Geotechnical Engineer - Heavy Industry Projects

Placements24; Mtubatuba Local Municipality; On-site; ZAR 850,000 - 1,350,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Bonuses

Medical aid & retirement fund

Professional development

Relocation assistance

Exposure to major projects

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Geotechnical Engineer to support major industrial and energy projects in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal. The role focuses on site investigations, lab analysis, and detailed reports, with regular field work on a primarily on-site basis.

The ideal candidate holds a Master’s in Geotechnical/Civil Engineering with 6+ years of relevant experience, strong soil/rock mechanics knowledge, and proficiency in Plaxis and GeoStudio. Travel to project sites is required.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Geotechnical or Civil Engineering.
• Minimum of 6 years of geotechnical experience.
• Experience on industrial or energy projects.
• Familiarity with South African building codes (SANS).
• Excellent report writing and communication skills.
• Ability to travel to project sites.
• Professional registration is an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Plan and supervise geotechnical site investigations, including boreholes, trial pits, and in-situ testing.
• Analyze soil and rock mechanics data, including laboratory testing results.
• Develop geotechnical design parameters for foundations (shallow and deep), retaining walls, and slopes.
• Prepare comprehensive geotechnical investigation and design reports.
• Provide technical recommendations for ground improvement techniques and earthworks construction.
• Review contractor submittals and monitor construction activities to ensure compliance with geotechnical design specifications.
• Liaise with clients, regulatory bodies, and other project stakeholders on geotechnical matters.
• Utilize geotechnical software for analysis and modeling (e.g., Plaxis, GeoStudio).
• Assess seismic risks and design mitigation measures where applicable.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of company geotechnical standards and best practices.

Skills

Soil mechanics

Rock mechanics

Foundation design

Geotechnical reporting

Project communication

Site supervision

Geotechnical software

Education

Master's degree in Geotechnical Engineering

Tools

Plaxis

GeoStudio

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent engineering consultancy, is seeking a highly qualified Geotechnical Engineer to support major industrial and energy infrastructure projects. Based in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal , this role involves providing expert geotechnical advice and solutions for the design and construction of foundations, earthworks, and other civil structures. You will be responsible for site investigations, laboratory testing analysis, and the preparation of detailed geotechnical reports. This position is crucial for ensuring the stability and longevity of critical infrastructure in a region undergoing significant industrial development. The successful candidate will work closely with project managers, structural engineers, and construction teams to deliver safe and cost-effective engineering solutions. The role requires regular site visits and hands-on involvement in field and office-based tasks, making it a primarily on-site position in Richards Bay .

Key Responsibilities

• Plan and supervise geotechnical site investigations, including boreholes, trial pits, and in-situ testing.
• Analyze soil and rock mechanics data, including laboratory testing results.
• Develop geotechnical design parameters for foundations (shallow and deep), retaining walls, and slopes.
• Prepare comprehensive geotechnical investigation and design reports.
• Provide technical recommendations for ground improvement techniques and earthworks construction.
• Review contractor submittals and monitor construction activities to ensure compliance with geotechnical design specifications.
• Liaise with clients, regulatory bodies, and other project stakeholders on geotechnical matters.
• Utilize geotechnical software for analysis and modeling (e.g., Plaxis, GeoStudio).
• Assess seismic risks and design mitigation measures where applicable.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of company geotechnical standards and best practices.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Geotechnical Engineering, Civil Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 6 years of relevant experience in geotechnical engineering, with a focus on industrial or energy projects.
• Strong knowledge of soil mechanics, rock mechanics, and foundation engineering principles.
• Experience with site investigation techniques and geophysical methods.
• Proficiency in geotechnical design and analysis software.
• Familiarity with relevant South African building codes and industry standards (SANS).
• Excellent report writing, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Valid driver's license and willingness to travel to project sites.
• Professional registration (e.g., Pr. Eng., C.E.O.) is an advantage.

Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience and qualifications.
• Performance-related bonuses.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund contributions.
• Opportunities for professional development, including further specialization.
• Relocation assistance available for candidates moving to Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal .
• Exposure to significant infrastructure projects in a key industrial hub.