Senior Process Safety Engineer - Chemical & Petrochemical

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

Benefits offered by this job

Private medical coverage

Provident fund

Annual leave

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Process Safety Engineer for our Durban, KwaZulu-Natal facilities in the chemical/petrochemical sector. You will drive process safety management, risk assessments, and continuous improvement to protect people, assets, and the environment.

You will lead HAZOP/LOPA studies, implement PSM programs, conduct audits, investigate incidents, and train staff. On-site role with emphasis on regulatory compliance and safety leadership.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical or Mechanical Engineering is required.
• At least 8 years in process safety engineering within chemical/oil & gas.
• Knowledge of OSHA PSM and EPA RMP is essential.
• Experience leading PHAs (HAZOP/LOPA/What-If).
• Familiarity with API and NFPA standards.
• Strong analytical, communication, and stakeholder influencing skills.
• On-site Durban experience is required.

Responsibilities

• Lead PHAs including HAZOP, LOPA, and What-If studies.
• Develop and manage Process Safety Management programs.
• Conduct safety audits and inspections for compliance.
• Investigate process safety incidents and recommend actions.
• Deliver process safety training to staff and engineers.
• Review designs for inherent safety and safety standards.
• Maintain safety-critical equipment documentation.

Skills

Process safety

HAZOP

LOPA

What-If

OSHA PSM

EPA RMP

API/NFPA

Root cause analysis

Incident investigation

Training delivery

Stakeholder comms

Team collaboration

On-site work

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering

Job description

About the Role

Our client is a leading force in the chemical and petrochemical sector, seeking a dedicated Senior Process Safety Engineer to join their established team in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. This critical role is focused on ensuring the highest standards of safety across all operational processes, safeguarding personnel, assets, and the environment. You will be responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining robust process safety management systems, conducting hazard analyses, and driving a proactive safety culture. This is an on-site position, integral to the operational integrity of our client's Durban facilities. The successful candidate will play a key role in risk mitigation and continuous improvement within a challenging and rewarding industrial setting.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and participate in Process Hazard Analyses (PHAs), including HAZOP, LOPA, and What-If studies.
• Develop, implement, and manage Process Safety Management (PSM) programs in accordance with industry standards and regulations.
• Conduct safety audits and inspections to ensure compliance and identify areas for improvement.
• Investigate process safety incidents, identify root causes, and recommend corrective actions.
• Develop and deliver process safety training to operational and engineering staff.
• Review engineering designs and modifications to ensure inherent safety and compliance with safety standards.
• Maintain safety-critical equipment documentation and performance records.Stay current with evolving process safety regulations and best practices.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• A minimum of 8 years of experience specifically in process safety engineering within the chemical, petrochemical, or Oil & Gas industries.
• In-depth knowledge of process safety management elements (e.g., OSHA PSM, EPA RMP).
• Strong experience conducting and facilitating HAZOP and other risk assessment methodologies.
• Familiarity with relevant safety codes, standards, and guidelines (e.g., API, NFPA).
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with meticulous attention to detail.
• Strong communication and presentation skills, capable of influencing stakeholders at all levels.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team on-site in Durban.
• Professional Engineer (Pr Eng) registration is a significant advantage.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive base salary, coupled with performance-based incentives and a comprehensive benefits package. This includes private medical coverage, a generous provident fund, and substantial annual leave. Opportunities for professional growth are supported through internal training programs and external certifications. The role is based at our client's state-of-the-art facility in Durban, offering a stable and secure working environment. Employees are part of a committed team focused on operational excellence and safety leadership within the KwaZulu-Natal region.