Geotechnical Engineer - Site Investigations & Foundation Design

Placements24; Kempton Park; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement annuity

ECSA registration support

Job summary

Placements24 in South Africa seeks a Geotechnical Engineer to join a specialist geotechnical firm in Tembisa, Gauteng, focusing on soil and rock mechanics, foundation design, and ground improvement strategies. Plan and supervise site investigations, interpret data, develop detailed reports, and provide clear engineering advice to multidisciplinary teams.

A minimum of 7 years’ experience and ECSA Pr. Eng registration (or commitment) is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Civil Engineering with a specialization in Geotechnical Engineering.
• Professional registration with ECSA as a Pr. Eng. or commitment to achieving it.
• 7+ years hands-on geotechnical site investigations and foundation design experience.
• Proficiency in geotechnical software such as GeoStudio, Plaxis, or similar.
• Experience with field investigation techniques and laboratory testing procedures.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with meticulous attention to detail.
• Excellent report writing and communication abilities.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Experience with contract administration for site investigations is advantageous.
• Familiarity with geological conditions in the Tembisa, Gauteng region.

Responsibilities

• Plan and supervise site investigations, including drilling, in-situ testing, and sampling.
• Analyze soil and rock samples to determine their physical and chemical properties.
• Perform geotechnical design calculations for foundations, retaining walls, slopes, and other earth structures.
• Develop detailed geotechnical reports, including recommendations for foundation types, ground improvement, and slope stability measures.
• Interpret subsurface investigation data and provide clear engineering advice.
• Liaise with project managers, structural engineers, and clients to discuss findings and recommendations.
• Ensure compliance with South African National Standards (SANS) and industry best practices.
• Utilize geotechnical software for analysis and modeling.
• Manage multiple projects concurrently with timely delivery of assessments in Tembisa, Gauteng.
• Conduct peer reviews of geotechnical reports and designs.

Skills

Geotechnical site investigations

Geotechnical design

Report writing

Communication

Independent worker

Team collaboration

Analytical skills

Contract administration

GeoStudio

Plaxis

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Civil Engineering with Geotechnical specialization

Professional registration with ECSA as Pr. Eng.

Tools

GeoStudio

Plaxis

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a specialist geotechnical engineering firm, is seeking a skilled Geotechnical Engineer to join their expanding operations in Tembisa, Gauteng . This role is central to understanding subsurface conditions and ensuring the stability and safety of foundations for various construction projects. You will be instrumental in providing critical data and analysis that underpins the success of building, infrastructure, and industrial developments. This is an exciting opportunity for an engineer passionate about soil mechanics, rock mechanics, and foundation engineering, who thrives in both office-based analysis and field investigation environments. We are looking for a proactive individual who can contribute technical expertise and innovative solutions to challenging ground conditions. Join a team dedicated to excellence and contributing to the safe development of projects across the region.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan and supervise site investigations, including drilling, in-situ testing, and sampling.
• Analyze soil and rock samples to determine their physical and chemical properties.
• Perform geotechnical design calculations for foundations, retaining walls, slopes, and other earth structures.
• Develop detailed geotechnical reports, including recommendations for foundation types, ground improvement, and slope stability measures.
• Interpret subsurface investigation data and provide clear engineering advice.
• Liaise with project managers, structural engineers, and clients to discuss findings and recommendations.
• Ensure all investigations and designs comply with relevant South African National Standards (SANS) and industry best practices.
• Utilize specialized geotechnical software for analysis and modeling.
• Manage multiple projects concurrently, ensuring timely delivery of high‑quality geotechnical assessments in Tembisa, Gauteng .
• Conduct peer reviews of geotechnical reports and designs.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's or Master's degree in Civil Engineering with a specialization in Geotechnical Engineering.
• Professional registration with ECSA as a Pr. Eng. or a commitment to achieving it.
• A minimum of 7 years of hands‑on experience in geotechnical site investigations and foundation design.
• Proficiency in geotechnical software such as GeoStudio, Plaxis, or similar.
• Experience with field investigation techniques and laboratory testing procedures.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills with meticulous attention to detail.
• Excellent report writing and communication abilities.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Experience with contract administration for site investigations is advantageous.
• Familiarity with the geological conditions prevalent in the Tembisa, Gauteng region.

Benefits

The company offers a competitive salary package designed to attract top talent, along with opportunities for professional growth through advanced training and support for further ECSA registration. Access to state‑of‑the‑art geotechnical investigation equipment and software is provided. Employees are eligible for a comprehensive medical aid plan and a retirement annuity fund. The role involves regular site visits, providing a dynamic work experience within Tembisa, Gauteng . We foster a culture of knowledge sharing and technical excellence, encouraging engineers to push the boundaries of geotechnical science. Paid time off and opportunities for career advancement are integral parts of our employee benefits.