Remote Senior Chemical Engineer - Process Safety and Compliance

Placements24; Vereeniging; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Annual bonus

Remote health benefits

Home office allowance

Global travel for audits

Professional development

Fully remote work

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a highly experienced Senior Chemical Engineer specializing in Process Safety and Compliance for a fully remote role in South Africa. You will lead process safety programs, perform PHAs/LOPA, investigate incidents, and guide global site teams while promoting a strong safety culture from a home office.

The ideal candidate has 10+ years in chemical engineering with a proven track record in process safety, regulatory compliance, and remote collaboration.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or related field.
• Minimum 10 years in chemical engineering with at least 5 years in process safety and risk management.
• Strong knowledge of PHA methodologies (HAZOP, LOPA) and PSM elements.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and manage process safety management programs compliant with international standards.
• Conduct PHAs (HAZOP, LOPA) and risk assessments for new and existing processes.
• Investigate incidents, identify root causes, and implement corrective actions.
• Ensure compliance with local and international safety, health, and environmental regulations.
• Develop and deliver process safety training for engineers, operations, and management.
• Review designs and P&IDs to ensure safety is embedded from concept.
• Provide expert process safety guidance to site teams globally.
• Maintain PSI and safety procedures; stay updated on regulations and trends.
• Lead or participate in safety audits and promote a proactive safety culture.

Skills

Process safety

Risk management

HAZOP/LOPA

Analytical thinking

Influence stakeholders remotely

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Safety software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a global leader in specialty chemicals, is seeking a highly experienced and motivated Senior Chemical Engineer with a specialization in Process Safety and Compliance to join their team on a fully remote basis. This critical role will involve overseeing and enhancing process safety management systems, ensuring adherence to regulatory standards, and promoting a strong safety culture across all operations. You will leverage your extensive expertise to conduct risk assessments, develop safety procedures, and provide guidance on best practices to internal teams. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of chemical processes and a proven track record in implementing effective safety programs. This is a unique opportunity for a seasoned professional to make a significant impact on a global scale without the need for physical relocation, contributing from their home office, potentially anywhere in **South Africa**.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and manage comprehensive process safety management (PSM) programs in accordance with international standards (e.g., OSHA PSM, Seveso Directive).
• Conduct thorough process hazard analyses (PHAs), including HAZOP, LOPA, and risk assessments for new and existing processes.
• Investigate incidents and near-misses, identify root causes, and implement corrective and preventative actions.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant local and international safety, health, and environmental regulations.
• Develop and deliver training programs on process safety to engineering, operations, and management personnel.
• Review engineering designs and P&IDs to ensure safety is integrated from the concept stage.
• Provide expert technical support and guidance on process safety matters to site teams globally.
• Develop and maintain process safety information (PSI) and safety procedures.
• Stay abreast of evolving safety regulations, industry trends, and best practices in chemical process safety.
• Lead or participate in internal and external safety audits.
• Foster a proactive safety culture through engagement and communication across all levels of the organization.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or a related engineering discipline.
• A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in chemical engineering, with at least 5 years focused specifically on process safety and risk management in the chemical industry.
• In-depth knowledge and practical application of PHA methodologies (HAZOP, LOPA).
• Strong understanding of PSM elements and regulatory requirements.
• Experience with incident investigation and root cause analysis techniques.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Exceptional communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders remotely.
• Proficiency in using safety software and relevant technical tools.
• Proven ability to work independently and manage responsibilities effectively in a remote setting.
• Must have a dedicated home office setup conducive to remote work.
• Professional certification in safety (e.g., CSP, CMIOSH) is highly desirable.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary package commensurate with experience.
• Annual bonus based on individual and company performance.
• Comprehensive remote health and wellness benefits.
• Allowance for home office setup and internet connectivity.
• Opportunities for global travel for audits and key meetings (as needed).
• Significant professional development and career advancement opportunities within a global organization.
• The flexibility and autonomy of a fully remote work arrangement.