Senior Process Safety Engineer - Petrochemical Energy

Placements24; Gqeberha; On-site; ZAR 1,100,000 - 1,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical & dental insurance

Annual bonus based on safety metrics

Housing allowance near Port Elizabeth

Retirement fund contributions

Job summary

Placements24 in Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape, seeks a Senior Process Safety Engineer to elevate process safety management across operations and safeguard personnel, assets and the environment.

You will lead PSM programs, PHAs (HAZOP/LOPA/FMEA), RCA/CAPA implementations, and Mechanical Integrity with a strong focus on MOC adherence and regulatory compliance. Strong communication and stakeholder influence are essential for success.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering.
• Minimum 7 years of experience in process safety within petrochemical/oil & gas industries.
• Strong knowledge of PSM principles and standards (OSHA PSM, EPA RMP).
• Proven experience in PHAs (HAZOP/LOPA/FMEA).
• Strong understanding of SIL assessment and functional safety.
• Experience in MI programs and asset integrity management.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving and decision-making skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain the Process Safety Management program in accordance with international standards and local regulations.
• Lead PHAs including HAZOP, LOPA and FMEA for existing and new processes.
• Oversee incident investigations (RCA) and CAPA implementation.
• Manage Mechanical Integrity program including inspection, testing, and preventive maintenance of critical equipment.
• Develop and deliver process safety training programs for relevant personnel.
• Ensure compliance with Management of Change procedures for all process modifications.
• Perform safety audits and risk assessments to identify hazards and ensure compliance.
• Develop and manage emergency response plans and procedures.
• Provide expert support to engineering, operations and maintenance teams on process safety matters.
• Stay updated on industry best practices, regulatory changes, and new safety technologies.

Skills

PSM

HAZOP

LOPA

FMEA

Root cause analysis

Mechanical Integrity

SIL assessment

Stakeholder influence

Education

Bachelors in Chemical Eng

CCPSC certification desirable

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major player in the petrochemical and energy processing industry, is seeking an experienced Senior Process Safety Engineer to enhance safety protocols and operational integrity at their facility in Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape. This critical role involves ensuring the highest standards of process safety management (PSM) across all operations, safeguarding personnel, assets, and the environment. You will be instrumental in mitigating risks associated with complex chemical and energy processes, contributing to a robust safety culture within the organization. This is a challenging yet rewarding position offering significant influence over safety practices in a key industrial hub of South Africa. The ideal candidate will possess extensive expertise in petrochemical processes, hazard identification, risk assessment, and the implementation of comprehensive safety management systems within the demanding energy sector.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and maintain the Process Safety Management (PSM) program in compliance with international standards and local regulations.
• Conduct thorough Process Hazard Analyses (PHAs), including HAZOP, LOPA, and FMEA studies, for existing and new processes.
• Oversee incident investigations, root cause analysis (RCA), and the implementation of corrective and preventive actions (CAPAs).
• Manage the Mechanical Integrity (MI) program, including inspection, testing, and preventive maintenance of critical equipment.
• Develop and deliver comprehensive process safety training programs for relevant personnel.
• Ensure adherence to Management of Change (MOC) procedures for all process modifications.
• Perform safety audits and assessments to identify potential hazards and ensure compliance with safety standards.
• Develop and manage emergency response plans and procedures.
• Provide expert advice and support to engineering, operations, and maintenance teams on process safety matters.
• Stay updated on industry best practices, regulatory changes, and emerging safety technologies relevant to the petrochemical and energy industry.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• A minimum of 7 years of experience specifically in process safety engineering within the petrochemical, oil & gas, or chemical processing industries.
• In-depth knowledge and practical application of Process Safety Management (PSM) principles and standards (e.g., OSHA PSM, EPA RMP).
• Proven experience conducting various types of Process Hazard Analyses (PHAs).
• Strong understanding of Safety Integrity Level (SIL) assessment and functional safety.
• Experience with mechanical integrity programs and asset integrity management.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Strong communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Familiarity with South African safety regulations is a significant advantage.
• Professional certifications in process safety (e.g., CCPSC) are highly desirable.

Benefits

• Attractive salary package competitive with industry standards for experienced professionals.
• Comprehensive medical and dental insurance coverage for employees and dependents.
• Annual performance bonus based on individual and company safety performance.
• Opportunities for specialized training and professional development in process safety.
• Generous annual leave and paid holidays.
• Company-provided housing allowance or subsidized accommodation near Port Elizabeth.
• Contributions to a retirement fund.
• Access to advanced safety tools and technologies.
• A culture that prioritizes safety and employee well-being in the energy sector.
• Potential for career advancement within a leading industrial organization in the Eastern Cape.