Principal Geotechnical Engineer - Mining

Placements24; Klerksdorp; On-site; ZAR 1,800,000 - 2,600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Company vehicle and travel allowances

Medical aid and retirement fund

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Principal Geotechnical Engineer in Klerksdorp, North West, to lead critical ground stability and geotechnical investigations across open-pit and underground mining projects. You will mentor staff and interface with executive management and regulators.

The role requires extensive rock and soil mechanics knowledge, seismic risk assessment, and authoritative communication skills to shape best practices in the mining sector.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or PhD in Geotechnical Engineering, Civil Engineering with geotechnical specialization, or Mining Engineering with geotechnical focus.
• Minimum 12 years of progressive geotechnical experience in mining.
• PE registration or equivalent is essential.
• Experience with rock mechanics, slope stability, and seismic analysis in mining contexts.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert geotechnical advice for mining projects.
• Lead geotechnical investigations including drilling, sampling, and in-situ testing.
• Perform advanced slope stability, rock mass characterization, foundation design, and tunneling analyses.
• Develop ground support designs and seismic mitigation measures.
• Oversee data interpretation from boreholes, CPTs, geophysical surveys, and monitoring instruments.
• Mentor junior geotechnical engineers and technicians.
• Collaborate with mine planning and operations to integrate geotechnical considerations.

Skills

Geotechnical leadership

Communication

Report writing

Project oversight

Education

Master's degree or PhD in Geotechnical Engineering or related

Tools

FLAC

Plaxis

Rocscience suite

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a global leader in mining operations and engineering services, is seeking a distinguished Principal Geotechnical Engineer to lead critical ground stability and geotechnical investigations in Klerksdorp, North West. This senior role involves providing expert technical guidance on complex geotechnical challenges encountered in open-pit and underground mining environments. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in rock mechanics, soil mechanics, slope stability analysis, foundation design, and seismic risk assessment, coupled with a deep understanding of the specific demands of the mining industry. You will be responsible for overseeing geotechnical investigations, interpreting complex data, developing mitigation strategies, and ensuring the safety and operational integrity of mining sites. This is an exceptional opportunity to contribute to major mining projects in the North West region, working with a highly skilled team and shaping best practices in geotechnical engineering for the sector. We are seeking an authoritative voice in geotechnical engineering, capable of mentoring junior staff and liaising with executive management and regulatory bodies. The position requires a proactive approach to identifying and resolving potential ground-related hazards before they impact operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide expert geotechnical engineering advice and solutions for mining projects.
• Lead and manage geotechnical site investigations, including drilling, sampling, and in-situ testing.
• Perform advanced analyses for slope stability, rock mass characterization, foundation design, and tunneling.
• Develop and implement ground support and reinforcement designs.
• Assess seismic hazards and design mitigation measures for seismically active areas.
• Oversee the interpretation of geotechnical data from boreholes, CPTs, geophysical surveys, and monitoring instruments.
• Develop geotechnical risk assessments and management plans.
• Prepare high-quality technical reports, specifications, and design drawings.
• Mentor and supervise junior geotechnical engineers and technicians.
• Collaborate with mine planning, operations, and environmental teams to integrate geotechnical considerations into mine design and operations.

Requirements

• Master's degree or PhD in Geotechnical Engineering, Civil Engineering with a geotechnical specialization, or Mining Engineering with a geotechnical focus.
• Minimum of 12 years of progressive experience in geotechnical engineering, with a significant portion focused on the mining industry.
• Proven expertise in numerical modeling software (e.g., FLAC, Plaxis, Rocscience suite).
• Extensive knowledge of rock mechanics, slope stability analysis, and ground improvement techniques.
• Experience with seismic analysis and design in mining contexts.
• Strong understanding of mining methods and their geotechnical implications.
• Excellent report writing, presentation, and communication skills.
• Professional Engineer (PE) registration or equivalent is essential.
• Ability to lead complex technical projects and manage multiple tasks in Klerksdorp.
• Experience working in challenging geological conditions.

Benefits

• Highly attractive salary package with performance-based incentives.
• Comprehensive medical aid, life insurance, and retirement fund.
• Generous annual leave and paid company holidays.
• Significant opportunities for professional growth and international exposure.
• Company vehicle and travel allowances.
• Access to leading-edge geotechnical software and technologies.
• Work on major, impactful mining projects in North West.
• Relocation assistance available.
• Supportive and collaborative team environment.
• Emphasis on safety, innovation, and professional excellence.