Durban Senior Geotechnical Engineer — Lead Projects

Placements24; Durban; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Provident fund

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, seeks a Senior Geotechnical Engineer to lead complex soil mechanics projects, design foundations, assess slopes, and guide ground improvement works. You will manage geotechnical investigations, analyze data, and mentor junior engineers while building strong client relationships.

This office-based role requires a Master’s or PhD in Geotechnical Engineering, Pr Eng registration or eligibility, and at least eight years' experience across infrastructure,

Qualifications

• Master's degree or PhD in Geotechnical Engineering or a closely related field.
• Professional Engineer (Pr Eng) registration with ECSA or eligibility for registration.
• A minimum of 8 years of relevant experience in geotechnical engineering, covering a broad range of project types.
• Extensive knowledge of geotechnical investigation techniques and laboratory testing.
• Proficiency in geotechnical software such as PLAXIS, GeoStudio suite, or similar.
• Strong understanding of geological conditions and construction practices in the Durban region and South Africa.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex technical information clearly.
• Proven project management and team leadership capabilities.
• Experience in tender preparation and proposal writing.

Responsibilities

• Plan and manage detailed geotechnical investigations, including site reconnaissance, boreholes, and in-situ testing.
• Analyze soil and rock mechanics data, perform stability and settlement analyses, and design foundations (shallow and deep).
• Develop recommendations for ground improvement, retaining structures, and slope stabilization.
• Prepare comprehensive geotechnical investigation reports, design documents, and specifications.
• Conduct feasibility studies and risk assessments for various construction projects.
• Supervise field testing and construction activities related to geotechnical works.
• Liaise with clients, contractors, and regulatory authorities to ensure project objectives are met.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior geotechnical engineers and technicians.
• Contribute to business development efforts, including proposal writing and client engagement.

Skills

Geotechnical investigations

Soil mechanics

Slope stability

Foundation design

Ground improvement

Project management

Team leadership

Proposal writing

Education

Master's/PhD in Geotechnical Engineering

Pr Eng registration (ECSA) or eligible

Tools

PLAXIS

GeoStudio

Job description

Placements24 in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, seeks a Senior Geotechnical Engineer to lead complex soil mechanics projects, design foundations, assess slopes, and guide ground improvement works. You will manage geotechnical investigations, analyze data, and mentor junior engineers while building strong client relationships.

This office-based role requires a Master’s or PhD in Geotechnical Engineering, Pr Eng registration or eligibility, and at least eight years' experience across infrastructure,