Senior Geotechnical Engineer - Open Pit Operations

Placements24; Southampton; On-site; GBP 54,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Generous leave entitlements

Professional development

Industry conferences

Safety and employee well-being

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a highly experienced Senior Geotechnical Engineer to support open pit mining operations in Randburg, Gauteng. The role covers site investigations, slope stability analyses, instrumentation programs, and collaboration with planning and operations teams.

Requirements include a Master's or PhD in Geotechnical/Civil/Mining with geotechnical specialization, 8+ years in geotechnical engineering, and proficiency with Rocscience software. Relocation assistance is available.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Geotechnical/Civil/Mining with geotechnical focus.
• 8+ years of geotechnical experience in open pit mining.
• Expertise in slope stability, rock and soil mechanics.

Responsibilities

• Conduct site characterization, data collection and lab testing.
• Perform stability analyses for open pit slopes and waste dumps.
• Develop and monitor geotechnical instrumentation programs.
• Prepare clear geotechnical reports, specs and presentations.
• Mentor junior geotechnical engineers and support technical growth.
• Collaborate with planning, operations and closure teams.

Skills

Slope stability analysis

Rock mechanics

Soil mechanics

Geotechnical engineering

Technical report writing

Analytical thinking

Interpersonal communication

Education

Master's degree in Geotechnical/Civil/Mining with geotechnical specialization

PhD in Geotechnical Engineering

Tools

Rocscience Suite

Slide

RS2

XPS

FLAC

Instrumentation design/interpretation

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a world-renowned mining conglomerate, is seeking a highly experienced Senior Geotechnical Engineer to provide expert technical support for their extensive open pit mining operations near Randburg, Gauteng.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive geotechnical investigations, including site characterization, data collection, and laboratory testing.
• Perform detailed stability analyses for open pit slopes, high walls, and waste rock dumps using industry-standard software.
• Develop and implement geotechnical monitoring programs, including instrumentation and data interpretation.
• Provide engineering recommendations for slope design, reinforcement, and stabilization measures.
• Review and approve geotechnical designs prepared by internal teams and external consultants.
• Investigate and analyze geotechnical failures or incidents, and recommend corrective actions.
• Collaborate with mine planning, operations, and closure teams to integrate geotechnical considerations into all project phases.
• Prepare clear and concise geotechnical reports, specifications, and presentations.
• Mentor junior geotechnical engineers and contribute to the development of technical expertise within the department.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant geotechnical standards, codes, and regulations.

Requirements

• A Master's degree or Ph.D. in Geotechnical Engineering, Civil Engineering, or Mining Engineering with a geotechnical specialization.
• A minimum of 8 years of experience in geotechnical engineering, with substantial exposure to open pit mining environments.
• Proven expertise in slope stability analysis, rock mechanics, and soil mechanics.
• Proficiency with geotechnical modeling software (e.g., Rocscience Suite - Slide, RS2, XPS, FLAC).
• Experience in designing and interpreting geotechnical instrumentation.
• Strong understanding of geological conditions and their impact on mining stability.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and report-writing skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across disciplines.
• Must be willing to work from the Randburg, Gauteng office and undertake site visits as required.
• Professional Engineer (Pr.Eng) registration is highly desirable.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive salary, performance-based bonuses, and opportunities for career advancement within a global organization.
• The comprehensive benefits package includes excellent medical aid, a substantial retirement fund, and generous leave entitlements.
• Professional development courses and participation in industry conferences are supported.
• The company is committed to safety and employee well-being.
• Relocation assistance is available for qualified candidates moving to the Randburg area.