Geotechnical Engineer - Urban Development

Placements24; Soweto; Hybrid; ZAR 600,000 - 1,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Professional development

Exposure to urban infrastructure

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Geotechnical Engineer to advance complex urban projects in Soweto and surroundings. You will assess ground conditions, supervise site investigations, and deliver design recommendations for foundations and earthworks.

Hybrid work balance with site visits and office time is available. The role requires a Civil Engineering degree with geotechnical specialization, 5+ years of relevant experience, and proficiency in Plaxis/GeoStudio/Rocscience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering with geotechnical focus.
• Master's degree in Geotechnical Engineering is highly desirable.
• Minimum 5 years of geotechnical investigation and design experience.
• Experience with SA geotechnical standards.

Responsibilities

• Plan and manage geotechnical site investigations (drilling, sampling, in-situ testing).
• Analyze soil/rock data, interpret results, and prepare reports.
• Provide design guidance for foundations, slopes, and earthworks.
• Assess slope stability and liquefaction hazards where required.
• Liaise with clients and design teams to provide input.
• Conduct site visits during construction for monitoring.
• Ensure compliance with standards and regulations.
• Use geotechnical software for analysis and modeling.
• Assist in proposals and fee estimates for services.

Skills

Geotechnical site investigations

Data analysis

Report writing

Client liaison

Independent work

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering (Geotechnical)

Master's degree in Geotechnical Engineering

Tools

Plaxis

GeoStudio

Rocscience software

Job description

About the Role

Our client is a respected engineering consultancy specializing in geotechnical investigations and solutions for urban development projects. We are seeking a dedicated Geotechnical Engineer to join our growing team, contributing to significant infrastructure and building projects in the Soweto and surrounding areas. In this role, you will be responsible for assessing ground conditions, conducting site investigations, and providing expert recommendations for foundation design, slope stability, and earthworks. Your work will be critical in ensuring the safety, stability, and long-term viability of construction projects in complex urban environments. This is an excellent opportunity for a motivated geotechnical engineer to develop their career, work on diverse projects, and make a substantial contribution to the development of Soweto 's urban landscape. You will collaborate with a team of experienced professionals dedicated to delivering innovative engineering solutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan and manage geotechnical site investigations, including drilling, sampling, and in-situ testing.
• Analyze soil and rock mechanics data, interpret test results, and prepare comprehensive geotechnical reports.
• Provide design recommendations for foundations (shallow and deep), retaining walls, and earthworks.
• Assess slope stability and recommend mitigation measures.
• Perform liquefaction analysis and seismic hazard assessments where required.
• Liaise with clients, contractors, and other design team members to provide geotechnical input.
• Conduct site visits during construction to monitor geotechnical aspects and address any unforeseen conditions.
• Ensure compliance with relevant geotechnical standards, codes, and regulations.
• Utilize geotechnical software for analysis and modeling.
• Contribute to the preparation of proposals and fee estimates for geotechnical services.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering with a specialization in Geotechnical Engineering.
• A Master's degree in Geotechnical Engineering is highly desirable.
• A minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in geotechnical investigation and design.
• Proficiency in geotechnical analysis software (e.g., Plaxis, GeoStudio suite, Rocscience software).
• Strong understanding of soil mechanics, rock mechanics, and foundation engineering principles.
• Experience with South African geotechnical standards and practices.
• Excellent report writing, communication, and presentation skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage project timelines.
• Willingness to travel to project sites within the Soweto region and beyond.
• Eagerness to contribute to challenging urban development projects.

Benefits

• An annual salary of R .
• A hybrid work arrangement, balancing site work with office-based responsibilities.
• Contribution towards medical aid and retirement fund.
• Opportunities for professional development and specialized training.
• Involvement in significant infrastructure and urban development projects in Soweto .
• A collaborative and supportive engineering environment.
• Exposure to a wide range of geotechnical challenges.