere.