Lead Geotechnical Engineer – Underground Mining, Cape Town

Placements24; Cape Town; Hybrid; ZAR 1,500,000 - 2,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive base salary

Annual bonuses

Medical and retirement benefits

Relocation assistance

Career development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 in Cape Town seeks a seasoned Lead Geotechnical Engineer to oversee underground mine stability and safety in the Western Cape. You will lead a team of geotechnical specialists, develop detailed geotechnical models, and implement robust ground support strategies to protect operations.

The role requires a Master’s degree, 10+ years in geotechnical engineering (5+ in underground mining), strong leadership and project-management skills, and experience with rock mechanics, seismic

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Geotechnical Engineering, Mining Engineering, or a related discipline.
• 10+ years of experience in geotechnical engineering, with at least 5 years in underground mining environments.
• Proven track record in rock mechanics, ground support design, and numerical modelling.
• Experience with seismic monitoring and analysis in mining.
• Strong leadership and project management skills.
• Familiarity with mining software such as Maptek Vulcan, Leapfrog, or similar.
• Ability to work effectively in a multi-disciplinary team.
• Commitment to health, safety, and environmental best practices.
• Registration with a relevant professional body is an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Lead the geotechnical investigation and analysis for new and existing underground mining areas.
• Develop and implement detailed ground support designs and monitoring programs.
• Conduct seismic hazard assessments and develop mitigation strategies.
• Manage and mentor a team of geotechnical engineers and technicians.
• Oversee the collection and interpretation of geological and geotechnical data.
• Develop and maintain numerical models for predicting rock mass behaviour.
• Ensure compliance with geotechnical engineering standards and regulations.
• Provide expert advice on geotechnical aspects during mine planning and operational phases.
• Investigate geotechnical incidents and develop preventative measures.
• Collaborate with mine planning, engineering, and operations departments for safe mining.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Report writing

Presentation

Teamwork

Education

Master’s degree in Geotechnical Engineering

Tools

Maptek Vulcan

Leapfrog

Job description

Placements24 in Cape Town seeks a seasoned Lead Geotechnical Engineer to oversee underground mine stability and safety in the Western Cape. You will lead a team of geotechnical specialists, develop detailed geotechnical models, and implement robust ground support strategies to protect operations.

The role requires a Master’s degree, 10+ years in geotechnical engineering (5+ in underground mining), strong leadership and project-management skills, and experience with rock mechanics, seismic