Lead Geotechnical Civil Engineer

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

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement annuity

Performance bonus

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is hiring a Lead Geotechnical Civil Engineer for a prominent Gauteng civil engineering firm. Based in Tembisa, you will lead geotechnical investigations, analysis, and design for major infrastructure projects, guiding a team of engineers and technicians. You will apply soil mechanics knowledge, manage project delivery, mentor staff, and liaise with clients and regulators to ensure compliant, safe solutions.

A Pr. Eng.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Geotechnical Engineering or related field.
• Professional Engineer (Pr. Eng.) with ECSA.
• Minimum 10 years of progressive geotechnical experience.
• At least 3 years in a leadership role.
• Experience with PLAXIS, GeoStudio and advanced geotechnical analyses.
• Extensive foundation design experience for large-scale projects.
• Strong knowledge of South African geotechnical codes and standards.
• Proven project and team management abilities.
• Excellent communication and report-writing skills.
• Willingness to conduct fieldwork and travel as required.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage geotechnical investigations from site reconnaissance to lab analysis.
• Perform advanced analyses for slope stability, foundation design, earth retaining structures, and seismic assessments.
• Develop geotechnical reports, design recommendations, and construction supervision plans.
• Oversee drawings and specifications for earthworks and foundations.
• Mentor a team of geotechnical engineers and site investigation personnel.
• Liaise with clients, regulators, and stakeholders to ensure project execution.
• Peer review geotechnical designs and reports.
• Develop best practices for site investigations and design.
• Contribute to business development and client relations.
• Ensure compliance with geotechnical standards and safety regulations.

Skills

Geotechnical engineering

Leadership

Project management

Numerical modelling

Technical reporting

Field investigations

Communication skills

Education

Master's degree in Geotechnical Engineering

Pr. Eng. designation with ECSA

Tools

PLAXIS

GeoStudio

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent civil engineering firm with extensive operations in Tembisa and the surrounding Gauteng area, is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Lead Geotechnical Civil Engineer. This senior position involves overseeing all aspects of geotechnical investigations, analysis, and design for major infrastructure and development projects. You will be responsible for managing a team of geotechnical engineers and technicians, ensuring the highest standards of technical quality and project delivery. The role requires a strategic thinker with a deep understanding of soil mechanics, foundation engineering, and ground improvement techniques. This is a critical role in ensuring the stability and longevity of the foundations for our region's most important developments.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage geotechnical investigations, including site reconnaissance, drilling, in-situ testing, and laboratory analysis.
• Perform advanced geotechnical analyses for slope stability, foundation design (shallow and deep), earth retaining structures, and seismic assessments.
• Develop comprehensive geotechnical reports, design recommendations, and construction supervision plans.
• Oversee the preparation of detailed drawings and specifications related to earthworks and foundations.
• Manage and mentor a team of geotechnical engineers and site investigation personnel.
• Liaise with clients, regulatory bodies, and other project stakeholders to ensure seamless project execution.
• Conduct peer reviews of geotechnical designs and reports prepared by other team members.
• Develop and implement best practices for site investigations and geotechnical design.
• Contribute to business development activities, including proposal preparation and client relationship management.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant geotechnical engineering standards and safety regulations.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Geotechnical Engineering or a related field.
• Professional Engineer (Pr. Eng.) designation with ECSA is essential.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in geotechnical engineering, with at least 3 years in a leadership role.
• Demonstrated expertise in numerical modelling software (e.g., PLAXIS, GeoStudio) and geotechnical analysis techniques.
• Extensive experience with foundation design for large-scale projects (bridges, dams, high-rise buildings).
• Strong knowledge of South African geotechnical codes and standards.
• Proven ability to manage complex projects, budgets, and teams.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with strong report-writing capabilities.
• Ability to conduct fieldwork and site inspections in challenging conditions.
• Valid driver's license.

Benefits

Our client provides an attractive salary package commensurate with experience, complemented by comprehensive health insurance, retirement annuities, and a performance bonus. This position offers the opportunity to lead significant geotechnical challenges in the Gauteng region, work with state-of-the-art technology, and engage in continuous professional development. You will be part of a respected firm known for its technical excellence and commitment to employee welfare. The role is based in Tembisa , offering a stable and rewarding career path.