Geotechnical Engineer - Mining & Infrastructure Projects

Placements24; Willows (CA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 73,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary package

Medical aid

Provident fund

Professional development

Conference attendance

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Geotechnical Engineer for on-site work in Welkom, South Africa. You will lead field investigations, perform laboratory tests, and conduct analyses to support mining and heavy civil projects.

The role emphasizes independent work, collaboration with project teams, and delivering clear design recommendations. The candidate should have a Civil Engineering degree with geotechnical specialization, 6+ years of geotechnical experience, and registration with ECSA is preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's in Civil Engineering with geotechnical specialization is required.
• Master's degree is advantageous for the role.
• Professional registration as Pr. Eng or Pr. Eng Tech with ECSA is preferred.
• Minimum 6 years of relevant geotechnical experience in mining or heavy civil sectors.
• Strong knowledge of soil and rock mechanics and foundation engineering.
• Proficiency with PLAXIS and GeoStudio suites (SLOPE/W/SEEP/W).
• Experience planning geophysical surveys is a plus.
• Excellent report writing and technical communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, with travel willingness.
• Valid driver's license.

Responsibilities

• Plan, execute, and manage geotechnical investigations including site reconnaissance, drilling, and sampling.
• Oversee and interpret soil/rock in-situ and laboratory testing.
• Perform geotechnical analyses for foundations, slopes, excavations, and earth structures.
• Develop detailed geotechnical reports with design recommendations and mitigations.
• Provide technical guidance to project teams, contractors, and clients.
• Ensure compliance with geotechnical standards and best practices.
• Liaise with clients, regulators, and stakeholders through project lifecycles.
• Conduct site inspections during construction to monitor conditions and verify designs.
• Prepare cost estimates and proposals for geotechnical services.
• Contribute to development of new methodologies and geotechnical solutions.

Skills

Soil mechanics

Rock mechanics

Foundation engineering

Geotechnical analysis

Report writing

Technical communication

Teamwork

Independent work

Education

Bachelors in Civil Engineering (Geotechnical specialization)

Master's degree advantageous

Pr Eng / Pr Eng Tech with ECSA

Tools

PLAXIS

GeoStudio (SLOPE/W, SEEP/W)

SLOPE/W

SEEP/W

Job description

About the Role Our client, a highly respected engineering consultancy specializing in geotechnical investigations and solutions for the mining and infrastructure sectors, is seeking a dedicated Geotechnical Engineer for their operations in Welkom . This role is essential for ensuring the stability and safety of diverse projects, ranging from new mine developments to significant civil infrastructure upgrades. You will be involved in all aspects of geotechnical engineering, from field investigations and laboratory testing to analysis and the provision of expert recommendations. The successful candidate will play a crucial role in mitigating geotechnical risks and contributing to the successful delivery of vital projects in the region. This is an on-site position requiring active participation in field activities.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, execute, and manage geotechnical investigations, including site reconnaissance, drilling, and sampling.
• Oversee and interpret in-situ and laboratory testing of soil and rock materials.
• Perform geotechnical analyses for foundations, slopes, excavations, and earth structures.
• Develop detailed geotechnical reports, including design recommendations and mitigation strategies.
• Provide technical guidance and support to project teams, contractors, and clients on geotechnical matters.
• Ensure compliance with relevant geotechnical engineering standards and best practices.
• Liaise with clients, regulatory authorities, and other stakeholders throughout project lifecycles.
• Conduct site inspections during construction to monitor geotechnical conditions and ensure implementation of design recommendations.
• Prepare cost estimates and proposals for geotechnical investigation services.
• Contribute to the development of new methodologies and the advancement of geotechnical engineering within the company.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering with a specialization in Geotechnical Engineering.
• A Master's degree is advantageous.
• Professional registration as a Professional Engineer (Pr. Eng) or Professional Engineering Technologist (Pr. Eng Tech) with ECSA.
• A minimum of 6 years of relevant experience in geotechnical engineering, preferably within the mining or heavy civil infrastructure sectors.
• Strong knowledge of soil mechanics, rock mechanics, and foundation engineering principles.
• Proficiency in geotechnical software such as PLAXIS, GeoStudio (SLOPE/W, SEEP/W), or similar.
• Experience in planning and interpreting geophysical surveys is a plus.
• Excellent report writing and technical communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, often under challenging site conditions.
• Willingness to travel to project sites within the Free State province and potentially further afield.
• Valid driver's license.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary package designed to attract and retain top talent, along with performance-based bonuses. Comprehensive medical aid coverage and a substantial provident fund are provided. Opportunities for continuous professional development, including specialized training courses and conference attendance, are encouraged and supported. You will be part of a reputable firm with a strong track record in delivering critical geotechnical solutions for major industries in the Welkom area. This role provides significant exposure to challenging and impactful projects, offering excellent career progression prospects within a stable and growing company.