Lead Geotechnical Engineer - Underground Mining

Placements24; Sandton; Presencial; ZAR 1.200.000 - 1.900.000; Jornada completa

Ventajas ofrecidas por este puesto de trabajo

Premium medical aid plan

Substantial retirement fund contribute

Annual performance bonuses

Descripción de la vacante

Placements24 in Sandton, Gauteng, seeks a Lead Geotechnical Engineer to oversee underground mining geotechnical stability and safety. You will lead rock mechanics assessment, design ground support, and manage instrumentation programs.

Requirements include MSc/PhD in Geotechnical Engineering, Pr.Eng with ECSA, 10+ years in underground mining, and strong leadership. The role offers executive-level remuneration and strategic influence in major projects.

Formación

• MSc or PhD in Geotechnical Engineering or related field.
• 10+ years in geotechnical engineering with underground mining focus.
• Pr.Eng registration with ECSA mandatory.
• Experience with rock mass classification and seismic hazard assessment.
• Leadership experience managing a technical team.
• Excellent communication and reporting skills.
• South Africa mining experience in Gauteng advantageous.

Responsabilidades

• Lead geotechnical assessment and design for underground excavations (stopes, tunnels, shafts).
• Develop ground support strategies tailored to rock mass conditions.
• Oversee installation, monitoring, and interpretation of geotechnical instrumentation.
• Conduct seismic hazard assessments and implement seismic management plans.
• Analyze monitoring data to assess ground conditions and predict instability.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to geotechnical team.
• Collaborate with mine planning, operations and ventilation to integrate geotech into design.
• Ensure compliance with SA geotechnical codes and regulations.
• Manage geotechnical investigations including core logging and lab testing.
• Prepare technical reports, design documents, and risk assessments.
• Stay updated with geotechnical software and methods for underground mining.

Conocimientos

Rock mechanics

Geotechnical design

Leadership

Ground control

Numerical modeling

Communication

Mentoring

Reporting

Educación

MSc or PhD in Geotechnical Engineering

Herramientas

FLAC3D

UDEC

RocData

Descripción del empleo

About the Role

Our client, a distinguished name in the mining industry , is seeking an experienced and forward-thinking Lead Geotechnical Engineer to join their team in Sandton, Gauteng . This senior position will be responsible for overseeing the geotechnical stability and safety of their extensive underground mining operations. The Lead Geotechnical Engineer will provide expert guidance on rock mechanics, ground support design, and risk management, ensuring the integrity of mine structures and the safety of personnel. We are looking for a highly skilled professional with a proven track record in complex underground environments and a strong commitment to engineering excellence. This role offers a significant leadership opportunity within a major mining group, contributing to the responsible and sustainable development of resources in the Gauteng province.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the geotechnical assessment and design for underground mining excavations, including stopes, tunnels, and shafts.
• Develop and implement comprehensive ground support strategies and standards tailored to specific rock mass conditions.
• Oversee the installation, monitoring, and interpretation of geotechnical instrumentation (e.g., extensometers, load cells, convergence monitoring).
• Conduct detailed seismic hazard assessments and implement seismic management plans.
• Analyze monitoring data and feedback from operations to assess ground conditions and predict potential instability.
• Provide expert technical advice and mentorship to a team of geotechnical engineers and geologists.
• Collaborate with mine planning, operations, and ventilation teams to integrate geotechnical considerations into mine design and production scheduling.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant geotechnical codes, standards, and regulatory requirements in South Africa .
• Manage geotechnical investigations, including core logging, laboratory testing, and in-situ testing programs.
• Prepare high-quality technical reports, design documents, and risk assessments.
• Stay abreast of advancements in geotechnical engineering software and methodologies for underground mining.

Requirements

• MSc or PhD in Geotechnical Engineering, Rock Mechanics, or a related field.
• A minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in geotechnical engineering, with a substantial focus on underground mining environments.
• Expertise in numerical modeling software for geomechanics (e.g., FLAC3D, UDEC, RocData).
• Strong understanding of rock mass classification systems, failure mechanisms, and seismic hazard assessment.
• Proven experience in designing and implementing ground support systems for various mining methods.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Strong leadership capabilities, with the ability to manage and mentor a technical team.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex technical information effectively.
• Professional Engineer (Pr.Eng) registration with ECSA is mandatory.
• Experience working within the Gauteng province, particularly in the context of deep-level or hard-rock underground mining, is highly advantageous.

Benefits

• premium medical aid plan
• substantial retirement fund contributions
• annual performance bonuses

Our client offers an executive-level remuneration package, including a premium medical aid plan, substantial retirement fund contributions, and annual performance bonuses. This role presents significant opportunities for professional leadership, career advancement, and impactful contributions to major mining projects. The position is based in Sandton , a prime business district. The company is committed to fostering a culture of safety, innovation, and continuous learning, providing extensive professional development resources and a supportive work environment.