Process Safety Engineer - Remote Risk Assessment

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance-based bonuses

Health insurance

Retirement fund contribution

Home office setup support

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a highly specialized Process Safety Engineer for a fully remote role with a leading petrochemicals manufacturer. You will focus on risk assessments, develop safety protocols, and promote a strong safety culture across all operations from a remote work environment.

This role requires deep PHA expertise (HAZOP/LOPA/FMEA), robust PSM knowledge, and excellent remote collaboration skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering; Master's preferred.
• 7+ years in process safety engineering, ideally in petrochemicals/oil & gas.
• Deep knowledge of PHAs (HAZOP/LOPA/FMEA).
• Strong understanding of PSM elements and OSHA PSM.
• Analytical, problem-solving and risk assessment skills.
• Clear written and verbal communication for remote audiences.
• Experience with process simulation software is beneficial.
• Independent work ethic and remote delivery capability.
• Legal authorization to work in South Africa.

Responsibilities

• Conduct PHAs including HAZOP, LOPA, and FMEA.
• Develop and maintain PSM programs.
• Assess risks in chemical processes and equipment.
• Develop risk reduction strategies and safety procedures.
• Oversee incident investigations and root cause analysis.
• Ensure compliance with national and international process safety standards.
• Develop and deliver process safety training.
• Collaborate with engineering, operations, and maintenance teams.
• Stay updated on new technologies and best practices.
• Maintain process safety documentation and records.

Skills

HAZOP

LOPA

FMEA

PSM

Risk assessment

Remote comms

Education

BSc Chemical Eng

MS preferred

Tools

Process simulation software

Risk assessment tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading petrochemicals manufacturer, is seeking a highly specialized Process Safety Engineer to join their team on a fully remote basis. This critical role will focus on ensuring the highest standards of safety across all operations by conducting thorough risk assessments, developing safety protocols, and promoting a strong safety culture, all from a remote work environment. You will be instrumental in identifying potential hazards, implementing mitigation strategies, and ensuring compliance with stringent industry regulations. The ideal candidate will possess extensive knowledge of process safety management (PSM) principles, a proactive approach to hazard identification, and excellent analytical and communication skills tailored for remote collaboration. This is a unique opportunity to influence safety practices at a major industrial player without the need for on-site presence.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive Process Hazard Analyses (PHAs), including HAZOP, LOPA, and FMEA studies.


• Develop, implement, and maintain Process Safety Management (PSM) programs.


• Identify and assess risks associated with chemical processes and equipment.


• Develop and recommend effective risk reduction strategies and safety procedures.


• Oversee incident investigations, root cause analysis, and the implementation of corrective actions.


• Ensure compliance with relevant national and international process safety regulations and standards.


• Develop and deliver process safety training to relevant personnel.


• Collaborate with engineering, operations, and maintenance teams to integrate safety into design and operations.


• Stay abreast of new technologies and best practices in process safety engineering.


• Maintain all necessary process safety documentation and records.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or a closely related field. A Master's degree is a plus.


• Minimum of 7 years of experience in process safety engineering, preferably within the petrochemical, chemical, or oil & gas industries.


• In-depth knowledge and practical experience with various PHA methodologies (HAZOP, LOPA, FMEA).


• Strong understanding of Process Safety Management (PSM) elements and regulations (e.g., OSHA PSM).


• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and risk assessment skills.


• Proven ability to communicate complex safety information clearly and effectively, both written and verbal, for remote audiences.


• Experience with process simulation software and risk assessment tools is beneficial.


• Ability to work independently, manage priorities, and deliver results in a remote setting.


• Must be legally authorized to work in South Africa.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, including performance-based bonuses and generous leave allowances. As a fully remote position, you will enjoy unparalleled flexibility and work-life balance. The company provides robust health insurance, a contribution to a retirement fund, and significant opportunities for professional development, including certifications and advanced training in process safety. Support for setting up an effective home office is also provided.


• Join a safety-first organization committed to protecting its people and the environment.