Lead Geotechnical Engineer

Placements24; Randburg; Hybrid; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Competitive salary

Medical aid and life insurance

Retirement fund

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Lead Geotechnical Engineer to head geotechnical services for mining operations in and around Randburg. You will guide a team of engineers and specialists, ensuring safety and stability of underground excavations and open pits while collaborating with mine planning and operations.

The role requires MSc/PhD in geotechnical or mining engineering with 10+ years in mining geotech, expertise in rock/soil mechanics and modeling, and strong leadership and

Qualifications

• MSc or PhD in Geotechnical Engineering, Mining Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive geotechnical experience, mining-focused.
• Strong rock and soil mechanics knowledge and numerical modeling skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead geotechnical risks for underground and open-pit mining operations.
• Develop and oversee geotechnical monitoring programs with instrumentation and data analysis.
• Design ground support, slope stability measures, and excavation geometries.
• Conduct detailed investigations and interpret rock mass data.
• Provide expert advice on seismic hazards, rockburst mitigation, and tailings dam stability.
• Mentor and manage a team of geotechnical engineers and technicians.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Communication

Mentoring

Education

MSc/PhD in Geotechnical or Mining Engineering

Tools

FLAC

Phase2

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking an experienced and influential Lead Geotechnical Engineer to head their geotechnical services for mining operations in and around Randburg . This critical role involves ensuring the stability and safety of underground excavations, open pits, and associated infrastructure through expert analysis and design. You will lead a team of geotechnical engineers and specialists, providing technical direction and collaborating closely with mine planning and operations teams. This position offers a significant opportunity to impact mine design and safety protocols within the major mining interests of Gauteng .

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the assessment and management of geotechnical risks for underground and surface mining operations.
• Develop and oversee the implementation of geotechnical monitoring programs, including instrumentation and data analysis.
• Design and recommend ground support systems, slope stability measures, and excavation geometries.
• Conduct detailed geotechnical investigations and interpret geological and rock mass data.
• Provide expert technical advice on seismic hazards, rockburst mitigation, and tailings dam stability.
• Mentor and manage a team of geotechnical engineers and technicians, fostering a culture of safety and technical excellence.

Requirements

• MSc or PhD in Geotechnical Engineering, Mining Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in geotechnical engineering, with a significant portion focused on mining applications.
• Proven expertise in rock mechanics , soil mechanics, and numerical modeling (e.g., FLAC, Phase2).
• Experience with seismic monitoring and analysis in mining environments.
• Strong understanding of mine design principles and operational constraints.
• Excellent leadership, project management, and communication skills.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-related bonus structure.
• Comprehensive medical aid, life insurance, and retirement fund.
• Opportunities for professional development and advanced training.
• Hybrid work model allowing for flexibility.
• Key role in ensuring the safety and stability of major mining projects.