Geotechnical Engineer - Foundation Design and Ground Improvement

Placements24; Stellenbosch; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Provident fund

Professional development

Conference attendance

Career growth

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Geotechnical Engineer to join our Paarl-based team. You will lead site investigations, perform analyses, design foundations, and develop ground improvement solutions for infrastructure projects in the Western Cape.

Collaborate with clients, project managers, contractors, and regulators to deliver high-quality geotechnical designs that meet South African standards. A Master’s degree and Pr Eng registration with ECSA, plus 5+ years of relevant experience, are

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Geotechnical Engineering or Civil Engineering with a geotechnical specialization.
• Pr Eng registration with ECSA.
• Minimum 5 years of relevant geotechnical experience.
• Proficiency in PLAXIS, GEOSTUDIO (SLOPE/W, SEEP/W), and FLAC.
• Strong knowledge of soil mechanics, rock mechanics, and foundation engineering.
• Experience with various ground improvement techniques.
• Excellent report writing and communication skills.
• Willingness to travel within Paarl and the Western Cape.

Responsibilities

• Plan and manage geotechnical site investigations (boreholes, in-situ testing, lab testing supervision).
• Perform detailed geotechnical analysis (settlement, bearing capacity, slope stability).
• Design shallow and deep foundations and retaining structures.
• Develop ground improvement solutions for challenging soils.
• Prepare geotechnical investigation reports and design documents.
• Liaise with clients, project managers, contractors, and regulators.
• Provide guidance to junior engineers and technicians.
• Ensure designs comply with South African geotechnical standards.
• Conduct peer reviews of designs and reports.
• Contribute to business development and client relationships.

Skills

Report writing

Presentation

Communication skills

Analytical thinking

Project management

Education

Master's degree in Geotechnical Engineering or Civil Engineering with geotechnical specialization

Pr Eng registration with ECSA

Tools

PLAXIS

GEOSTUDIO (SLOPE/W, SEEP/W)

FLAC

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a respected specialist in geotechnical engineering, is seeking an experienced Geotechnical Engineer to join their team based in **Paarl, Western Cape**. This role is crucial for providing expert geotechnical advice and design solutions for a range of infrastructure and building projects in the **Western Cape** region. You will be involved in all stages of the geotechnical investigation and design process, including site characterization, foundation design, slope stability analysis, and ground improvement techniques. The ideal candidate will have a strong theoretical background combined with practical experience in managing complex geotechnical challenges. This position offers an excellent opportunity to advance your career in a supportive and challenging environment, working on projects that contribute to the region's development. We are looking for a motivated engineer with a commitment to technical excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan and manage geotechnical site investigations, including borehole logging, in-situ testing, and laboratory testing supervision.
• Perform detailed geotechnical analysis, including settlement analysis, bearing capacity calculations, and slope stability assessments.
• Design various foundation types, such as shallow foundations, deep foundations (piles, rafts), and retaining structures.
• Develop and design ground improvement solutions for challenging soil conditions.
• Prepare comprehensive geotechnical investigation reports and design documentation.
• Liaise with clients, project managers, contractors, and regulatory bodies to ensure effective project delivery.
• Provide technical guidance and support to junior engineers and technicians.
• Ensure designs comply with relevant **South African** geotechnical standards and best practices.
• Conduct peer reviews of geotechnical designs and reports.
• Contribute to the development of new business and client relationships.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Geotechnical Engineering or Civil Engineering with a geotechnical specialization.
• Professional Engineer (Pr Eng) registration with ECSA.
• A minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in geotechnical investigation and design.
• Proficiency in geotechnical software such as PLAXIS, GEOSTUDIO (SLOPE/W, SEEP/W), and FLAC.
• Strong knowledge of soil mechanics, rock mechanics, and foundation engineering principles.
• Experience with various ground improvement techniques.
• Excellent report writing, presentation, and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines effectively.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Willingness to travel to project sites within **Paarl** and the **Western Cape** as needed.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, performance-based bonuses, comprehensive medical aid, and a provident fund. Excellent opportunities for professional development, including specialized training and conference attendance, are provided. Employees benefit from a positive work culture, a stable project pipeline, and the chance to work on significant developments in the **Paarl** area and the wider **Western Cape** region. Join a team dedicated to providing innovative geotechnical solutions.