Principal Geotechnical Engineer

Zutari; Pretoria; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Job summary

Zutari is seeking a Principal Geotechnical Engineer to join its Ground Engineering team in South Africa. The role centers on geotechnical analysis, design and project leadership across a broad portfolio including energy, transport, water and resources sectors.

You will mentor junior staff, coordinate with multi-disciplinary teams, deliver geotechnical deliverables on time and within budget, and drive client engagements across Africa and beyond. A Pr.Eng. designation is preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor level degree in civil engineering with geotechnical focus.
• Registration as a Professional Engineer (Pr.Eng.) or equivalent.
• Postgraduate qualification in Geotechnical Engineering is highly beneficial.
• Minimum 7 years of postgraduate geotechnical experience in transport projects.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with a leading team of geotechnical engineers and engineering geologists.
• Deliver technical work with emphasis on problem solving, analysis and design.
• Coordinate with other design disciplines for design integration.
• Support client relationships and business development efforts.
• Travel periodically to projects in SA, other parts of Africa, and the Middle East.

Skills

Soil mechanics

Geotechnical analysis

Foundation design

Slope stability

Project leadership

Education

BEng/BSc Civil Engineering

Pr.Eng. registration

Geotechnical postgraduate qualification

Job description

Description

At Zutari, we understand that every strong structure begins with a deep understanding of the ground beneath it.

Our Ground Engineering capability provides innovative and reliable solutions that transform complex ground conditions into safe, stable, and buildable foundations for infrastructure across Africa and the Middle East.

We are looking for problem solvers who thrive on complexity and are motivated to turn uncertainty into engineered certainty.

What kind of talent do we pursue?

We employ people with the right attitude and a positive mindset, who are motivated by doing the right thing, getting things done and share a sense of urgency. People who have an impact in our teams and broader community. People who think differently and connect with those around them to co-create new opportunities and leave a meaningful legacy.

The Zutari Ground Engineering Team is looking to appoint a Principal Geotechnical Engineer with knowledge and experience in geotechnical analysis and design.

Our team offers the opportunity to work across a broad range of projects ranging from Energy, Transport, Water, Built Environment and Resources projects. This role provides a great opportunity for developing a career across a broad spectrum of ground engineering solutions. The successful incumbent will join a strong cohort of Geotechnical and Geology experts working, collaborating in developing industry leading solutions.

This position will provide the successful incumbent with a broad range of project experience both locally and internationally. This role provides great opportunity to further develop a professional career with a multi-disciplinary international engineering consultancy.

Role Responsibilities

• Partner with an established, leading team of geotechnical engineers and Engineering Geologists.
• Provide a mix of technical delivery, project management, but with significant focus on problem solving, analysis and design.
• Liaise with other design disciplines to develop and maintain design coordination.
• Responsible for winning work for the broader geotechnical team, as well as building and maintaining strong client relationships.
• Periodic travel to projects in South Africa, Rest of Africa and the Middle East will be necessary.
• Ability to apply new knowledge, deliver and devise new approaches in industry in solving complex ground problems.
• Ensure timely delivery of Geotechnical deliverables of projects, within scope and budget.
• Establish a clear understanding of the project goals and stakeholder expectations, specifically, managing client expectations and ensuring that delivery meets expectations.
• Be a team player that is willing to collaborate across multiple disciplines and international geographies.
• Resolve project level issues independently.
• Mentor junior Geotechnical and Geology resources.
• Support business development activities.
• Motivate the project team towards the determined objectives, by generating enthusiasm for the project, and by maintaining a continued personal interest in achieving set targets.

Minimum Requirements

• BEng or BSc degree in Civil Engineering.
• Registration as a Professional Engineer (Pr.Eng. or equivalent).
• A post-graduate qualification in Geotechnical Engineering will highly beneficial.
• A minimum of 7 years postgraduate experience in Geotechnical Engineering within the Transport discipline.
• Extensive understanding of soil and rock mechanics is essential.
• Solid experience in the design of foundations for buildings and structures, slope stabilisation and ground improvement, earthworks and retention structures.
• Experience in foundation and pile design, settlement, earth pressure, slope stability, and bearing capacity etc. would be highly beneficial.
• Skills and experience in geotechnical analysis and design.
• Solid knowledge of design standards.
• Skills in geotechnical analysis including the application of the latest analysis methods and software.
• Communication and report writing skills are required, along with the ability to work with clients to develop new and existing business opportunities.

We believe that a diverse workforce is key to our business success. We seek the best people for our jobs based on their skills, qualifications, and experience. We embrace the principle of equal opportunity in employment, and we work towards eliminating all forms of unlawful discrimination in our employment practices. In support of diversity and the equal opportunity principle, preference will be given to individuals from designated groups within South Africa.