Lead Geotechnical Engineer - Major Developments

Placements24; Benoni; Hybrid; ZAR 1,100,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Hybrid role

Career development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Geotechnical Engineer to lead and execute complex geotechnical investigations and designs for major developments in Benoni, Gauteng, and surrounding areas. You will manage project teams, oversee client relationships, and deliver high-quality technical solutions with a strong focus on soil and rock mechanics, foundations and site investigations.

The role blends site visits with office-based analysis and design in a hybrid work environment.

Qualifications

• MSc or MEng in Geotechnical Engineering or related discipline.
• Professional registration (e.g., Pr Eng, Pr Sci Nat) with SA council is essential.
• Minimum of 8 years of geotechnical engineering experience, with leadership track record.
• Extensive site investigation planning, execution, and interpretation.
• Proficiency in PLAXIS and GeoStudio; strong numerical modeling background.
• Excellent report writing, communication and client management skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage project teams and deliver complex solutions.
• Experience in hybrid work environment with site visits and office work.
• Valid driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage geotechnical investigations for diverse projects.
• Oversee design of foundations (shallow and deep), retaining walls and earthworks.
• Interpret and analyze data from boreholes, CPTs and lab testing.
• Prepare geotechnical reports, recommendations and design drawings.
• Manage project timelines, budgets and resources.
• Mentor and supervise junior geotechnical engineers and technicians.
• Liaise with clients, architects and contractors for expert geotechnical advice.
• Ensure compliance with geotechnical standards and environmental regulations.
• Conduct risk assessments related to ground conditions and solutions.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Communication

Mentoring

Client relations

Education

MSc or MEng in Geotechnical Engineering

Tools

PLAXIS

GeoStudio

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a highly respected geotechnical consultancy, is seeking a Lead Geotechnical Engineer to manage and execute complex geotechnical investigations and designs for major development projects in Benoni, Gauteng, and surrounding areas. The Lead Geotechnical Engineer will be responsible for overseeing project teams, managing client relationships, and ensuring the delivery of high-quality technical solutions. The position requires a deep understanding of soil mechanics, rock mechanics, foundation engineering, and site investigation techniques, combined with strong leadership and project management skills. This role offers a hybrid work arrangement, balancing site-based investigations with office-based analysis and design.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage geotechnical investigations for diverse projects, including commercial, industrial, and residential developments.
• Oversee the design of foundations (shallow and deep), retaining walls, slope stabilization measures, and earthworks.
• Interpret and analyze data from site investigations (e.g., boreholes, CPTs, laboratory testing).
• Prepare comprehensive geotechnical reports, recommendations, and design drawings.
• Manage project timelines, budgets, and resources effectively.
• Mentor and supervise junior geotechnical engineers and technicians.
• Liaise with clients, architects, structural engineers, and contractors to provide expert geotechnical advice.
• Ensure compliance with relevant geotechnical standards, codes of practice, and environmental regulations.
• Conduct risk assessments related to ground conditions and engineering solutions.

Requirements

• MSc or MEng in Geotechnical Engineering or a related discipline.
• Professional registration (e.g., Pr Eng, Pr Sci Nat) with a relevant South African council is essential.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in geotechnical engineering, with a proven track record in leading projects.
• Extensive experience in site investigation planning, execution, and interpretation.
• Proficiency in geotechnical design software (e.g., PLAXIS, GeoStudio suite) and a strong understanding of numerical modeling.
• Excellent report writing, communication, and client management skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage project teams and deliver complex technical solutions.
• Experience in a hybrid work environment, comfortable with both site visits and office-based responsibilities.
• Valid driver's license.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive remuneration package and a comprehensive benefits scheme, including medical aid and retirement fund contributions.
• This hybrid role provides flexibility while ensuring active involvement in project delivery.
• You will have the opportunity to work on challenging and high-profile projects, contribute to significant developments, and advance your career within a leading consultancy.
• Continuous professional development and training opportunities are provided.