Lead Geotechnical Engineer - Coastal Projects

Placements24; Mossel Bay; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,700,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Provident fund

Career development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 invites an experienced Lead Geotechnical Engineer to lead our Mossel Bay operations in the Western Cape. You will direct site investigations, analyses, and design of foundations and slope stability, mentoring a team of geotechnical engineers and technicians.

You will apply soil/rock mechanics, hydrogeology, and coastal engineering knowledge to deliver safe, cost-effective solutions for coastal infrastructure and building projects. On-site presence in Mossel Bay is required.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Geotechnical Engineering or related discipline.
• Pr.Eng registration with ECSA is essential.
• 10+ years of progressive geotechnical engineering experience, coastal/marine focus.
• Experience leading geotechnical project teams and investigations.
• Strong knowledge of soil and rock mechanics, hydrogeology, and foundation engineering.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage geotechnical site investigations (drilling, CPTs, in-situ testing).
• Oversee laboratory testing programs and interpret results.
• Perform advanced geotechnical analyses for foundation design and slope stability.
• Develop innovative geotechnical solutions tailored to project requirements.
• Prepare comprehensive geotechnical reports and design documents.
• Provide technical guidance to junior staff.
• Liaise with clients, PMs, contractors, and authorities.
• Ensure compliance with codes, standards and best practices.
• Review designs and construction methods for geotechnical aspects.
• Contribute to business development and proposal preparation.

Skills

Geotechnical engineering

Project management

Leadership

Client communication

Plaxis

GeoStudio

Slope/W

Education

Master's degree in Geotechnical Engineering

Pr.Eng registration with ECSA

Tools

Plaxis

GeoStudio

Slope/W

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a distinguished engineering and environmental consultancy, is seeking an experienced Lead Geotechnical Engineer to direct their operations in the Mossel Bay, Western Cape region. This senior role focuses on providing expert geotechnical solutions for a variety of challenging projects, including coastal infrastructure, civil engineering works, and building developments. You will lead a team of geotechnical engineers and technicians, overseeing site investigations, laboratory testing, analysis, and the design of foundations, slope stability measures, and ground improvement techniques. The successful candidate will possess extensive knowledge of soil mechanics, rock mechanics, and hydrogeology, coupled with strong leadership and project management skills. Your expertise will be crucial for ensuring the stability and safety of complex construction projects in a dynamic coastal environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage geotechnical site investigations, including drilling, CPTs, and in-situ testing.
• Oversee laboratory testing programs and interpret the results.
• Perform advanced geotechnical analyses for foundation design (shallow and deep), slope stability, earthworks, and retaining structures.
• Develop innovative and cost-effective geotechnical solutions tailored to project requirements.
• Prepare comprehensive geotechnical investigation reports and design documents.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior geotechnical staff.
• Liaise with clients, project managers, contractors, and regulatory authorities.
• Ensure compliance with relevant codes, standards, and best practices.
• Review designs and construction methods for geotechnical aspects.
• Contribute to business development and proposal preparation.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Geotechnical Engineering or a related discipline.
• Professional Engineer (Pr. Eng) registration with ECSA is essential.
• A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in geotechnical engineering, with a significant focus on coastal or marine projects.
• Demonstrated experience in leading geotechnical project teams and managing investigations.
• Expertise in geotechnical software (e.g., Plaxis, GeoStudio, Slope/W).
• Strong understanding of soil and rock mechanics, hydrogeology, and foundation engineering principles.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and report-writing skills.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills for client and team interaction.
• Experience with coastal erosion and protection designs is highly desirable.
• Must be based in or willing to relocate to Mossel Bay and work on-site.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary package and attractive performance bonuses. Employees benefit from comprehensive medical aid, a provident fund, and substantial opportunities for professional development and career progression. You will have the unique opportunity to work on impactful projects in the scenic Western Cape region, contributing to critical infrastructure and gaining specialized experience in coastal geotechnical engineering. Join a leading firm renowned for its technical expertise and commitment to delivering high-quality engineering solutions.