Principal Geotechnical Engineer

Placements24; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,400,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 in Cape Town seeks a Principal Geotechnical Engineer to lead the geotechnical division on major civil and infrastructure projects across the Western Cape. The ideal candidate has 12+ years in soil and rock mechanics, a Master’s or Doctorate in Geotechnical Engineering, and a Pr.

Eng designation, with proven leadership. You will oversee investigations, design foundations, walls, slopes and tunnels, run advanced modeling, and coordinate with clients and regulators to deliver safe,

Qualifications

• Master's or Doctoral degree in Geotechnical Engineering.
• Pr. Eng designation is essential.
• 12+ years of progressive geotechnical experience with leadership.
• Expertise in soil/rock mechanics and foundation engineering.
• Experience with Cape Town geology and advanced modeling.

Responsibilities

• Spearhead geotechnical investigations, planning, execution and interpretation of site data.
• Develop detailed geotechnical designs for foundations, walls, slopes and tunnels.
• Perform advanced numerical modeling and analysis using geotechnical software.
• Provide expert guidance and review of geotechnical reports and designs.
• Manage geotechnical project teams ensuring timely, budget-conscious delivery.
• Act as primary technical contact for clients, contractors and regulators.
• Develop and implement geotechnical risk management strategies.
• Contribute to business development via proposals and client relations.
• Ensure compliance with industry standards and Cape Town practices.

Skills

Soil mechanics

Rock mechanics

Foundation engineering

Slope stability analysis

Project leadership

Mentoring engineers

Education

Master's or Doctoral degree in Geotechnical Engineering

Tools

PLAXIS

GeoStudio

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a globally recognized engineering firm with a significant presence in **Cape Town**, is seeking an exceptional Principal Geotechnical Engineer to lead their specialized geotechnical division. This senior position is critical for overseeing the investigation, analysis, and design of foundation systems and earth structures for major civil and infrastructure projects throughout the Western Cape and beyond. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in soil mechanics, rock mechanics, and groundwater engineering, coupled with a proven track record of managing complex projects and mentoring engineering teams. You will play a key role in ensuring the stability and safety of diverse construction projects, from high-rise buildings to complex tunneling and earth retention systems. This role is based in our state-of-the-art **Cape Town** offices, requiring a full-time commitment on-site to foster collaboration and project oversight.

Key Responsibilities

• Spearhead geotechnical investigations, including planning, execution, and interpretation of site data (e.g., boreholes, CPTs, geophysical surveys).
• Develop detailed geotechnical designs for foundations (shallow and deep), retaining walls, slopes, tunnels, and other earthworks.
• Perform advanced numerical modeling and analysis using specialized geotechnical software.
• Provide expert technical guidance and review of geotechnical reports and designs.
• Manage geotechnical project teams, ensuring timely and budget-conscious delivery of services.
• Act as the primary technical point of contact for clients, contractors, and regulatory bodies on geotechnical matters.
• Develop and implement risk management strategies for geotechnical aspects of projects.
• Contribute to business development efforts, including proposal writing and client relationship management.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant industry standards, codes, and best practices in **Cape Town**.

Requirements

• Master's or Doctoral degree in Geotechnical Engineering or a closely related field.
• Professional Engineer (Pr. Eng) designation is essential.
• A minimum of 12 years of progressive experience in geotechnical engineering, with demonstrated leadership capabilities.
• Expertise in soil and rock mechanics, foundation engineering, and slope stability analysis.
• Advanced proficiency in geotechnical software such as PLAXIS, GeoStudio, or similar.
• Strong understanding of geological conditions and construction practices relevant to the **Cape Town** region.
• Excellent report writing, presentation, and communication skills.
• Proven experience in managing large-scale, complex geotechnical projects.
• Demonstrated ability to mentor and develop junior engineering staff.

Benefits

This role offers a highly competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement contributions, and performance-based bonuses.

Our client provides exceptional opportunities for professional growth, advanced training, and exposure to challenging, high-profile projects in **Cape Town**.

You will be part of a collaborative and forward-thinking team, contributing to significant infrastructure development.