Senior Chemical Engineer - Process Safety

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Retirement benefits

Performance bonuses

Career development

Hybrid work arrangement

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Chemical Engineer specializing in Process Safety for a global mining and metals client. The role focuses on developing, implementing, and maintaining robust process safety management systems across multiple sites in a hybrid setup.

The ideal candidate has extensive PHA experience and leadership in safety programs. Requirements include a Master's/PhD in Chemical Engineering with 10+ years in chemical engineering and at least 5 years in process safety.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Chemical Engineering.
• 10+ years in chemical engineering with at least 5 years in process safety.
• Expertise in PHAs and risk assessment techniques.
• In-depth knowledge of PSM elements and regulatory requirements.
• Strong understanding of chemical process design, operations, and hazards.
• Excellent analytical and investigative skills.
• Strong leadership and influencing capabilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• PE registration is highly desirable.
• Experience in mining or heavy industry is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead PHAs (HAZOP/LOPA/What-If).
• Develop and implement Process Safety Management programs.
• Ensure compliance with process safety regulations and standards.
• Develop and maintain safety procedures and training materials.
• Investigate safety incidents and root causes; recommend actions.
• Provide guidance on inherent safety in design and modifications.
• Perform safety reviews for projects and MOC processes.
• Collaborate with engineering, operations, and EHS teams.
• Stay current with process safety advancements.

Skills

Process safety

Risk assessment

Hazard analysis

Leadership

Regulatory compliance

Education

Master's degree in Chemical Engineering

PE registration desirable

Tools

HAZOP

LOPA

What-If

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a global leader in the mining and metals sector with significant chemical processing operations, is seeking an experienced Senior Chemical Engineer specializing in Process Safety to join their highly skilled team. This critical role will focus on developing, implementing, and maintaining robust process safety management systems across their diverse facilities. You will lead hazard identification and risk assessment activities, develop safety procedures, and ensure compliance with all relevant regulations. The ideal candidate possesses a deep understanding of chemical processes, inherent safety principles, and extensive experience in risk analysis techniques. This is a unique opportunity to drive safety excellence in a challenging and impactful industrial environment. The position is offered on a hybrid basis, allowing for collaboration with teams across various sites.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and conduct Process Hazard Analyses (PHAs), including HAZOP, LOPA, and What-If studies.
• Develop and implement comprehensive Process Safety Management (PSM) programs.
• Ensure compliance with relevant process safety regulations and industry standards (e.g., OSHA PSM, Seveso).
• Develop and maintain safety-critical procedures, guidelines, and training materials.
• Investigate process safety incidents and near misses, identifying root causes and recommending corrective actions.
• Provide technical expertise and guidance on inherent safety in process design and modifications.
• Perform safety reviews for new projects and management of change (MOC) processes.
• Collaborate with engineering, operations, and EHS departments to foster a strong safety culture.
• Stay current with advancements in process safety technology and methodologies.

Requirements

• Master's degree or PhD in Chemical Engineering or a related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in chemical engineering, with at least 5 years focused on process safety.
• Proven expertise in conducting various PHA methodologies and risk assessment techniques.
• In-depth knowledge of PSM elements and regulatory requirements.
• Strong understanding of chemical process design, operations, and hazards.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and investigative skills.
• Strong leadership and influencing capabilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Professional Engineer (PE) or equivalent registration is highly desirable.
• Experience in the mining or heavy industry sector is a plus.

Benefits

Our client offers an industry-leading salary, comprehensive health and retirement benefits, performance bonuses, and significant opportunities for professional development and career advancement. This role offers a hybrid work arrangement, providing flexibility for employees based in or near **Nelspruit, Mpumalanga**. Benefits include access to cutting-edge safety tools and training, a collaborative work culture, and the chance to make a tangible impact on safety performance within a leading global organization.