Lead Geotechnical Engineer

Placements24; Centurion; On-site; ZAR 1,500,000 - 2,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Industry-leading salary

Health insurance

Retirement benefits

Professional development support

Conference attendance

State-of-the-art Centurion office

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Geotechnical Engineer for our Centurion office in Gauteng. You will lead a team of geotechnical experts, oversee site investigations, and deliver design recommendations for infrastructure projects.

The role requires a Masters or Ph.D., Pr.Eng registration, 10+ years of experience, and strong leadership plus client-facing skills. Proficiency with PLAXIS or GeoStudio is essential.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Geotechnical Engineering or a related field.
• Pr.Eng registration with ECSA is mandatory.
• 10+ years of progressive geotechnical experience with leadership.
• Expertise in soil and rock mechanics, foundation design, and slope stability.
• Proficiency with PLAXIS and/or GeoStudio is required.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor the geotechnical engineering team with technical direction.
• Oversee site investigations, drilling, sampling, and in-situ testing.
• Perform advanced analyses for foundations, slopes, tunnels and retaining structures.
• Develop geotechnical reports, design recommendations, and supervision plans.
• Ensure compliance with SA geotechnical codes and international best practices.
• Manage project schedules, budgets and client relationships on geotechnical aspects.
• Liaise with clients, contractors and authorities to meet project objectives.
• Review and approve designs and reports produced by the team.
• Stay updated on geotechnical advances and contribute to business development.
• Assist in proposal writing and client presentations.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Project management

Soil mechanics

Rock mechanics

Foundation engineering

Slope stability

Seismic analysis

Retrofitting experience

Education

Master's degree in Geotechnical Engineering

Ph.D. in Geotechnical Engineering

Tools

PLAXIS

GeoStudio

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent geotechnical engineering firm, is seeking a highly accomplished Lead Geotechnical Engineer to spearhead their operations in Centurion, Gauteng . This critical role involves leading a team of geotechnical experts in assessing ground conditions, designing foundations, and providing solutions for complex infrastructure and building projects. You will be the technical authority, responsible for the quality and accuracy of all geotechnical investigations and designs produced by the team. The position requires a deep understanding of soil mechanics, rock mechanics, and seismic engineering, coupled with strong leadership abilities and a commitment to client satisfaction. Working within our Centurion office means being part of a vibrant hub of engineering innovation, contributing to significant developments across the region.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the geotechnical engineering team, providing technical direction and mentorship.
• Oversee the planning and execution of site investigations, including drilling, sampling, and in-situ testing.
• Conduct advanced geotechnical analyses for foundations, slopes, tunnels, and earth retaining structures.
• Develop comprehensive geotechnical reports, design recommendations, and construction supervision plans.
• Ensure all work complies with relevant South African geotechnical codes and international best practices.
• Manage project schedules, budgets, and client relationships for geotechnical aspects of projects.
• Liaise with clients, contractors, and regulatory authorities to ensure project objectives are met.
• Review and approve geotechnical designs and reports prepared by team members.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in geotechnical engineering technology and methodologies.
• Contribute to business development efforts, including proposal writing and client presentations.

Requirements

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Geotechnical Engineering or a related field.
• A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in geotechnical engineering, with a significant portion in a leadership role.
• Professional Engineer (Pr.Eng) registration with ECSA is mandatory.
• Expertise in soil mechanics, rock mechanics, foundation engineering, and slope stability analysis.
• Proficiency with geotechnical software such as PLAXIS, GeoStudio, or similar.
• Proven experience managing large, complex geotechnical projects.
• Exceptional leadership, team management, and communication skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Experience with seismic analysis and retrofitting is advantageous.
• Must be able to work full-time from our Centurion office.

Benefits

• An industry-leading salary and bonus structure.
• Opportunity to lead challenging and high-profile projects in Gauteng .
• Comprehensive health insurance and retirement benefits.
• Support for professional development, certifications, and conference attendance.
• State-of-the-art office facilities in Centurion .
• A culture that promotes technical excellence and innovation.
• Significant opportunities for career advancement.
• Annual leave and company holidays.