Geotechnical Engineer - Foundation Design Specialist

Placements24; Bloemfontein; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement savings

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a seasoned Geotechnical Engineer for its engineering consultancy in Bloemfontein, Free State, focusing on foundation design and soil mechanics across diverse infrastructure projects.

The role requires 6+ years of geotechnical experience, proficiency with GeoStudio or PLAXIS, strong reporting skills, and the ability to mentor junior engineers while coordinating with clients, contractors and regulators to uphold safety and standards.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Geotechnical Engineering or related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of relevant experience in geotechnical investigations and foundation design.
• Proficiency in geotechnical software such as GeoStudio or PLAXIS.
• Strong knowledge of soil and rock mechanics and engineering geology.
• Experience with site investigation techniques and laboratory testing procedures.
• Familiarity with South African building codes and standards.
• Excellent report writing and presentation skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
• Valid driver's license for site visits around Bloemfontein.

Responsibilities

• Conduct site investigations, including soil sampling and testing.
• Perform geotechnical analyses for foundation design, slope stability, and earth retention systems.
• Develop geotechnical reports including recommendations for foundation types, ground improvement, and seismic design.
• Design shallow and deep foundations, considering various soil strata and loading conditions specific to Bloemfontein, Free State.
• Prepare technical specifications and drawings for geotechnical works.
• Oversee geotechnical aspects of construction projects, ensuring compliance with designs and specifications.
• Liaise with clients, contractors, and regulatory bodies on geotechnical matters.
• Utilize advanced geotechnical software for modeling and analysis.
• Mentor junior geotechnical engineers and provide technical support.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in geotechnical engineering and best practices.

Skills

Soil mechanics

Foundation design

Project management

Report writing

Education

Master's degree in Geotechnical Engineering

Tools

GeoStudio

PLAXIS

Job description

About the Role

Our client is actively seeking a dedicated and skilled Geotechnical Engineer to join their esteemed engineering consultancy in Bloemfontein, Free State . This role is central to ensuring the stability and safety of infrastructure projects by focusing on foundation design and soil mechanics. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of soil behaviour, foundation systems, and ground improvement techniques. This is a significant opportunity to work on diverse projects within the Bloemfontein, Free State region and contribute to critical infrastructure development. We pride ourselves on fostering a culture of technical excellence and continuous improvement for our team members.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct site investigations, including soil sampling and testing, to assess ground conditions.
• Perform geotechnical analyses for foundation design, slope stability, and earth retention systems.
• Develop detailed geotechnical reports including recommendations for foundation types, ground improvement, and seismic design.
• Design shallow and deep foundations, considering various soil strata and loading conditions specific to Bloemfontein, Free State .
• Prepare technical specifications and drawings for geotechnical works.
• Oversee geotechnical aspects of construction projects, ensuring compliance with designs and specifications.
• Liaise with clients, contractors, and regulatory bodies on geotechnical matters.
• Utilize advanced geotechnical software for modeling and analysis.
• Mentor junior geotechnical engineers and provide technical support.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in geotechnical engineering and best practices.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Geotechnical Engineering or a related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of relevant experience in geotechnical investigations and foundation design.
• Proficiency in geotechnical software such as GeoStudio, PLAXIS, or similar.
• Strong knowledge of soil mechanics, rock mechanics, and engineering geology.
• Experience with site investigation techniques and laboratory testing procedures.
• Familiarity with relevant South African building codes and standards.
• Excellent report writing and presentation skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines.
• Must possess a valid driver's license for site visits in and around Bloemfontein, Free State .
• Strong commitment to health, safety, and environmental best practices.

Benefits

The company offers a competitive remuneration package, including performance-based bonuses, a comprehensive health insurance plan, and a retirement savings contribution. Professional development is highly encouraged, with opportunities for further training and conference attendance. Employees in Bloemfontein, Free State enjoy a positive work-life balance supported by a collaborative team environment. This role provides a platform for significant career growth in the field of geotechnical engineering.