Principal Geotechnical Engineer - Coastal Developments

Placements24; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,700,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Principal Geotechnical Engineer for a renowned engineering consultancy with a strong Cape Town presence. The role focuses on the geotechnical aspects of major coastal development projects, including ports, marine structures, and coastal protection initiatives.

You will lead project teams, provide expert technical advice, mentor junior engineers, manage budgets and schedules, and liaise with clients and regulators to deliver safe, sustainable solutions in challenging

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Geotechnical Engineering or related field.
• Professional Engineer (Pr Eng) registration with ECSA.
• 12+ years of geotechnical engineering experience, coastal/marine focus.
• Expertise in soil mechanics, rock mechanics and engineering geology.
• Experience with offshore and near-shore site investigations.
• Proficiency with geotechnical software (PLAXIS, GeoStudio).

Responsibilities

• Lead geotechnical investigations and analyses for coastal and marine projects.
• Design and oversee foundation systems, retaining structures, and ground improvement solutions.
• Conduct seismic hazard assessments and assess liquefaction potential.
• Develop geotechnical reports, interpret site investigation data, and provide design recommendations.
• Manage project teams, budgets, and schedules for geotechnical scopes.
• Liaise with clients, regulators, and construction partners to ensure project success.
• Perform peer reviews of geotechnical designs and provide expert opinions.
• Mentor and develop junior geotechnical engineers within the Cape Town office.

Skills

Geotechnical engineering

Coastal & marine expertise

Soil mechanics

Rock mechanics

Engineering geology

PLAXIS

GeoStudio

Project leadership

Client relations

Site investigation

Education

Master's degree in Geotechnical Engineering

Tools

PLAXIS

GeoStudio

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a renowned engineering consultancy with a strong presence in Cape Town, Western Cape , is seeking an accomplished Principal Geotechnical Engineer . This senior position is integral to the firm's success, focusing on the geotechnical aspects of major coastal development projects, including ports, marine structures, and coastal protection initiatives. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in site investigation, ground improvement techniques, foundation design, and risk assessment in challenging marine environments. You will lead project teams, provide expert technical advice, and foster client relationships. This role offers a significant opportunity to shape iconic projects along the Cape Town coastline and contribute to sustainable development in a vibrant region.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead geotechnical investigations and analysis for complex coastal and marine projects.
• Design and oversee the implementation of foundation systems, retaining structures, and ground improvement solutions.
• Conduct seismic hazard assessments and advise on liquefaction potential for structures in seismic zones.
• Develop detailed geotechnical reports, interpret site investigation data, and provide practical design recommendations.
• Manage project teams, including junior engineers and technicians, ensuring quality and timely delivery of services.
• Liaise with clients, regulatory authorities, and construction partners to ensure project success.
• Perform peer reviews of geotechnical designs and provide expert opinions.
• Develop and manage project budgets and schedules for geotechnical scopes of work.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in geotechnical engineering and relevant codes of practice, particularly those pertaining to coastal environments.
• Mentor and develop junior geotechnical engineers within the Cape Town office.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Geotechnical Engineering or a related field from an accredited university.
• Professional Engineer (Pr Eng) registration with ECSA.
• A minimum of 12 years of specialized experience in geotechnical engineering, with a significant focus on coastal and marine projects.
• Demonstrated expertise in soil mechanics, rock mechanics, and engineering geology.
• Proficiency with geotechnical software packages such as PLAXIS, GeoStudio, or similar.
• Proven track record of successfully delivering complex projects involving deep foundations, slope stability, and earthworks.
• Experience with coastal site investigations, including offshore and near-shore surveys.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present technical information clearly to diverse audiences.
• Strong leadership, project management, and client relationship skills.
• Ability to travel to project sites as required.
• Familiarity with environmental considerations for coastal engineering projects.

Benefits

Our client offers an attractive executive salary package, commensurate with the seniority of the role and the candidate's expertise. In addition to a competitive base salary, benefits include a comprehensive medical aid plan, generous pension fund contributions, performance-related bonuses, and potential for equity participation. Our client is committed to fostering a dynamic and collaborative work environment in Cape Town , offering excellent opportunities for professional development, mentorship programs, and career progression. You will be involved in high-profile projects that contribute significantly to the built environment of the Western Cape .