Geotechnical Engineer - Remote Infrastructure Assessment

Placements24; Willows (CA); Remote; USD 48,000 - 72,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full remote work flexibility

Professional development and learning

Competitive salary package

Dynamic company culture

Impact on critical infrastructure

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Geotechnical Engineer to support a fully remote team delivering infrastructure projects across South Africa. You will analyze subsurface conditions, interpret boreholes and tests, and provide design recommendations for foundations and earthworks.

The role requires 7+ years in geotechnical engineering, a Civil Engineering degree with geotech specialization, and ECSA registration or eligibility. Remote collaboration and strong reporting skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's in Civil Engineering with a Geotechnical focus.
• Professional registration with ECSA as Pr. Eng or P.Dip or eligible.
• Minimum 7 years of geotechnical engineering experience.
• Ability to interpret complex geotechnical data and provide practical design solutions.
• Proficiency in GeoStudio or Plaxis is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Conduct desktop studies and analyze geological and geotechnical data from various sources.
• Interpret borehole logs, lab results, and geophysical surveys.
• Provide geotechnical recommendations for foundation design, slope stability, and earthworks.
• Prepare comprehensive geotechnical investigation reports and design summaries.
• Collaborate virtually with project managers and engineers across locations.
• Develop scopes of work for site investigations and manage third‑party field services.
• Advise on potential geotechnical risks and mitigation strategies.
• Stay updated on advancements in geotechnical engineering principles and technologies.

Skills

Geotechnical data interpretation

Technical writing

Remote collaboration

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Civil Engineering with Geotechnical specialization

Tools

GeoStudio

Plaxis

Job description

About the Role

Our client is actively seeking a highly experienced and motivated Geotechnical Engineer to join their fully remote team, supporting diverse infrastructure projects across South Africa, including assessments relevant to areas like Welkom . This pivotal role focuses on the analysis and interpretation of subsurface conditions, providing critical geotechnical advice for the planning and design of various civil engineering structures. As a remote-first position, you will leverage cutting-edge communication and collaboration tools to deliver expert insights without the need for a physical office presence in a specific location. The ideal candidate thrives in an independent work environment, excels at technical problem-solving, and is passionate about contributing to safe and sustainable infrastructure development from anywhere.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct desktop studies and analysis of geological and geotechnical data from various sources.
• Interpret borehole logs, laboratory test results, and geophysical surveys.
• Provide geotechnical recommendations for foundation design, slope stability, and earthworks for infrastructure projects.
• Prepare comprehensive geotechnical investigation reports and design summaries.
• Collaborate virtually with project managers, civil engineers, and other specialists across different geographical locations.
• Develop scopes of work for site investigations and manage third-party field services when necessary.
• Advise on potential geotechnical risks and mitigation strategies.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in geotechnical engineering principles and technologies.
• Maintain clear and concise communication with clients and internal teams through digital platforms.
• Ensure all recommendations and reports adhere to relevant South African geotechnical standards and best practices.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's or Master's degree in Civil Engineering with a specialization in Geotechnical Engineering.
• Professional registration with ECSA as Pr. Eng or P.Dip (or eligibility for such).
• A minimum of 7 years of experience in geotechnical engineering, with a strong track record in analyzing and reporting on soil and rock mechanics.
• Proven ability to interpret complex geotechnical data and provide practical design solutions.
• Proficiency in geotechnical software for analysis and modeling (e.g., GeoStudio suite, Plaxis) is highly desirable.
• Excellent written communication skills, essential for detailed remote reporting.
• Strong organizational and time management skills to effectively manage remote workload.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and proactively with minimal supervision.
• Experience with large-scale infrastructure projects, particularly in challenging ground conditions, is a significant advantage.
• Comfortable and proficient in using collaborative software and digital communication tools.
• Residency within South Africa is preferred, but the role is fully remote.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary package.
• Full remote work flexibility, allowing you to work from anywhere in South Africa.
• Opportunity to contribute to a wide array of significant infrastructure projects.
• Professional development and continuous learning support.
• Dynamic and forward-thinking company culture.
• Direct impact on the safety and longevity of critical infrastructure.