Principal Geotechnical Engineer - Mining and Infrastructure Interface

Placements24; Noord-Kaap; On-site; ZAR 1,500,000 - 2,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Professional development

Leadership role

Job summary

Placements24 in Kimberley seeks a Principal Geotechnical Engineer to lead complex investigations and designs for tailings dams, waste rock dumps, and mine-infrastructure projects. You will act as technical authority, guide multidisciplinary teams, and ensure safety and environmental compliance in challenging geological conditions.

The role emphasizes client advisory, project leadership, and business development, with opportunity to shape geotechnical risk management and design standards across

Qualifications

• MSc or PhD in Geotechnical Engineering or related field.
• Pr Eng registration with ECSA is mandatory.
• Minimum 12 years of progressive geotechnical experience, mining exposure.
• Proven expertise in design/management of mining geotechnical structures.
• Experience with advanced geotechnical modeling software and GIS.

Responsibilities

• Lead geotechnical investigations and designs for mining infrastructure.
• Perform slope stability, seepage, and settlement analyses.
• Develop risk management strategies for geohazards.
• Provide foundation design, ground improvement, and dewatering guidance.
• Oversee geotechnical report writing, specs, and design docs.
• Ensure compliance with mining regulations and environmental standards.
• Manage multidisciplinary project teams and client-facing work.
• Engage stakeholders to ensure project success.
• Mentor geotechnical engineers and geologists.
• Contribute to business development and client relationships.

Skills

Geotechnical leadership

Strategic thinking

Communication

Geotechnical design

Education

MSc/PhD Geotechnical Engineering

Pr Eng (ECSA) registration

Tools

GeoStudio

Plaxis

FLAC

GIS

Job description

About the Role

A highly respected engineering consultancy in Kimberley is seeking a Principal Geotechnical Engineer with extensive experience at the interface of mining operations and civil infrastructure. This senior role involves leading complex geotechnical investigations, risk assessments, and design solutions for projects such as tailings dams, waste rock dumps, mine-affected infrastructure, and associated civil works. The successful candidate will be a technical authority, advising clients, managing multidisciplinary teams, and ensuring the highest standards of safety and environmental compliance in challenging geological conditions. This is a unique opportunity to work on critical projects in the mining sector within the Northern Cape. We are looking for a seasoned professional with exceptional leadership, problem-solving skills, and a deep understanding of geomechanics in mining contexts.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage geotechnical investigations and designs for mining-related infrastructure, including tailings storage facilities, heap leach pads, and access roads.
• Perform advanced geotechnical analyses, including slope stability, seepage, and settlement analyses.
• Develop and implement risk management strategies for geohazards associated with mining activities.
• Provide expert geotechnical advice on foundation design, ground improvement, and dewatering.
• Oversee the preparation of comprehensive geotechnical reports, specifications, and design documents.
• Ensure compliance with relevant South African mining regulations, environmental legislation, and industry best practices.
• Manage multidisciplinary project teams, fostering collaboration and ensuring quality delivery.
• Engage with clients, regulatory bodies, and other stakeholders to ensure project success.
• Mentor and develop a team of geotechnical engineers and geologists.
• Contribute to business development, including proposal writing and client relationship management.

Requirements

• MSc or PhD in Geotechnical Engineering or a 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 the mining industry.
• Demonstrated expertise in the design and management of mining-related geotechnical structures (e.g., tailings dams, waste rock dumps).
• Proficiency in advanced geotechnical modeling software (e.g., GeoStudio, Plaxis, FLAC) and GIS.
• Thorough understanding of geomechanics, soil mechanics, and rock mechanics principles.
• Experience with ground investigation techniques and laboratory testing interpretation.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Proven ability to manage complex, high-risk projects in challenging environments.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive salary, comprehensive medical aid, and retirement fund benefits.
• We provide opportunities for professional development, continuous learning, and advancement within a leading engineering consultancy.
• This is a key role in Kimberley, offering the chance to work on impactful projects within the vital mining sector of the Northern Cape.
• We foster a culture of technical excellence and collaboration.