Geotechnical Engineering Specialist

Placements24; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement fund

Generous annual leave

CPD opportunities

Company vehicle or travel allowance

Job summary

Placements24 in Cape Town seeks a Geotechnical Engineering Specialist to join a permanent, full-time team. The role focuses on expert geotechnical solutions for infrastructure and construction across the region, with hands-on field and office work.

You will lead investigations, analyze data, and develop reports while ensuring safety and compliance with South African geotechnical standards. Travel to project sites in the Western Cape is expected.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Geotechnical Engineering or a related discipline.
• Professional Engineer (Pr Eng) registration with ECSA.
• Minimum of 7 years of relevant professional geotechnical experience.
• Strong knowledge of soil mechanics, foundation design, slope stability, and ground improvement.
• Experience in leading field investigations and laboratory testing programs.

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute geotechnical investigations including site reconnaissance, drilling, sampling, and in-situ testing.
• Interpret soil/rock data and develop detailed geotechnical reports.
• Design shallow and deep foundations, retaining structures and earthworks.
• Perform slope stability, seepage, and settlement analyses.
• Develop ground improvement and remediation strategies.
• Provide expert advice to project teams, clients, and contractors.
• Review designs and construction methods for geotechnical integrity and safety.

Skills

Geotechnical engineering

Soil & rock mechanics

Report writing

Site investigations

Education

Master's degree in Geotechnical Engineering

Pr Eng registration with ECSA

Tools

Plaxis

GeoStudio

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Geotechnical Engineering Specialist to join their established team in Cape Town, Western Cape. This is a permanent, full-time position focused on providing expert geotechnical solutions for a variety of complex infrastructure and construction projects across the region. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of soil mechanics, foundation design, slope stability, and ground improvement techniques. You will be instrumental in assessing subsurface conditions, mitigating geological risks, and ensuring the stability and safety of major developments. This role requires a hands-on approach, with significant time spent both in the office analyzing data and on-site conducting investigations and overseeing works. We are looking for a proactive individual who can lead geotechnical investigations and contribute significantly to the success of our client's diverse portfolio of projects in Cape Town.

Key Responsibilities

• Planning and executing comprehensive geotechnical investigations, including site reconnaissance, drilling, sampling, and in-situ testing.
• Interpreting soil and rock data, conducting laboratory testing analysis, and developing detailed geotechnical reports.
• Designing foundations (shallow and deep), retaining structures, and earthworks for various projects.
• Performing slope stability analyses, seepage analyses, and ground settlement predictions.
• Developing recommendations for ground improvement and remediation strategies.
• Providing expert advice and technical support to project teams, clients, and contractors.
• Reviewing designs and construction methods to ensure geotechnical integrity and safety.
• Ensuring compliance with relevant South African geotechnical standards and building codes.
• Managing project schedules and budgets related to geotechnical aspects in Western Cape.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Geotechnical Engineering or a related discipline.
• Professional Engineer (Pr Eng) registration with ECSA.
• A minimum of 7 years of relevant professional experience in geotechnical engineering.
• Extensive knowledge of soil mechanics, rock mechanics, foundation engineering, and site investigation techniques.
• Proficiency with geotechnical software such as Plaxis, GeoStudio, or similar.
• Strong report writing and presentation skills.
• Experience in managing field investigations and laboratory testing programs.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Willingness to travel to project sites within Cape Town and surrounding areas as needed.

Benefits

• An attractive annual salary, reflective of expertise and experience.
• Comprehensive health insurance and retirement fund benefits.
• Generous annual leave allowance.
• Opportunities for continuous professional development and training.
• Involvement in high-profile and technically challenging projects in South Africa.
• A supportive and professional working environment.
• Company vehicle or travel allowance provided for site visits.