Geotechnical Engineer - Foundation Specialist

Placements24; Durban; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work

Medical benefits

Retirement plan

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Geotechnical Engineer to join our Durban team. You will conduct site investigations, analyze soil and rock data, and provide foundation design recommendations for high-rise and infrastructure projects.

The role emphasizes soil mechanics, reporting, and collaboration with project teams on-site during earthworks. A Bachelor's in Civil Engineering (Geotech) with 6+ years’ experience is required; a Master’s is preferred. Hybrid work and benefits offered.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering with Geotechnical specialization.
• Master's degree preferred.
• 6+ years of geotechnical investigation and foundation design experience.
• Proficiency in Plaxis and GeoStudio software.
• Experience with borehole drilling and site investigations.

Responsibilities

• Plan and manage subsurface investigations (boreholes, geophysics).
• Analyze soil/rock data for site suitability and hazards.
• Design foundations (shallow, piles, rafts) and retaining structures.
• Prepare geotechnical reports with recommendations for site prep.
• Provide on-site technical guidance during earthworks.
• Coordinate with clients and project teams to integrate findings.

Skills

Geotechnical engineering

Site investigations

Soil mechanics

Report writing

Plaxis

GeoStudio

Education

Bachelor's in Civil Engineering (Geotech)

Master's degree preferred

Tools

Plaxis

GeoStudio

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a skilled Geotechnical Engineer to join their expanding team in Durban . This role focuses on analyzing subsurface conditions and providing foundation design recommendations for a wide range of construction projects, from high-rise buildings to complex infrastructure. You will be responsible for conducting site investigations, interpreting soil and rock mechanics data, and developing innovative geotechnical solutions. This is an excellent opportunity for an engineer passionate about soil mechanics and foundation engineering, contributing to the stability and safety of critical structures in KwaZulu-Natal.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan and manage subsurface investigations, including borehole drilling and geophysical surveys .
• Analyze soil and rock mechanics data to assess site suitability and identify potential geotechnical hazards.
• Design foundations, including shallow and deep foundations (piles, rafts), and retaining structures.
• Prepare comprehensive geotechnical reports, including recommendations for site preparation and construction.
• Provide technical support and guidance to construction teams on-site during earthworks and foundation installation.
• Liaise with clients, project managers, and other consultants to integrate geotechnical findings into overall project design.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering with a specialization in Geotechnical Engineering.
• A Master's degree is preferred.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in geotechnical investigation and foundation design.
• Proficiency in geotechnical software (e.g., Plaxis, GeoStudio) and relevant design codes.
• Experience with site investigation techniques and laboratory testing interpretation.
• Strong understanding of soil behavior, slope stability, and earth retention systems.
• Excellent report writing and communication skills.

Benefits

• Attractive salary commensurate with experience, plus performance incentives.
• Exposure to diverse and challenging geotechnical projects in the Durban region.
• Hybrid work arrangement to balance office and remote working preferences.
• Comprehensive medical and retirement benefits package.
• Opportunities for professional development and attending industry conferences.