Lead Geotechnical Engineer - Oil & Gas Sector

Placements24; Centurion; On-site; ZAR 1,400,000 - 1,850,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical and retirement benefits

Professional development opportunities

Competitive salary and performancebon/

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Geotechnical Engineer based in Centurion, Gauteng. You will lead a team of geotechnical specialists, overseeing offshore and onshore projects to ensure stability and integrity of infrastructure.

The role demands deep soil and rock mechanics knowledge, foundation design, and strong leadership. You will mentor junior engineers, collaborate with structural, civil, and process teams, and ensure compliance with API and ISO standards.

Qualifications

• Master's in Geotechnical or Civil with geotech specialization.
• Minimum 10 years in geotechnical engineering, with Oil & Gas focus.
• Experience leading design/investigation for offshore and onshore facilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead geotechnical investigations and design for offshore and onshore Oil & Gas projects.
• Develop investigation programs, site surveys, and lab tests.
• Review reports and provide technical oversight.
• Mentor junior engineers and manage budgets/schedules.
• Ensure compliance with API, ISO and applicable codes.
• Provide on-site geotechnical support and stakeholder coordination.

Skills

Geotechnical leadership

Offshore & onshore Oil & Gas

PLAXIS

GeoStudio

Leadership / project management

Education

Master's degree in Geotechnical Engineering

Civil Engineering with geotechnical specialization

Tools

PLAXIS

GeoStudio

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent player in the **Oil & Gas** industry, is actively seeking a distinguished Lead Geotechnical Engineer to join their operations based in **Centurion, Gauteng, ZA**. This senior role is crucial for overseeing all geotechnical aspects of offshore and onshore projects, ensuring the stability and integrity of infrastructure. You will lead a team of geotechnical specialists, providing expert guidance and technical oversight. The position demands a deep understanding of soil mechanics, rock mechanics, and foundation design principles as applied to the demanding **Oil & Gas** environment. This is an opportunity to contribute significantly to high-profile projects, working with cutting‑edge technology and tackling complex engineering challenges in **Gauteng**. The successful candidate will be instrumental in maintaining our client's reputation for safety and excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the geotechnical investigation and design process for **Oil & Gas** projects, including platforms, pipelines, and onshore facilities.
• Develop and execute comprehensive geotechnical investigation programs, including site surveys and laboratory testing.
• Perform advanced geotechnical analyses for foundation design, slope stability, and seismic assessments.
• Review and approve geotechnical reports, designs, and specifications prepared by the team or external consultants.
• Provide expert technical advice on soil-structure interaction, ground improvement techniques, and seismic hazard assessment.
• Collaborate closely with other engineering disciplines (structural, civil, process) to ensure integrated project execution.
• Manage project budgets and schedules for geotechnical scope of work.
• Mentor and develop junior geotechnical engineers, fostering a high-performance team culture.
• Ensure compliance with relevant industry standards, codes, and regulations (e.g., API, ISO).
• Conduct site visits and provide on-site geotechnical support as required.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Geotechnical Engineering, Civil Engineering with a geotechnical specialization, or a closely related field.
• A minimum of 10 years of extensive experience in geotechnical engineering, with a significant portion dedicated to the **Oil & Gas** sector.
• Demonstrated experience in leading geotechnical design and investigation for offshore and onshore **Oil & Gas** facilities.
• Expert knowledge of geotechnical software such as PLAXIS, GeoStudio, or similar analysis tools.
• Strong understanding of international geotechnical codes and standards relevant to the **Oil & Gas** industry.
• Proven leadership and team management skills.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
• Effective communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to present complex technical information clearly.
• Experience working on projects in **Centurion, Gauteng, ZA**, or similar environments is highly desirable.
• Professional Engineer (PE) or equivalent registration is a strong asset.

Benefits

• Our client offers an attractive salary package, performance-related bonuses, and comprehensive medical and retirement benefits.
• Professional development is supported through continuous training and opportunities to attend industry-leading conferences.
• Employees benefit from a company culture that emphasizes innovation, safety, and teamwork.
• This role is based in our **Centurion, Gauteng, ZA** office, offering a stable and collaborative working environment.
• We provide a challenging yet rewarding career path with ample opportunities for growth within the **Oil & Gas** sector.
• This is a full-time, in-office position.