Geotechnical Engineer - Foundation Design

Placements24; Gqeberha; Hybrid; ZAR 800,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 is assisting a reputable engineering consultancy in Port Elizabeth to recruit a Geotechnical Engineer. The role supports design and analysis of soil and rock conditions, from fieldwork to reporting, across foundations and infrastructure projects in the Eastern Cape.

The candidate will possess a Civil Engineering degree with geotechnical specialization, 5+ years of experience, and proficient use of PLAXIS and GeoStudio, CPT/SPT testing, and strong report-writing skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering with geotechnical specialization.
• Master's degree preferred for advanced roles.
• Pr.Eng registration with ECSA is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Plan, supervise geotechnical investigations including site reconnaissance and sampling.
• Interpret soil/rock data and perform geotechnical calculations.
• Design foundations for shallow and deep structures.
• Prepare comprehensive geotechnical reports with recommendations.
• Coordinate with clients and project teams to discuss findings.
• Ensure compliance with geotechnical standards and best practices.
• Utilize PLAXIS and GeoStudio for modeling and analysis.
• Contribute to proposals and business development for geotechnical services.
• Maintain records of fieldwork, tests, and calculations.

Skills

Geotechnical engineering

Fieldwork

Analytical thinking

Report writing

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering (Geotechnical)

Master's degree preferred

Pr.Eng registration with ECSA advantageous

Tools

PLAXIS

GeoStudio

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a reputable engineering consultancy specializing in geotechnical investigations and foundation design, is seeking a skilled Geotechnical Engineer to join their expanding team in Port Elizabeth . This role is critical for ensuring the stability and safety of various construction projects by providing expert analysis of soil and rock conditions. You will be involved in all stages of geotechnical projects, from fieldwork and laboratory testing to analysis and reporting. This is an excellent opportunity for a dedicated professional to contribute to significant developments in the Eastern Cape and enhance their expertise in a specialized field. You will work on diverse projects ranging from building foundations to infrastructure developments, providing essential data that underpins successful construction.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, execute, and supervise geotechnical investigations, including site reconnaissance, soil and rock sampling, and in-situ testing.
• Interpret soil and rock mechanics data, conduct laboratory testing analysis, and perform complex geotechnical engineering calculations.
• Design foundations for a variety of structures, including shallow and deep foundations, considering bearing capacity, settlement, and slope stability.
• Prepare comprehensive geotechnical reports, providing clear recommendations and solutions for clients in Port Elizabeth .
• Liaise with clients, project managers, architects, and contractors to discuss project requirements and findings.
• Ensure compliance with relevant geotechnical engineering standards, codes, and best practices.
• Utilize specialized geotechnical software for modeling and analysis (e.g., PLAXIS, GeoStudio).
• Contribute to the development of proposals and business development efforts for geotechnical services.
• Maintain accurate records of fieldwork, laboratory tests, and calculations for all projects undertaken.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering with a specialization in Geotechnical Engineering.
• A Master's degree is highly preferred.
• Professional Engineer (Pr.Eng) registration with ECSA is advantageous.
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in geotechnical investigation and foundation design.
• Strong understanding of soil mechanics, rock mechanics, and engineering geology.
• Proficiency in geotechnical analysis and design software.
• Experience with CPT, SPT, and other in-situ testing methods, as well as laboratory testing procedures.
• Excellent report writing and communication skills, with the ability to present technical information clearly.
• Ability to conduct fieldwork, sometimes under challenging conditions, in and around Port Elizabeth .
• Detail-oriented with strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary package, professional development opportunities, and the chance to work on diverse and challenging projects across the Eastern Cape and beyond. Benefits include medical aid, a retirement fund, and support for further education and professional accreditation. You'll be part of a collaborative team environment that encourages innovation and knowledge sharing. This role provides a clear pathway for career progression within a respected engineering consultancy in South Africa , offering exposure to a wide range of geotechnical challenges.