Lead Geotechnical Engineer

Placements24; United States; Remote; USD 84,000 - 145,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Medical aid

Provident fund

Bonuses

Professional growth

Flexible working arrangements

Collaborative team

Job summary

Placements24 in South Africa seeks a Lead Geotechnical Engineer to oversee investigations and design for infrastructure and building projects in the Free State, including Welkom. You will lead a multidisciplinary team, guide complex analyses, and ensure safety and performance standards on site.

The ideal candidate holds a Master’s or PhD in Geotechnical Engineering with Pr Eng registration, 10–12 years of leadership experience, and proficiency in PLAXIS and GeoStudio.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Geotechnical Engineering or a closely related field.
• Professional Engineer (Pr Eng) registration with ECSA is essential.
• A minimum of 10–12 years of progressive experience in geotechnical engineering, with significant leadership experience.
• Demonstrated expertise in advanced geotechnical analysis and modeling software (e.g., PLAXIS, GeoStudio).
• Proven experience managing large-scale geotechnical projects for infrastructure and building developments.
• Strong understanding of South African geological conditions and relevant codes (SANS).
• Excellent leadership, project management, and client liaison skills.
• Ability to mentor and develop junior engineering staff.
• Strong report writing and presentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage geotechnical investigation programs, including site characterization, soil sampling, and in-situ testing.
• Perform complex geotechnical analyses, including foundation design (shallow and deep), slope stability, earth retention systems, and seismic hazard assessments.
• Develop detailed geotechnical reports, design recommendations, and specifications for various construction projects.
• Oversee and mentor a team of geotechnical engineers and technicians, ensuring technical quality and project delivery timelines.
• Liaise effectively with clients, project managers, contractors, and regulatory authorities to address geotechnical requirements and resolve design challenges.
• Review and approve geotechnical designs and reports prepared by team members.
• Provide expert technical support during the construction phase, including site supervision and problem-solving for earthworks and foundation construction.
• Develop and maintain strong client relationships, identifying opportunities for new projects.
• Ensure compliance with relevant geotechnical codes, standards, and best practices.
• Contribute to the strategic development and growth of the geotechnical engineering department.

Skills

Leadership

Geotechnical analysis

Project management

Client liaison

Mentoring

Education

Master's or PhD in Geotechnical Engineering

Tools

PLAXIS

GeoStudio

Job description

About the Role

A prominent engineering consulting firm with extensive operations across South Africa, including a key office in Welkom, Free State , is actively seeking an experienced and visionary Lead Geotechnical Engineer . This leadership position is responsible for overseeing all geotechnical investigations and design activities for a wide array of infrastructure and building projects. The ideal candidate will possess a strong technical background in soil mechanics, foundation design, and slope stability analysis, coupled with proven experience in managing project teams and client relations. This role offers a unique opportunity to shape critical infrastructure development within the Free State province, working on challenging projects that require innovative geotechnical solutions. Our client is committed to delivering excellence and seeks a leader who can drive technical innovation and ensure the highest standards of safety and performance for all geotechnical aspects of their projects in Welkom .

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage geotechnical investigation programs, including site characterization, soil sampling, and in-situ testing.
• Perform complex geotechnical analyses, including foundation design (shallow and deep), slope stability, earth retention systems, and seismic hazard assessments.
• Develop detailed geotechnical reports, design recommendations, and specifications for various construction projects.
• Oversee and mentor a team of geotechnical engineers and technicians, ensuring technical quality and project delivery timelines.
• Liaise effectively with clients, project managers, contractors, and regulatory authorities to address geotechnical requirements and resolve design challenges.
• Review and approve geotechnical designs and reports prepared by team members.
• Provide expert technical support during the construction phase, including site supervision and problem-solving for earthworks and foundation construction.
• Develop and maintain strong client relationships, identifying opportunities for new projects.
• Ensure compliance with relevant geotechnical codes, standards, and best practices.
• Contribute to the strategic development and growth of the geotechnical engineering department.

Requirements

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Geotechnical Engineering or a closely related field.
• Professional Engineer (Pr Eng) registration with ECSA is essential.
• A minimum of 10-12 years of progressive experience in geotechnical engineering, with significant experience in a leadership or senior role.
• Demonstrated expertise in advanced geotechnical analysis and modeling software (e.g., PLAXIS, GeoStudio).
• Proven experience managing large-scale geotechnical projects for infrastructure (roads, dams, mining) and building developments.
• Strong understanding of South African geological conditions and relevant codes (SANS).
• Excellent leadership, project management, and client liaison skills.
• Ability to mentor and develop junior engineering staff.
• Strong report writing and presentation skills.
• Willingness to travel to project sites within the Free State and beyond as required.

Benefits

• This role comes with a highly competitive salary package, reflecting the seniority and expertise required.
• Excellent medical aid options.
• A substantial provident fund.
• Performance-based bonuses.
• Significant opportunities exist for professional growth, continuous learning, and career advancement within a reputable organization.
• The position provides the chance to lead impactful projects that are vital to the infrastructure development of the Free State.
• A flexible working arrangement is available, supporting a healthy work-life balance.
• The company fosters a collaborative and technically driven work environment.

Further details regarding this exciting opportunity in Welkom will be discussed during the interview stage.