Geotechnical Engineer - Foundation Design

Placements24; Mtubatuba Local Municipality; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health and retirement benefits

Job summary

Placements24 in Richards Bay is seeking a seasoned Geotechnical Engineer to lead investigations, assess soil and rock properties, and develop foundation solutions for diverse projects along the KwaZulu-Natal coast.

You will plan field campaigns, interpret lab results, and prepare reports while liaising with clients and construction teams to ensure design compliance and safe, cost-effective outcomes. A PrEng is desirable with 6+ years of experience and proficiency in Plaxis and GeoStudio.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Civil Engineering with a geotechnical specialization.
• Minimum of 6 years of relevant geotechnical investigations and foundation design.
• Proficiency in geotechnical software for analysis and modeling (Plaxis, GeoStudio).
• Strong understanding of soil mechanics, rock mechanics, and hydrogeology.
• Experience with field testing equipment and interpretation of lab results.
• Pr.Eng registration with ECSA is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Plan, execute, and manage geotechnical site investigations, including drilling, sampling, and in-situ testing.
• Analyze soil and rock properties to determine bearing capacity, settlement, and slope stability.
• Provide design recommendations for shallow and deep foundations, retaining walls, and earthworks.
• Prepare geotechnical investigation reports with risk assessments and mitigations.
• Liaise with clients, project managers, and construction teams to communicate findings.
• Ensure geotechnical designs meet industry standards and regulatory requirements.

Skills

Geotechnical analysis

Soil mechanics

Regulatory knowledge

Communication

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Civil Engineering (Geotechnical)

Tools

Plaxis

GeoStudio

Job description

About the Role

Our client seeks a specialized Geotechnical Engineer to join their established practice in Richards Bay , KwaZulu-Natal . This role is crucial for assessing ground conditions and providing expert recommendations for foundation designs across a range of industrial, commercial, and residential projects. You will be responsible for planning and supervising geotechnical investigations , analyzing soil and rock mechanics, and developing effective foundation solutions to ensure structural stability and safety. This is an ideal position for a detail-oriented engineer looking to contribute to significant projects in a rapidly developing coastal region, working within a team that values technical rigor and collaborative problem-solving, ensuring the foundational integrity of key developments.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, execute, and manage geotechnical site investigations , including drilling, sampling, and in-situ testing.
• Analyze soil and rock properties to determine bearing capacity, settlement characteristics, and slope stability.
• Provide design recommendations for various foundation types, including shallow and deep foundations, retaining walls, and earthworks.
• Prepare comprehensive geotechnical investigation reports, including risk assessments and mitigation strategies.
• Liaise with clients, project managers, and construction teams to communicate findings and recommendations effectively.
• Ensure all geotechnical designs meet relevant industry standards and regulatory requirements.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Civil Engineering with a specialization in Geotechnical Engineering.
• Minimum of 6 years of relevant experience in geotechnical investigations and foundation design.
• Proficiency in geotechnical software for analysis and modeling (e.g., Plaxis, GeoStudio).
• Strong understanding of soil mechanics, rock mechanics, and hydrogeology.
• Experience with field testing equipment and interpretation of laboratory test results.
• Professional Engineer (Pr. Eng) registration with ECSA is highly desirable.

Benefits

• Competitive salary with opportunities for project bonuses.
• Comprehensive health and retirement benefits.
• Exposure to diverse and challenging projects in the Richards Bay area.
• Continuous learning and professional development opportunities.
• A collaborative team environment focused on delivering robust engineering solutions.