Geotechnical Engineer - Site Investigations & Foundation Design

Placements24; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 700,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Pension fund

Professional development

Company vehicle

Annual bonus

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Geotechnical Engineer to join our team in Tembisa, Gauteng. You will conduct site investigations, analyze soil/rock mechanics, and design foundations for diverse projects.

This hands-on role requires field and office work, collaborating with structural engineers and clients to ensure safe, compliant designs. A strong analytical mindset and meticulous approach are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelors or Masters in Civil Engineering with a Geotechnical focus.
• ECSA registration as Professional Engineer (Pr. Eng.) is highly desirable.
• Minimum 5 years in geotechnical site investigations and foundation design.
• Proficient in PLAXIS, GeoStudio and RocScience software.
• Strong knowledge of soil/rock mechanics and hydrogeology.
• Excellent report writing and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute geotechnical site investigations (drilling, pits, in-situ tests).
• Analyze soil, rock, and groundwater to assess properties.
• Perform foundation design calculations for shallow and deep foundations.
• Prepare geotechnical investigation reports and recommendations.
• Provide expert geotechnical advice during construction (pile testing).
• Collaborate with design teams to integrate findings.
• Ensure designs comply with national and international standards.
• Develop project schedules and budgets for investigations.
• Maintain records of site investigations and lab tests.
• Supervise field technicians and lab staff.

Skills

Report writing

Communication

Fieldwork

Team collaboration

Education

Civil Engineering degree with Geotechnical specialization

Tools

PLAXIS

GeoStudio

RocScience

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a dedicated Geotechnical Engineer to join their established team in Tembisa, Gauteng . This role focuses on conducting detailed site investigations, analyzing soil and rock mechanics, and designing safe and effective foundations for a variety of construction projects, including commercial buildings, residential complexes, and industrial facilities. The successful candidate will be instrumental in ensuring the stability and integrity of structures by providing expert geotechnical advice. This is a hands‑on role requiring both field and office‑based work, involving close collaboration with structural engineers, construction managers, and clients. We are committed to advancing sustainable development practices and require an engineer who shares this vision. You will be working on diverse projects, contributing to the safe and efficient development of infrastructure in the region. The ideal candidate will demonstrate a keen analytical mind and a meticulous approach to their work. We encourage applications from those eager to contribute to challenging projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan and execute geotechnical site investigations, including drilling, trial pits, and in-situ testing.
• Analyze soil, rock, and groundwater conditions to assess engineering properties.
• Perform foundation design calculations for shallow and deep foundations.
• Prepare comprehensive geotechnical investigation reports and foundation design recommendations.
• Provide expert geotechnical advice during the construction phase, including pile testing and monitoring.
• Collaborate with design teams to integrate geotechnical findings into overall project plans.
• Ensure all designs and recommendations comply with relevant national and international geotechnical standards.
• Develop and manage project schedules and budgets for geotechnical investigations.
• Maintain accurate records of site investigations and laboratory testing.
• Supervise field technicians and laboratory staff involved in geotechnical testing.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Civil Engineering with a specialization in Geotechnical Engineering.
• Professional registration with ECSA as a Professional Engineer or Pr. Eng. is highly desirable.
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in geotechnical engineering, particularly in site investigation and foundation design.
• Proficiency in geotechnical software (e.g., PLAXIS, GeoStudio, Rocscience suite).
• Experience with various site investigation techniques and equipment.
• Strong understanding of soil mechanics, rock mechanics, and hydrogeology.
• Excellent report writing and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in both field and office environments.
• Must reside in or be willing to relocate to the Tembisa, Gauteng area or be able to commute regular.

Benefits

• Competitive salary based on experience and qualifications.
• Contribution to medical aid and pension fund.
• Opportunities for advanced training and professional development.
• Exposure to a diverse range of geotechnical challenges and projects in Tembisa, Gauteng .
• Company vehicle provided for site visits.
• Supportive team environment fostering professional growth.
• Annual bonus structure tied to performance.