Geotechnical Engineer - Mining & Energy Projects

Placements24; Centurion; On-site; ZAR 850,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid

Provident fund

Professional development

Team-building activities

Centurion office

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Geotechnical Engineer to join our team in Centurion, Gauteng. You will support planning, design, and construction of mining and energy projects, including open-pit mines and renewable installations.

You will conduct field investigations, analyze soil/rock properties, and develop foundation and slope designs while ensuring safety and regulatory compliance. Strong report writing and team collaboration are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Geotechnical/Civil with geotech focus.
• Master's degree advantageous.
• Minimum 6 years of relevant geotechnical experience.
• Proficiency in soil and rock mechanics and foundation engineering principles.
• Experience with site investigation techniques and laboratory testing.

Responsibilities

• Conduct site investigations (drilling, sampling, in-situ testing).
• Perform laboratory testing and analysis of soil and rock samples.
• Analyze geotechnical data for bearing capacity, settlement, stability.
• Develop geotechnical designs for foundations, slopes and earth structures.
• Prepare geotechnical reports, recommendations and specifications.
• Provide technical oversight during construction.
• Liaise with clients, PMs, contractors and regulators.
• Assess and mitigate hazards such as landslides, subsidence, liquefaction.
• Use PLAXIS/GeoStudio for numerical modeling.
• Contribute to tender preparation and proposals.
• Ensure safety and environmental compliance.

Skills

Soil mechanics

Rock mechanics

Foundation engineering

Geotechnical reporting

Field investigations

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Geotechnical/Civil with geotech focus

Master's degree (advantage)

Tools

PLAXIS

GeoStudio

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a renowned engineering consultancy firm specializing in the mining and energy sectors , is actively seeking a skilled Geotechnical Engineer to join their dedicated team in Centurion, Gauteng . This role is critical for supporting the planning, design, and construction of major infrastructure projects, including open-pit mines, underground facilities, and renewable energy installations such as wind farms and solar arrays. The Geotechnical Engineer will be responsible for assessing ground conditions, analyzing soil and rock mechanics, and providing expert recommendations to mitigate geological risks. We are looking for an individual with robust analytical capabilities, practical field experience, and a thorough understanding of geotechnical principles as applied to large-scale industrial projects. The successful candidate will play a key role in ensuring the stability and safety of project sites and foundations, contributing to the successful delivery of challenging engineering endeavors in Centurion .

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct site investigations, including drilling, sampling, and in-situ testing of soil and rock.
• Perform laboratory testing and analysis of soil and rock samples to determine their physical and mechanical properties.
• Analyze geotechnical data to assess ground stability, bearing capacity, settlement potential, and seepage.
• Develop geotechnical designs for foundations, retaining walls, slopes, and other earth structures.
• Prepare comprehensive geotechnical investigation reports, design recommendations, and specifications.
• Provide technical oversight during construction phases, ensuring adherence to design specifications and geotechnical best practices.
• Liaise with clients, project managers, contractors, and regulatory authorities on geotechnical matters.
• Assess and mitigate geotechnical hazards, such as landslides, subsidence, and liquefaction, particularly in the context of mining and energy infrastructure.
• Utilize geotechnical software for numerical modeling and analysis (e.g., PLAXIS, GeoStudio).
• Contribute to tender preparation and project proposals.
• Ensure all geotechnical activities comply with safety standards and environmental regulations.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Geotechnical Engineering, Civil Engineering with a geotechnical focus, or Mining Engineering.
• A Master's degree is advantageous.
• Minimum of 6 years of relevant experience in geotechnical investigations and design for large-scale civil, mining, or energy projects.
• Proficiency in soil mechanics, rock mechanics, and foundation engineering principles.
• Experience with geotechnical site investigation techniques and laboratory testing procedures.
• Competent in using geotechnical analysis and modeling software.
• Familiarity with relevant South African national standards and building codes.
• Strong report writing and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Valid driver's license and willingness to travel to project sites, which may be remote.
• Professional registration with ECSA as a Professional Engineer or Technologist is preferred.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary package, reflecting the expertise and responsibilities of this role, along with opportunities for performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive medical aid and provident fund contributions are provided.
• The company is committed to employee growth, offering access to professional development courses, workshops, and conference attendance.
• A positive and collaborative working environment is fostered, with regular team-building activities.
• This position is based at our modern offices in Centurion, Gauteng , providing a professional and accessible workspace.
• Exposure to diverse and challenging projects within the vital mining and energy sectors offers significant career advancement potential.