Principal Geotechnical Engineer

Placements24; Mossel Bay; On-site; ZAR 1,800,000 - 2,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Pension fund

Relocation assistance

Equity partnership potential

Conference attendance

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Principal Geotechnical Engineer in Mossel Bay to lead complex projects, mentor staff, and drive technical innovation. You will provide expert advice on soil mechanics, foundation design and site investigations, ensuring safety and compliance for major infrastructure.

A strong track record in leadership and client relations is essential. The role offers a competitive salary, benefits, and opportunities for equity partnership as part of a premier geotechnical consultancy

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Geotechnical Engineering or a related field.
• 12+ years of progressive geotechnical experience with leadership.
• Professional registration with ECSA as a Pr. Eng.
• Extensive experience with geotechnical software such as PLAXIS, GeoStudio, or similar.
• Strong report writing and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a diverse portfolio of geotechnical projects from inception to completion.
• Provide expert technical advice on foundation design, slope stability, and earthworks.
• Oversee planning and execution of site investigations, including drilling, sampling, and in-situ testing.
• Analyze geotechnical data and prepare investigation and design reports.
• Develop innovative and cost-effective geotechnical solutions for challenging ground conditions.
• Review and approve designs, calculations, and specifications prepared by the geotechnical team.
• Manage client relationships and contribute to business development efforts.
• Mentor and develop junior and mid-level geotechnical engineers.
• Ensure compliance with geotechnical standards and regulations in South Africa.
• Conduct site inspections and provide construction supervision support.

Skills

Geotechnical engineering

Project leadership

Mentoring

Client liaison

Report writing

Communication

Education

Master's degree in Geotechnical Engineering

Tools

PLAXIS

GeoStudio

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a premier geotechnical and civil engineering consultancy based in Mossel Bay, Western Cape , is seeking a Principal Geotechnical Engineer to lead their specialized services. This senior role is designed for an individual with extensive experience and a deep technical understanding of soil mechanics, foundation engineering, and site investigation techniques. You will be responsible for managing complex geotechnical projects, providing expert advice, and contributing to the firm's reputation for excellence in the Western Cape . This position offers a significant opportunity to influence major infrastructure and development projects in the region. We are looking for a motivated professional who can mentor junior staff, develop client relationships, and drive technical innovation within the company. Join a team dedicated to solving challenging ground engineering problems and ensuring the stability and safety of critical infrastructure.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a diverse portfolio of geotechnical projects from inception to completion.
• Provide expert technical advice on all aspects of geotechnical engineering, including foundation design, slope stability, and earthworks.
• Oversee the planning and execution of site investigations, including drilling, sampling, and in-situ testing.
• Analyze geotechnical data and prepare comprehensive investigation and design reports.
• Develop innovative and cost-effective geotechnical solutions for challenging ground conditions.
• Review and approve designs, calculations, and specifications prepared by the geotechnical team.
• Manage client relationships and contribute to business development efforts.
• Mentor and develop junior and mid-level geotechnical engineers.
• Ensure compliance with relevant geotechnical standards and regulations in South Africa.
• Conduct site inspections and provide construction supervision support.

Requirements

• A Master's degree in Geotechnical Engineering or a related field.
• A minimum of 12 years of progressive experience in geotechnical engineering, with a significant portion in project leadership.
• Professional registration with ECSA as a Professional Engineer (Pr. Eng.).
• Extensive experience with geotechnical software such as PLAXIS, GeoStudio, or similar.
• Proven track record of managing large and complex geotechnical projects.
• In-depth knowledge of South African geological conditions and relevant codes of practice.
• Excellent report writing, presentation, and communication skills.
• Strong leadership, mentoring, and team management capabilities.
• Demonstrated ability in client liaison and business development.
• Experience in coastal or marine geotechnics is advantageous.

Benefits

• A highly competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.
• Opportunity to lead high-profile projects in the scenic Mossel Bay area.
• Full benefits package, including medical aid and pension fund.
• Support for continuous professional development and conference attendance.
• A collaborative and intellectually stimulating work environment.
• Potential for equity partnership in the future.
• Relocation assistance may be provided for the right candidate.