Lead Geotechnical Engineer - Coastal Projects

Placements24; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private medical insurance

Retirement fund contribution

Professional development and training

Job summary

placements24 is seeking a Lead Geotechnical Engineer to head our geotechnical division in Cape Town. The role focuses on challenging coastal and marine infrastructure, leading multi-disciplinary teams and delivering technically rigorous solutions.

The ideal candidate will have a Master’s or PhD in Geotechnical Engineering, 10+ years of post-graduate experience, and professional registration. Coastal investigations, client-facing skills and leadership are essential for success.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree or Ph.D. in Geotechnical Engineering or a closely related field.
• Professional registration with ECSA as a Pr. Eng. or equivalent international registration.
• Minimum of 10 years of post-graduate experience in geotechnical engineering, with coastal/marine focus.
• Proven track record leading complex geotechnical projects and technical teams.
• Expertise in geotechnical software such as PLAXIS and GeoStudio.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert technical leadership in geotechnical investigations, analysis and design for coastal/marine infrastructure.
• Develop and execute geotechnical investigation programs (boreholes, CPTs, in-situ testing).
• Perform slope stability, settlement, seismic analyses and foundation design (piles, rafts).
• Prepare detailed geotechnical reports, specs and tender documents.
• Mentor junior engineers and technicians and provide technical direction.

Skills

Geotechnical leadership

Client communication

Project management

Technical reporting

Education

Master's or PhD in Geotechnical Engineering

Tools

PLAXIS

GeoStudio

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a renowned engineering firm specializing in challenging coastal and marine projects, is seeking a distinguished Lead Geotechnical Engineer to be based in our vibrant Cape Town, Western Cape office. This senior position requires extensive expertise in soil mechanics, foundation design, and site characterization, particularly within complex geological and environmental settings typical of coastal regions. You will be at the forefront of designing innovative solutions for port expansions, offshore structures, and coastal defence systems. This role is critical to our continued success in delivering technically demanding projects. The Lead Geotechnical Engineer will be responsible for leading project teams, providing expert technical guidance, and ensuring the highest standards of engineering practice. We are looking for an individual with a strong client-facing ability and a proven history of managing multi-disciplinary projects from conception through to completion. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of the unique geotechnical challenges presented by the South African coastline and beyond. This is a unique opportunity to shape significant infrastructure developments and contribute to the resilience of coastal communities against environmental changes. Your leadership will be key to fostering a culture of excellence and innovation within our geotechnical division.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide expert technical leadership in geotechnical investigations, analysis, and design for coastal and marine infrastructure projects.
• Develop and execute comprehensive geotechnical investigation programs, including borehole drilling, CPTs, and in-situ testing.
• Perform advanced geotechnical analyses, including slope stability, settlement analysis, seismic analysis, and foundation design (piles, rafts, etc.).
• Prepare detailed geotechnical reports, design specifications, and tender documents.
• Oversee the work of junior engineers and technicians, providing mentorship and technical direction.
• Collaborate closely with clients, project managers, and other engineering disciplines to integrate geotechnical solutions into overall project designs.
• Manage geotechnical aspects of project risk, ensuring that potential hazards are identified and mitigated.
• Stay updated on the latest advancements in geotechnical engineering software and methodologies.
• Conduct site visits and construction support for geotechnical elements of projects.
• Contribute to business development efforts by assisting with proposals and client presentations.

Requirements

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Geotechnical Engineering or a closely related field.
• Professional registration with ECSA as a Pr. Eng. or equivalent international registration.
• Minimum of 10 years of post-graduate experience in geotechnical engineering, with a significant portion dedicated to coastal or marine projects.
• Proven track record in managing complex geotechnical projects and leading technical teams.
• Expertise in geotechnical software such as PLAXIS, GeoStudio, or similar.
• Strong understanding of South African geological conditions and relevant design codes.
• Excellent report writing, presentation, and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
• Experience with offshore geotechnical investigations and design is highly desirable.
• Demonstrated ability to develop innovative and practical geotechnical solutions.

Benefits

This role offers a highly competitive salary, commensurate with extensive experience and expertise. Beyond the attractive base pay, our client provides a comprehensive benefits package including private medical insurance, a generous retirement fund contribution, and opportunities for professional development through advanced training and conference attendance. Located in beautiful Cape Town , the office provides a stimulating work environment with stunning views. We also offer paid leave, study leave support, and potential for international travel on specific projects. Join a team at the forefront of geotechnical engineering innovation in South Africa and contribute to iconic coastal developments.