Geotechnical Engineer - Structural Foundations

Placements24; Stellenbosch; Hybrid; ZAR 850,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working arrangements

Diverse and challenging projects

Direct impact on safety of structures

Job summary

Placements24 in Stellenbosch, Western Cape, seeks a senior Geotechnical Engineer to lead expert consultancy on foundation design and site investigations.

You will assess soil and rock properties, perform bearing capacity and settlement analyses, and prepare comprehensive reports with clear recommendations to clients and structural teams.

Experience with PLAXIS or GeoStudio and registration with ECSA will be essential to deliver high-quality solutions across diverse projects in the Western Cape.

Qualifications

• MSc or MEng in Geotechnical Engineering or closely related field.
• Professional registration with ECSA (Pr Eng) is essential.
• Minimum of 8 years of geotechnical engineering experience with a strong focus on foundation design.

Responsibilities

• Plan and oversee site investigations including drilling, soil sampling, and in-situ testing.
• Analyze soil and rock samples to determine engineering properties and bearing capacity.
• Perform geotechnical analyses (bearing capacity, settlement, slope stability, seismic).
• Design foundations for shallow and deep structures (pad footings, rafts, piles, piers).
• Prepare comprehensive geotechnical investigation reports and foundation design recommendations.
• Provide expert advice to structural engineers, architects, and construction teams.
• Review project plans to identify geotechnical risks and propose mitigations.
• Ensure compliance with South African geotechnical codes and standards.

Education

MSc or MEng in Geotechnical Engineering or closely related field

Tools

PLAXIS

GeoStudio

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a specialized Geotechnical Engineer to provide expert consultancy services for various projects centered around Stellenbosch, Western Cape. This role focuses on analyzing ground conditions and providing recommendations for the safe and stable design of structural foundations. The ideal candidate will possess deep knowledge of soil mechanics, rock mechanics, and foundation engineering principles, coupled with the ability to interpret complex site investigation data. You will play a crucial role in ensuring the integrity and longevity of structures by advising on subsurface challenges. This is an excellent opportunity for a seasoned geotechnical expert to contribute their skills to a diverse range of construction and development projects in the renowned Stellenbosch region. The role demands meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to best practices in geotechnical engineering.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan and oversee site investigations, including drilling, soil sampling, and in-situ testing.
• Analyze soil and rock samples to determine their engineering properties.
• Perform detailed geotechnical analyses, including bearing capacity, settlement, slope stability, and seismic analyses.
• Design foundations for various structures, including shallow and deep foundations (e.g., pad footings, rafts, piles, piers).
• Prepare comprehensive geotechnical investigation reports and foundation design recommendations.
• Provide expert advice and technical support to structural engineers, architects, and construction teams.
• Review project plans and specifications to identify potential geotechnical risks and propose mitigation strategies.
• Ensure compliance with relevant South African geotechnical codes and standards.

Requirements

• MSc or MEng in Geotechnical Engineering or a closely related field.
• Professional registration with ECSA (Pr Eng) is essential.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in geotechnical engineering, with a strong focus on foundation design.
• Extensive experience with site investigation techniques and laboratory testing.
• Proficiency in geotechnical software such as PLAXIS, GeoStudio suite, or similar.
• Thorough understanding of soil mechanics, rock mechanics, and foundation engineering principles.
• Ability to interpret geological data and prepare clear, concise reports.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and client liaison skills.
• Experience with projects in the Western Cape area is advantageous.

Benefits

• Attractive contract rate commensurate with expertise and experience.
• Opportunity to work on diverse and challenging geotechnical projects.
• Flexible working arrangements may be considered for highly qualified candidates.
• Direct impact on the safety and stability of significant structures.
• Collaborate with leading professionals in the construction and engineering fields in Stellenbosch.