Principal Geotechnical Engineer - Coastal Development

Placements24; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Career advancement opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Principal Geotechnical Engineer in Cape Town to lead a specialist team on high-value coastal development projects. The role demands extensive coastal/marine geotechnical experience, strong leadership, and the ability to guide projects from inception to completion.

You will oversee investigations, design, modeling, and reporting while mentoring engineers and supporting business development efforts with clients and proposals.

Qualifications

• Must hold MSc or PhD in Geotechnical Engineering.
• Pr Eng registration with ECSA is mandatory.
• Minimum 12 years of progressive geotechnical experience, coastal/marine.
• Proficient in geotechnical software (Plaxis, GeoStudio) and strong analytical skills.
• Thorough understanding of South African geotechnical codes and guidelines.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage geotechnical investigations for coastal and marine projects.
• Develop detailed geotechnical designs for foundations, earthworks, and retaining structures.
• Provide expert geotechnical advice to clients, project managers, and design teams.
• Conduct advanced numerical modeling and analysis of soil-structure interaction.
• Oversee the preparation of comprehensive geotechnical reports and design documents.
• Mentor and develop a team of geotechnical engineers and technicians.
• Contribute to business development efforts, including proposal preparation and client relationship management.
• Review and approve geotechnical designs and calculations performed by team members.

Skills

Geotechnical leadership

Foundation design

Numerical modeling

Client communication

Team mentorship

Education

MSc/PhD in Geotechnical Engineering

Tools

Plaxis

GeoStudio

Job description

About the Role

A premier engineering firm based in Cape Town is actively seeking a distinguished Principal Geotechnical Engineer to lead their specialized team. This senior position is critical for managing and executing complex geotechnical investigations and designs for high-value coastal development projects. The successful candidate will be instrumental in advising clients, ensuring the stability and safety of foundations, and mitigating geotechnical risks in challenging marine environments. This role demands extensive experience, technical acumen, and strong leadership qualities to guide projects from inception through to completion. You will be at the forefront of innovation in geotechnical engineering, contributing to the sustainable development of Cape Town 's coastal areas. We are looking for a strategic thinker with a proven track record in delivering complex solutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage geotechnical investigations for coastal and marine projects, including site characterization and laboratory testing programs.
• Develop detailed geotechnical designs for foundations, earthworks, and retaining structures, considering specific coastal conditions.
• Provide expert geotechnical advice to clients, project managers, and design teams.
• Conduct advanced numerical modeling and analysis of soil-structure interaction.
• Oversee the preparation of comprehensive geotechnical reports and design documents.
• Ensure compliance with relevant South African geotechnical standards and international best practices.
• Mentor and develop a team of geotechnical engineers and technicians.
• Contribute to business development efforts, including proposal preparation and client relationship management.
• Review and approve geotechnical designs and calculations performed by team members.
• Manage project risks and identify mitigation strategies related to geotechnical aspects.

Requirements

• MSc or PhD in Geotechnical Engineering or a closely related field.
• Professional Engineer (Pr Eng) registration with ECSA is mandatory.
• A minimum of 12 years of progressive experience in geotechnical engineering, with significant exposure to coastal and marine projects.
• Demonstrated expertise in foundation design for complex structures in soft ground and waterfront environments.
• Proficiency in geotechnical software (e.g., Plaxis, GeoStudio) and strong analytical skills.
• Thorough understanding of South African geotechnical codes and guidelines.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Proven ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously.
• Experience in numerical modeling and advanced analytical techniques.

Benefits

This position offers a highly competitive remuneration package, comprehensive medical aid, and retirement fund benefits. Our client is committed to professional growth, providing opportunities for advanced training, conference attendance, and career advancement. Join a leading team in Cape Town and make a significant impact on iconic coastal development projects. You will be part of a supportive and innovative work environment that values expertise and dedication.