Senior Process Safety Engineer - Energy Operations

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

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Professional development

Safety-focused culture

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Process Safety Engineer for our client in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga, to lead process safety initiatives across energy operations.

The role requires extensive experience in PSM, risk assessments (HAZOP/LOPA), and regulatory compliance, with strong leadership to drive safety culture and cross-functional collaboration.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.
• 8+ years in process safety engineering in energy, oil & gas, or chemical sectors.
• Desirable Pr.Eng. registration with ECSA and familiarity with PSM elements.
• Experience with HAZOP/LOPA and other risk assessment methods.
• Knowledge of SIS and IEC 61508/61511 standards.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and manage Process Safety Management programs.
• Conduct PHAs (HAZOP/HAZID/What-If) and determine SIL for safety functions.
• Lead incident investigations and root cause analyses for process safety events.
• Ensure compliance with OSHA PSM, EPA RMP, and industry standards.
• Deliver process safety training and conduct audits and gap assessments.
• Foster a strong safety culture across operations and engineering teams.

Skills

HAZOP/LOPA

PSM knowledge

Leadership

Regulatory compliance

SIS knowledge

Education

Bachelor's in Chemical/Mechanical Eng

Tools

PSM software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent leader in the **energy** sector, is seeking a highly experienced Senior Process Safety Engineer to join their operational excellence team in **Nelspruit, Mpumalanga**. This critical role is dedicated to ensuring the highest standards of safety in all energy production and processing operations. You will be responsible for developing, implementing, and overseeing robust process safety management systems, conducting hazard assessments, and driving initiatives to prevent incidents and protect personnel, the environment, and assets. The ideal candidate possesses a deep understanding of process safety principles, risk assessment methodologies (e.g., HAZOP, LOPA), and relevant industry standards and regulations. This position requires a proactive and analytical professional with proven leadership skills, capable of influencing safety culture and collaborating effectively across operational and engineering departments. We are looking for a committed individual dedicated to fostering a world-class safety environment. Your expertise will be vital in safeguarding operations within **Nelspruit** and the wider **Mpumalanga** region, contributing significantly to the company's commitment to operational integrity and responsible energy production. This is an exceptional opportunity to apply your specialized knowledge in a challenging and rewarding role within a respected organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and manage Process Safety Management (PSM) programs and systems.
• Conduct and facilitate Process Hazard Analyses (PHAs), including HAZOP, HAZID, and What-If studies.
• Perform Layers of Protection Analysis (LOPA) and determine Safety Integrity Levels (SIL) for safety functions.
• Develop and review Safety Integrity Level (SIL) calculations and verification reports.
• Manage incident investigations and root cause analyses (RCAs) for process safety events.
• Develop and implement corrective actions and recommendations arising from safety studies and investigations.
• Ensure compliance with relevant process safety regulations, codes, and industry best practices.
• Develop and deliver process safety training to operational and engineering personnel.
• Conduct process safety audits and gap assessments.
• Promote a strong safety culture throughout the organization.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in process safety engineering, preferably within the energy, oil & gas, or chemical industries.
• Professional Engineer (Pr. Eng.) registration with ECSA is desirable.
• Proven experience in conducting HAZOP, LOPA, and other risk assessment methodologies.
• In-depth knowledge of PSM elements and regulatory requirements (e.g., OSHA PSM, EPA RMP).
• Familiarity with Safety Instrumented Systems (SIS) and IEC 61508/61511 standards.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Excellent communication, facilitation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and lead cross-functional teams.
• Proficiency in process safety management software is a plus.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
• Opportunities for professional development and specialized safety training.
• Be part of a leading organization committed to operational excellence and safety in **Nelspruit, Mpumalanga**.
• A collaborative work environment focused on continuous improvement.
• Contribute to ensuring safe and reliable energy operations.