Senior Process Safety Engineer - Onsite (Richards Bay)

Placements24; South Africa; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 is recruiting a Senior Process Safety Engineer for an energy infrastructure client in East London, Eastern Cape. The role focuses on developing and maintaining robust process safety management systems for chemical, refining, and processing operations.

You will lead PHAs (HAZOP/LOPA), drive PSM programs, and ensure compliance with OSHA PSM and EPA RMP, while delivering training and improving safety performance across the site. A CSP is advantageous.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering (related discipline).
• 7+ years of experience in process safety engineering, preferably in oil & gas, chemical, or petrochemical industries.
• Demonstrated experience in conducting and leading PHAs (HAZOP, HIRA, LOPA).
• In-depth knowledge of PSM elements, including MOC, Mechanical Integrity, and Emergency Planning.
• Familiarity with relevant process safety software and tools.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Strong communication, facilitation, and interpersonal skills.
• Relevant CSP certification is a significant advantage.

Responsibilities

• Lead and facilitate PHAs such as HAZOP, HIRA, and LOPA studies.
• Develop, implement, and manage Process Safety Management (PSM) programs.
• Ensure compliance with relevant industry codes, standards, and regulations (OSHA PSM, EPA RMP).
• Conduct incident investigations related to process safety events and recommend corrective actions.
• Develop and maintain safety-critical elements and barriers for key processes.
• Perform pre-startup safety reviews (PSSRs) for new and modified equipment.
• Develop and deliver process safety training to engineering and operations personnel.
• Monitor KPIs for process safety and report on safety performance.
• Promote a strong safety culture and engage site personnel to address safety concerns.
• Stay current with best practices and advancements in process safety engineering.

Skills

HAZOP

LOPA

PSM

MOC

Mechanical Integrity

Emergency Planning

CSP

Process safety software

Risk assessment

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Job description

Our client, a prominent energy infrastructure company, is seeking a highly experienced Senior Process Safety Engineer to join their team in East London, Eastern Cape . This role is essential for ensuring the safety and integrity of chemical, refining, and processing operations. You will be responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining robust process safety management systems, conducting hazard identification and risk assessments, and driving continuous improvement in safety performance. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of process safety principles, methodologies (e.g., HAZOP, LOPA), and regulatory requirements. This position offers a significant opportunity to contribute to operational excellence and risk mitigation in a vital industrial sector within the Eastern Cape region.Key Responsibilities

• Lead and facilitate Process Hazard Analyses (PHAs) such as HAZOP, HIRA, and LOPA studies.
• Develop, implement, and manage Process Safety Management (PSM) programs.
• Ensure compliance with relevant industry codes, standards, and regulations (e.g., OSHA PSM, EPA RMP).
• Conduct incident investigations related to process safety events and recommend corrective actions.
• Develop and maintain safety-critical elements and barriers for key processes.
• Perform pre-startup safety reviews (PSSRs) for new and modified equipment.
• Develop and deliver process safety training to engineering and operations personnel.
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) for process safety and report on safety performance.
• Promote a strong safety culture and engage with site personnel to address safety concerns.
• Stay current with best practices and advancements in process safety engineering.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in process safety engineering, preferably in the oil & gas, chemical, or petrochemical industries.
• Demonstrated experience in conducting and leading PHAs (HAZOP, LOPA).
• In-depth knowledge of PSM elements, including Management of Change (MOC), Mechanical Integrity, and Emergency Planning.
• Familiarity with relevant process safety software and tools.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Strong communication, facilitation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a team and influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Relevant certifications (e.g., CSP) are a significant advantage.

Benefits Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive medical and retirement benefits, and opportunities for professional development and career progression. This hybrid role provides the balance between collaborative office-based work