Lead Geotechnical Engineer

Placements24; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 1,800,000 - 2,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Provident fund

Training & conferences

Leave policy

Job summary

Placements24 invites a Lead Geotechnical Engineer to lead our client's geotechnical team in Cape Town, Western Cape. You will guide ground condition assessments, foundation design, slope stability and earthworks on major developments, ensuring safety and viability.

The role requires a PhD or Master's, Pr Eng or Pr Tech Eng with 10+ years of lead experience, proficiency in PLAXIS and GeoStudio, strong leadership, reporting, and client-facing skills. Travel to sites is expected.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Geotechnical Engineering or a related field.
• Professional registration with ECSA as Pr. Eng or Pr. Tech. Eng.
• Minimum 10 years of geotechnical experience with lead/senior responsibilities.
• Experience in deep and shallow foundations, ground improvement, and slope stability.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and manage all geotechnical investigations and analyses for diverse projects.
• Develop detailed geotechnical designs for foundations, retaining walls, and earth structures.
• Interpret site investigation data (boreholes, CPTs, geophysics) and produce reports and risk assessments.
• Provide technical leadership to project teams and mentor junior engineers.
• Ensure compliance with geotechnical standards and best practices.
• Manage client relationships and represent the company in meetings and presentations.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Analytical thinking

Report writing

Education

Master's or PhD in Geotechnical Engineering

Tools

PLAXIS

GeoStudio (SLOPE/W, SEEP/W)

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent specialist consultancy, is seeking a distinguished Lead Geotechnical Engineer to spearhead their operations in Cape Town, Western Cape . This senior position offers the chance to shape the geotechnical aspects of significant construction and development projects, from large-scale commercial buildings to critical public infrastructure. You will be instrumental in providing expert advice on ground conditions, foundation design, slope stability, and earthworks, ensuring the safety and viability of complex engineering endeavors. The role requires a seasoned professional with a deep understanding of soil mechanics and rock mechanics, capable of leading a team and driving innovation in geotechnical solutions. This is a key leadership role within a respected organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee and manage all geotechnical investigations and analyses for diverse projects.
• Develop detailed geotechnical designs for foundations, retaining walls, and other earth structures.
• Interpret site investigation data, including boreholes, CPTs, and geophysical surveys.
• Prepare comprehensive geotechnical reports, risk assessments, and recommendations.
• Provide expert geotechnical advice and technical leadership to project teams.
• Ensure compliance with relevant geotechnical codes, standards, and best practices.
• Manage client relationships and represent the company in technical meetings and presentations.
• Mentor and guide junior geotechnical engineers and technicians.
• Collaborate with other engineering disciplines (structural, civil, environmental) to integrate geotechnical solutions.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in geotechnical engineering technology and methodologies.

Requirements

• A Master's degree or PhD in Geotechnical Engineering or a related field.
• Professional registration with ECSA as a Professional Engineer (Pr. Eng) or Professional Engineering Technologist (Pr. Tech. Eng).
• A minimum of 10 years of experience in geotechnical engineering, with a significant portion in a lead or senior capacity.
• Extensive experience in the design of deep and shallow foundations, ground improvement techniques, and slope stability analysis.
• Proficiency in geotechnical software such as PLAXIS, GeoStudio (SLOPE/W, SEEP/W), or equivalent.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Strong report writing and presentation abilities.
• Demonstrated leadership and team management capabilities.
• Experience in the Cape Town region and an understanding of local geological conditions would be advantageous.
• Ability to travel to project sites as needed.

Benefits

This position comes with an attractive salary package commensurate with experience and expertise. Our client provides excellent medical aid benefits, a generous provident fund contribution, and ample opportunities for professional growth through advanced training and conference attendance. The role offers exposure to challenging and prestigious projects, fostering career advancement. We value work-life balance and offer competitive leave policies. Join a forward-thinking company that invests in its people and encourages innovation.