Lead Geotechnical Engineer - Remote Operations

Placements24; Vereeniging; Hybrid; ZAR 2,170,000 - 3,005,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Bonuses

Health, dental, vision insurance

Retirement plan matching

Home office setup allowance

Flexible hours

International projects

Remote-first environment

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Lead Geotechnical Engineer for a fully remote role in the mining sector. You will provide expert geotechnical analysis, design ground support, assess hazards, and guide underground and surface projects from a home office.

The ideal candidate has 8+ years in geotechnical/mining, PE desirable, and proficiency with RocScience and FLAC. Strong remote collaboration and global project experience are essential.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Geotechnical Engineering, Mining Engineering, or related discipline.
• 8+ years of progressive geotechnical experience in mining.
• Expertise in rock/soil mechanics and ground support design.
• Proficiency with Rocscience suite and FLAC.
• PE or equivalent registration is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Provide remote expert geotechnical advice and support to multiple mining operations.
• Analyze geotechnical data, conduct risk assessments, and develop mitigation strategies for ground stability issues.
• Design and review ground support systems for underground openings and slopes.
• Develop specifications for geotechnical investigations and monitoring programs.
• Utilize advanced numerical modeling to simulate rock mass behavior and assess stability.
• Collaborate with site-based teams via virtual platforms and ensure alignment with standards.
• Prepare technical reports and documentation for remote review and approval.
• Assist in investigation of geotechnical incidents and implement corrective actions.

Skills

Geotechnical Engineering

Rock Mechanics

Soil Mechanics

Ground Support Design

Remote Collaboration

Rocscience

FLAC

PE License

Education

Geotechnical/Mining Advanced Degree

Tools

RocScience suite

FLAC

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a globally recognized leader in the mining sector, is seeking an exceptional Lead Geotechnical Engineer for a fully remote position. This role is designed for an experienced professional to provide expert geotechnical analysis and guidance to various mining projects across different jurisdictions, all managed from their home office. You will be responsible for assessing geological hazards, designing ground support systems, and ensuring the stability of underground excavations and surface structures. This is a unique opportunity for a self‑motivated individual to leverage their expertise in a remote‑first environment, collaborating with site‑based teams and management through advanced communication technologies. The successful candidate will play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and operational efficiency of our client's global mining assets. We are looking for a proactive problem‑solver with a passion for geotechnical engineering and a proven ability to thrive in a remote work setting. Join us and contribute your expertise to innovative mining projects from anywhere.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide remote expert geotechnical advice and support to multiple mining operations.
• Analyze geotechnical data, conduct risk assessments, and develop mitigation strategies for ground stability issues.
• Design and review ground support systems for underground openings and slopes.
• Develop specifications for geotechnical investigations and monitoring programs.
• Utilize advanced numerical modeling software to simulate rock mass behavior and assess stability.
• Collaborate closely with site‑based engineering, geology, and operations teams via virtual platforms.
• Contribute to the development and refinement of company‑wide geotechnical standards and best practices.
• Prepare technical reports, presentations, and documentation for remote review and approval.
• Assist in the investigation of geotechnical incidents and the implementation of corrective actions.
• Stay abreast of remote work technologies and best practices for distributed teams.

Requirements

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Geotechnical Engineering, Mining Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in geotechnical engineering, with a substantial portion in the mining industry.
• Proven expertise in rock mechanics, soil mechanics, and ground support design.
• Proficiency with industry‑standard geotechnical modeling software (e.g., Rocscience suite, FLAC).
• Demonstrated experience in conducting detailed geotechnical risk assessments.
• Excellent remote collaboration and communication skills, including proficiency with virtual meeting tools.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities effectively in a remote setting.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving capabilities.
• Professional Engineer (PE) or equivalent registration is highly desirable.
• Previous experience working remotely or supporting remote mining operations is a significant advantage.

Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with extensive experience.
• Performance‑based bonuses.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Retirement savings plan with company matching.
• Home office setup allowance and ongoing technology support.
• Flexible working hours to accommodate different time zones.
• Opportunity to work on diverse and challenging international mining projects without relocation.
• Contribute to a leading organization recognized for its innovation and remote work capabilities.