Geotechnical Engineer

Placements24; George; On-site; ZAR 800,000 - 1,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Provident fund

Professional development support

Conference attendance

Career advancement opportunities

Work-life balance

Job summary

Placements24 invites a seasoned Geotechnical Engineer to join its George team. You will lead geotechnical investigations from planning through construction support for infrastructure and development projects in the Western Cape.

The role requires a strong foundation in soil and rock mechanics, proficiency with PLAXIS/GeoStudio, and the ability to produce detailed reports and presentations for clients and project teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering with geotechnical focus.
• Professional registration (Pr Eng) or eligibility with ECSA.
• 7+ years of geotechnical consulting experience.
• Strong knowledge of soil/rock mechanics and foundation design.
• Experience with geotechnical software PLAXIS or GeoStudio.

Responsibilities

• Plan, manage and execute geotechnical site investigations (drilling, sampling, testing).
• Perform detailed analyses for foundation design, slope stability and ground improvement.
• Prepare geotechnical investigation reports with data analysis and risk assessments.
• Develop drawings and specifications for geotechnical works.
• Provide expert geotechnical advice to project teams and clients.
• Oversee construction phase services, including site monitoring and QC.
• Use PLAXIS/GeoStudio for modeling and analysis.
• Assist with proposals and client liaison.

Skills

Soil mechanics

Rock mechanics

Foundation design

Analytical thinking

Report writing

Communication

Teamwork

Independent work

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering with Geotechnical specialization

Master's degree in Geotechnical Engineering (desirable)

Pr Eng / ECSA registration or eligibility

Tools

PLAXIS

GeoStudio

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading engineering consultancy with a significant presence in George, Western Cape , is actively recruiting for a dedicated Geotechnical Engineer. This role is crucial for supporting the firm's expanding portfolio of infrastructure and development projects in the region. You will be involved in all phases of geotechnical investigations, from planning and site investigation to analysis, design, and construction support. The successful candidate will have a strong understanding of soil mechanics, foundation design, slope stability, and ground improvement techniques. This is an exciting opportunity to work on diverse projects, including road construction, building foundations, and earthworks, contributing directly to the safe and sustainable development of the George area. The company prides itself on its technical excellence and collaborative team environment.

Key Responsibilities

Plan, manage, and execute geotechnical site investigations, including drilling, sampling, and in-situ testing. Perform detailed geotechnical analysis for foundation design (shallow and deep foundations), slope stability, retaining walls, and ground improvement. Prepare comprehensive geotechnical investigation reports, including data analysis, design recommendations, and risk assessments. Develop detailed drawings and specifications for geotechnical works. Provide expert geotechnical advice and support to project teams, clients, and contractors. Oversee and undertake construction phase services, including site monitoring and quality control of geotechnical works. Utilize specialized geotechnical software for modeling and analysis (e.g., PLAXIS, GeoStudio). Contribute to business development activities, including proposal preparation and client liaison. Ensure compliance with relevant geotechnical codes, standards, and environmental regulations.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering with a specialization in Geotechnical Engineering. A Master's degree is highly desirable. Professional registration (Pr Eng) with ECSA or demonstrable eligibility. Minimum of 7 years of relevant experience in geotechnical engineering, preferably within a consulting environment. Strong knowledge of soil mechanics, rock mechanics, and foundation engineering principles. Proficiency in geotechnical software such as PLAXIS, GeoStudio, or similar finite element analysis tools. Experience with field investigation techniques and laboratory testing interpretation. Excellent report writing, communication, and presentation skills. Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team. Willingness to travel to project sites within the Western Cape and surrounding areas as required. Valid driver's license.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary package commensurate with experience, comprehensive medical and dental insurance, and a generous provident fund. Professional development is highly valued, with opportunities for advanced training, conference attendance, and support for further qualifications. Employees enjoy a positive and supportive work culture, with opportunities for career advancement within the firm. The company is committed to work-life balance and offers a stimulating professional environment in George . Other benefits include access to advanced technological tools and a collaborative team atmosphere.