Senior Process Safety Engineer - Chemical Plant Operations

Placements24; Gqeberha; Hybrid; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid coverage

Retirement fund contributions

Performance bonuses

Professional development & training

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Process Safety Engineer to elevate safety across chemical processes at our Port Elizabeth facility. You will lead PHAs, develop PSM programs, and ensure regulatory compliance while managing SIS design and MOC reviews.

Travel to related Eastern Cape sites may be required. A PE registration is highly desirable, with 7+ years in process safety and strong leadership skills for cross-functional teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.
• 7+ years of process safety engineering experience in chemical/petrochemical industries.
• Expertise in PHA methods (HAZOP/LOPA/FMEA) and risk assessment.
• Strong knowledge of PSM elements (MOC, Mechanical Integrity, Incident Investigation).
• Familiarity with OSHA PSM, EPA RMP, IEC 61511.
• Experience with SIS design and verification, and EHS regulatory compliance.
• Excellent analytical, documentation, and communication skills.
• Pr. Eng registration or equivalent is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Lead PHAs (HAZOP/LOPA/What-If) for new and existing processes.
• Develop and manage PSM programs per standards and regs.
• Perform MOC reviews, PSSRs, and mechanical integrity assessments.
• Investigate incidents and near-misses; drive corrective actions.
• Develop and deliver process safety training to teams.
• Review P&IDs and operating procedures for safety implications.
• Maintain risk registers, safety reports, and emergency plans.
• Promote proactive safety culture and continuous improvement.

Skills

Process safety

PHAs (HAZOP/LOPA)

MOC & PSSR

SIS design & verification

Regulatory compliance

Incident investigation

Risk assessment

Training & mentoring

Communication

EHS management

Education

BEng/BSc in Chemical or Mechanical Engineering

Professional Engineer (Pr.Eng) registration desirable

Tools

PHA software

P&ID review

LOPA tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major player in the chemical manufacturing industry, is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior Process Safety Engineer to enhance safety protocols and operational integrity at their facility located in Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape . This role is paramount in ensuring the safe design, operation, and maintenance of chemical processes, preventing incidents, and protecting personnel, the environment, and company assets. The ideal candidate will possess a comprehensive understanding of process safety management (PSM) principles, risk assessment methodologies, and regulatory compliance. You will be a key contributor to fostering a strong safety culture and driving continuous improvement in safety performance within the plant operations in Port Elizabeth .

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and conduct Process Hazard Analyses (PHAs), including HAZOP, LOPA, and What-If studies for new and existing processes.
• Develop, implement, and manage Process Safety Management (PSM) programs in accordance with industry standards and regulatory requirements.
• Perform mechanical integrity assessments, management of change (MOC) reviews, and pre-startup safety reviews (PSSRs).
• Investigate incidents and near misses, identifying root causes and recommending corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
• Develop and deliver process safety training to engineers, operators, and maintenance personnel.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant environmental, health, and safety (EHS) regulations and company policies.
• Design and specify safety instrumented systems (SIS) and safety relief devices.
• Review P&IDs, process designs, and operating procedures for safety implications.
• Maintain process safety documentation, including safety reports, risk registers, and emergency response plans.
• Champion a proactive safety culture throughout the organization, promoting best practices and continuous improvement.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in process safety engineering within the chemical, petrochemical, or related industries.
• In-depth knowledge of PHA methodologies (HAZOP, LOPA, FMEA) and risk assessment techniques.
• Strong understanding of PSM elements, including Management of Change, Mechanical Integrity, Incident Investigation, and Emergency Planning.
• Familiarity with relevant industry standards (e.g., OSHA PSM, EPA RMP, IEC 61511).
• Experience with Safety Instrumented Systems (SIS) design and verification.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and documentation skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal abilities, with the capacity to influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Professional Engineer (Pr.Eng) registration or equivalent is highly desirable.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team in a plant environment.
• Willingness to travel occasionally to related company sites within the Eastern Cape .

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package, including excellent medical aid coverage, retirement fund contributions, and performance-related bonuses. Opportunities for professional development, advanced training courses, and certification in specialized safety disciplines are provided. The company fosters a supportive work environment with a strong emphasis on work-life balance. This role offers the chance to significantly impact safety outcomes in a key industrial region of Port Elizabeth .