Principal Geotechnical Engineer

Placements24; Vereeniging; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid

Provident fund

Life assurance

Training & development

Conference attendance

Job summary

Placements24 in Vereeniging, Gauteng, seeks a Principal Geotechnical Engineer to lead major infrastructure geotechnical work from site investigation through to foundation design and construction supervision.

You will manage a team of specialists, uphold technical integrity, and drive client relationships while ensuring compliance with SA codes and standards. The role offers significant opportunities to shape geotechnical practice within a respected firm.

Qualifications

• MSc or MEng in Geotechnical Engineering or a closely related discipline.
• Pr Eng registration with ECSA is essential.
• Minimum of 10 years of relevant geotechnical experience, with leadership roles.
• Extensive experience with geotechnical software packages (Plaxis, GeoStudio, RocScience).

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage geotechnical investigations, including site characterization and testing interpretation.
• Perform complex analyses for foundation design, slope stability, retaining structures, and earthworks.
• Develop geotechnical reports and design recommendations for a range of projects.
• Oversee project execution, including scope, budgeting, scheduling and resources.
• Mentor junior engineers and geologists, guiding their professional development.
• Liaise with clients, regulators and stakeholders to ensure project success.
• Ensure compliance with SA codes of practice and environmental regulations.
• Review and approve geotechnical designs and reports by the team.
• Contribute to proposals and business development.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Team management

Client management

Mentoring

Education

MSc/MEng in Geotechnical Engineering

Pr Eng registration with ECSA

Tools

Plaxis

GeoStudio

RocScience Suite

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a highly respected firm in the field of civil engineering and environmental consulting, is seeking a distinguished Principal Geotechnical Engineer to join their team in Vereeniging, Gauteng . This senior role will involve leading the geotechnical aspects of major infrastructure and building projects, from initial site investigation and analysis through to detailed foundation design and construction supervision. You will be responsible for managing a team of specialists, ensuring the technical integrity and quality of all geotechnical deliverables. The ideal candidate possesses a deep understanding of soil mechanics, rock mechanics, and advanced foundation engineering principles, with a proven ability to manage complex projects and client relationships. This is an exceptional opportunity to contribute significantly to challenging projects and to shape the geotechnical engineering practice within a growing and reputable organization. You will be instrumental in ensuring the stability and safety of critical structures.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage geotechnical investigations, including site characterization, laboratory testing interpretation, and in-situ testing.
• Perform complex analyses for foundation design (shallow and deep), slope stability, retaining structures, and earthworks.
• Develop comprehensive geotechnical reports and design recommendations for a wide range of projects.
• Oversee project execution, including scope management, budgeting, scheduling, and resource allocation.
• Mentor and guide junior geotechnical engineers and geologists, fostering their professional development.
• Liaise with clients, regulatory authorities, and other project stakeholders to ensure successful project outcomes.
• Ensure compliance with relevant South African codes of practice, standards, and environmental regulations.
• Review and approve geotechnical designs and reports prepared by the team.
• Contribute to business development activities and the preparation of proposals.

Requirements

• MSc or MEng in Geotechnical Engineering or a closely related discipline.
• Professional Engineer (Pr Eng) registration with ECSA is essential.
• Minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in geotechnical engineering, with a significant portion in a leadership or principal role.
• Extensive experience with geotechnical software packages (e.g., Plaxis, GeoStudio, Rocscience Suite).
• Strong knowledge of South African geological conditions and construction practices.
• Proven track record in managing large-scale geotechnical projects and client portfolios.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment and manage multiple priorities effectively.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive salary and benefits package, including performance-related bonuses, comprehensive medical aid, a generous provident fund, and life assurance. We are committed to fostering professional growth through ongoing training, development programs, and support for attending relevant industry conferences and seminars. The role provides exposure to high-profile and technically challenging projects, offering significant opportunities for career advancement and leadership. You will join a supportive and collaborative team of experts dedicated to delivering innovative engineering solutions.