Senior Process Safety Engineer - Chemical Plants

Placements24; Soweto; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Annual bonus

Training & certifications

Stability and safety focus

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Process Safety Engineer for on-site work near Soweto, Gauteng. You will lead PHAs (HAZOP/LOPA/FMEA), develop and maintain PSM programs, and ensure compliance with OSHA PSM and CCPS guidelines to safeguard personnel and the environment.

The role requires 8+ years in process safety within chemical or petrochemical industries, with expertise in SIL assessments and SIS. A Pr. Eng. is highly desirable to advance safety culture and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or related discipline.
• At least 8 years of progressive process safety experience in chemical/petrochemical environments.
• Proven experience conducting PHAs (HAZOP/LOPA/FMEA).
• Strong knowledge of PSM principles and standards (OSHA PSM, CCPS).
• Experience with SIL assessments and Safety Instrumented Systems (SIS).

Responsibilities

• Lead and facilitate PHAs (HAZOP, LOPA, FMEA).
• Develop, implement, and maintain PSM programs and systems.
• Ensure compliance with national and international process safety regulations.
• Conduct SIL assessments and specify SIS.
• Develop and review operating procedures and MOC protocols.
• Investigate incidents to identify root causes and corrective actions.
• Perform PSSRs for new installations and modifications.
• Provide process safety training to staff.
• Maintain PSI databases and documentation.
• Stay updated on process safety trends and best practices.

Skills

Process safety expertise

Leadership

Analytical skills

Risk assessment

Communication

Education

Bachelor's in Chemical Engineering

Professional Engineer (Pr. Eng.)

Tools

SIS

PSM standards

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major chemical manufacturing company with extensive operations near **Soweto, Gauteng**, is seeking a Senior Process Safety Engineer to enhance and maintain the safety integrity of their chemical processing facilities. This critical role focuses on implementing robust process safety management (PSM) programs, conducting hazard analyses, and ensuring compliance with all safety regulations and industry best practices. The Senior Process Safety Engineer will lead initiatives to identify, assess, and mitigate process-related risks, ensuring the well-being of personnel and the environment. You will be instrumental in fostering a strong safety culture and driving continuous improvement in process safety performance within **South Africa**'s vital chemical industry. The position requires a dedicated on-site presence to effectively manage and implement safety protocols.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and facilitate Process Hazard Analyses (PHAs), including HAZOP, LOPA, and FMEA studies.
• Develop, implement, and maintain Process Safety Management (PSM) systems and programs.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant national and international process safety regulations and standards.
• Conduct safety integrity level (SIL) assessments and specify safety instrumented systems (SIS).
• Develop and review operating procedures, management of change (MOC) protocols, and emergency response plans.
• Investigate process safety incidents, identify root causes, and recommend corrective actions.
• Perform pre-startup safety reviews (PSSRs) for new installations and modifications.
• Provide expert advice and training on process safety principles and practices to operational staff.
• Maintain process safety information (PSI) databases and documentation.
• Stay updated on emerging trends and best practices in process safety engineering.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or a related discipline.
• A minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in process safety engineering within the chemical or petrochemical industry.
• Proven experience in conducting various types of Process Hazard Analyses (PHAs).
• In-depth knowledge of Process Safety Management (PSM) principles and standards (e.g., OSHA PSM, CCPS guidelines).
• Experience with Safety Integrity Level (SIL) assessments and Safety Instrumented Systems (SIS).
• Strong understanding of chemical processes, equipment, and potential hazards.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and risk assessment skills.
• Strong communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills.
• Professional Engineer (Pr. Eng.) certification is highly desirable.
• Experience working in industrial settings near **Soweto, Gauteng** or similar complex chemical facilities in **South Africa** is a significant advantage.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package commensurate with experience and expertise in process safety.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund contributions.
• Annual performance-based bonus.
• Opportunities for specialized process safety training and certifications.
• Key role in ensuring safe and sustainable operations in a critical industry.
• Stable employment with a reputable chemical manufacturing company.
• Supportive environment focused on health, safety, and operational excellence.