Geotechnical Engineer - Soil Investigations & Foundation Design

Placements24; Kempton Park; On-site; ZAR 700,000 - 1,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Provident fund

Professional growth opportunities

Industry conferences

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Geotechnical Engineer for a reputable firm in Gauteng for site investigations, soil/rock analysis, and foundation design across buildings, bridges and walls. You will contribute to urban development and infrastructure.

The role requires a BEng in Civil Engineering with geotechnical specialization, Pr Eng/Pr Tech Eng registration ideally, 6+ years of geotechnical experience, and proficiency in Plaxis or GeoStudio. On-site work and client collaboration are core.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering with geotechnical specialization.
• Master’s degree is advantageous for progression.
• Pr Eng or Pr Tech Eng registration with ECSA preferred.

Responsibilities

• Plan, execute and manage geotechnical site investigations (boreholes, pits, in-situ tests).
• Analyze soil and rock samples for properties and behavior.
• Perform slope stability, bearing capacity, and settlement analyses.
• Design foundations for buildings, bridges, and walls.
• Prepare geotechnical investigation reports with recommendations.
• Coordinate with clients, contractors and project managers.
• Ensure compliance with geotechnical standards and regulations.
• Provide technical guidance during construction for ground conditions.

Skills

Geotechnical engineering

Soil mechanics

Report writing

Project management

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering (Geotechnical)

Master’s degree advantageous

Pr Eng or Pr Tech Eng registration with ECSA

Tools

Plaxis

GeoStudio

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a reputable geotechnical consulting firm located in Tembisa, Gauteng , is looking for a skilled Geotechnical Engineer to join their growing team. This role is crucial for ensuring the stability and safety of foundations for a wide array of construction projects. You will be involved in every stage of the geotechnical investigation process, from initial site assessment and planning to detailed analysis and reporting. The position requires a proactive approach to problem-solving and a keen eye for detail, ensuring that engineering solutions are both practical and cost-effective. As a key member of the team, you will contribute to significant urban development and infrastructure initiatives within the region, working on challenging projects that demand innovative geotechnical expertise. This is a hands-on role for an engineer passionate about understanding soil behavior and its implications in construction.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, execute, and manage geotechnical site investigations, including boreholes, trial pits, and in-situ testing.
• Analyze soil and rock samples to determine their physical and chemical properties.
• Perform detailed geotechnical analyses, including slope stability, bearing capacity, and settlement calculations.
• Design foundations for various structures, including buildings, bridges, and retaining walls.
• Prepare comprehensive geotechnical investigation reports, providing clear recommendations for design and construction.
• Liaise with clients, contractors, and project managers to discuss findings and recommendations.
• Ensure compliance with relevant geotechnical standards, codes of practice, and environmental regulations.
• Provide technical support and guidance during the construction phase to address any unexpected ground conditions.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering with a specialization in Geotechnical Engineering. A Master's degree is advantageous.
• Professional Engineer (Pr Eng) or Professional Engineering Technologist (Pr Tech Eng) registration with ECSA.
• Minimum of 6 years of relevant experience in geotechnical investigations and foundation design.
• Proficiency in geotechnical software such as Plaxis, GeoStudio, or similar analysis tools.
• Strong understanding of soil mechanics, rock mechanics, and engineering geology.
• Experience with various site investigation techniques and laboratory testing procedures.
• Excellent report writing and communication skills, with the ability to present complex technical information clearly.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, managing multiple projects simultaneously.

Benefits

• We offer a competitive salary package, comprehensive medical aid benefits, and a provident fund contribution.
• Opportunities for professional growth, advanced training, and attending industry conferences are provided.
• This role is based in a vibrant area of Gauteng and offers a stable, challenging work environment with a supportive team.
• We invest in our employees' development, ensuring they have the tools and knowledge to excel.
• The position requires on-site presence for investigations and project coordination.