Lead Geotechnical Engineer - Foundation Design

Placements24; Stellenbosch; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Retirement benefits

Professional development

International project exposure

Hybrid work arrangement

Job summary

Placements24 in Stellenbosch, Western Cape, is seeking a Lead Geotechnical Engineer to manage foundation design for offshore and onshore oil and gas projects. You will lead a team of geotechnical engineers, oversee investigations, analyses, and design of foundations, and ensure technical excellence and timely delivery.

The role requires a Master’s or PhD in Geotechnical/Civil Engineering with 10+ years in the oil and gas sector, expertise in soil and rock mechanics, and proficiency with PLAXIS,

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Geotechnical Engineering, Civil Engineering or related field.
• 10+ years of progressive geotechnical experience, oil & gas preferred.
• Expertise in soil and rock mechanics and foundation design for offshore structures.

Responsibilities

• Lead geotechnical investigation and site characterization for new projects.
• Design shallow and deep foundations for offshore and onshore structures.
• Prepare geotechnical reports with soil profiles, bearing capacities and settlements.
• Mentor and manage a team of geotechnical engineers.
• Ensure compliance with industry codes, standards and regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate with structural engineers, project managers and clients.
• Manage project risks and QA for all geotechnical deliverables.
• Review design calculations, drawings and specifications.

Skills

Team leadership

Soil mechanics

Geotechnical analysis

Offshore design

Project management

Education

Master's degree in Geotechnical Engineering

Tools

PLAXIS

GeoStudio

gINT

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent engineering consultancy serving the Oil & Gas industry, is seeking an experienced Lead Geotechnical Engineer to manage their foundation design projects. This key position is based in the picturesque university town of Stellenbosch, Western Cape. The Lead Geotechnical Engineer will be responsible for overseeing the investigation, analysis, and design of foundations for various offshore and onshore oil and gas infrastructure, including platforms, pipelines, and processing facilities. You will lead a team of geotechnical engineers, ensuring the highest standards of technical excellence and project delivery. This role requires extensive expertise in soil mechanics, rock mechanics, and foundation engineering, with a strong focus on risk assessment and mitigation. The hybrid work model allows for flexibility, balancing on-site client engagement and site investigations with remote analysis and design work in Stellenbosch, Western Cape.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the geotechnical investigation and site characterization process for new projects.
• Perform detailed analysis and design of shallow and deep foundations for offshore and onshore structures.
• Oversee the preparation of geotechnical reports, including soil profiles, bearing capacities, and settlement analyses.
• Develop and manage geotechnical aspects of project proposals and bids.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to a team of geotechnical engineers.
• Ensure compliance with relevant industry codes, standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate effectively with structural engineers, project managers, and clients to integrate geotechnical solutions.
• Manage project risks and quality assurance for all geotechnical deliverables.
• Review and approve design calculations, drawings, and specifications.
• Stay current with advancements in geotechnical engineering practices and software.

Requirements

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Geotechnical Engineering, Civil Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in geotechnical engineering, with a significant portion focused on the Oil & Gas sector.
• Proven expertise in soil mechanics, rock mechanics, and foundation design for offshore structures (e.g., jackets, monopiles, gravity bases).
• Experience with geotechnical software for analysis and modeling (e.g., PLAXIS, gINT, GeoStudio).
• Strong understanding of site investigation techniques and data interpretation.
• Demonstrated leadership and project management skills.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and client-facing skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, project-driven environment.
• Professional Engineer (PE) or Chartered Engineer (CEng) status is highly desirable.
• Experience with South African geological conditions and regulatory frameworks is a plus.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive remuneration package, comprehensive medical and retirement benefits, and opportunities for professional development and international project exposure.
• This hybrid role in Stellenbosch, Western Cape offers a stimulating work environment with flexible working arrangements.
• You will lead critical projects within the Oil & Gas industry, working with a respected consultancy that values innovation and employee growth.