Principal Geotechnical Engineer - Mining Infrastructure

Placements24; Bloemfontein; Hybrid; ZAR 1,800,000 - 2,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid

Pension fund

Professional development

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Placements24 in Bloemfontein seeks a Principal Geotechnical Engineer to lead geotechnical design for mining infrastructure, tailings dams, and open pit stability. You will oversee site investigations, build models, and mentor junior engineers.

The role requires a MSc/PhD in Geotechnical or Mining Engineering, 12+ years of experience, PrEng registration, and strong client liaison. Travel to project sites across Southern Africa is expected.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or PhD in Geotechnical Engineering, Mining Engineering, or a related field.
• Proven track record with mining geotechnical projects and tailings management.
• PrEng registration with ECSA is essential.

Responsibilities

• Lead geotechnical design for mine waste facilities, tailings storage, and mining structures.
• Oversee site investigations (drilling, CPT, geophysics) and interpret results.
• Develop geotechnical models and risk assessments for slope stability, seepage, and seismic performance.
• Provide expert guidance on rock/mechanics, hydrogeology and mining geotechnics.
• Manage project teams and deliver high-quality geotechnical reports and designs on time.
• Coordinate with clients, regulators and partners for project execution.
• Develop best practices in tailings management and mine closure strategies.
• Review peer designs and analyses from other teams.
• Support business development through proposals and client engagement.
• Mentor junior geotechnical and mining engineers.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Education

Master's degree or PhD in Geotechnical or Mining Engineering

Tools

PLAXIS

SLOPE/W

SEEP/W

Rocscience suite

Job description

About the Role

Our client is a leading engineering consultancy specializing in mining infrastructure and geotechnical solutions across Southern Africa. We are seeking a highly experienced Principal Geotechnical Engineer to join our dynamic team in Bloemfontein . This senior position involves leading the geotechnical aspects of major mining projects, including mine waste facilities, tailings dams, open-pit stability, and underground excavations. You will be responsible for developing innovative and safe geotechnical designs, managing complex site investigations, and providing expert advice to clients and project teams. The ideal candidate will possess extensive knowledge of mining geotechnics, rock mechanics, and tailings management. This is an exceptional opportunity to influence critical infrastructure in the mining sector, contribute to groundbreaking projects, and advance your career within a globally recognized firm that fosters technical excellence and professional growth. We are committed to the highest safety and environmental standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the geotechnical design and analysis for mine waste facilities, tailings storage, and other mining-related structures.
• Oversee and interpret results from extensive site investigations, including drilling, CPT, and geophysical surveys.
• Develop detailed geotechnical models and risk assessments for slope stability, seepage, and seismic performance.
• Provide expert technical guidance on rock mechanics, soil mechanics, and hydrogeology relevant to mining operations.
• Manage project teams, ensuring timely delivery of high-quality geotechnical reports and designs.
• Liaise with mining clients, regulatory bodies, and construction partners to ensure successful project execution.
• Develop and implement best practices in tailings management and mine closure strategies.
• Conduct peer reviews of geotechnical designs and analyses performed by other teams.
• Contribute to business development efforts, including proposal preparation and client engagement.
• Mentor and develop junior geotechnical and mining engineers.

Requirements

• Master's degree or PhD in Geotechnical Engineering, Mining Engineering, or a related field.
• A minimum of 12 years of specialized experience in geotechnical engineering, with a strong focus on the mining industry.
• Professional registration as PrEng with ECSA is essential.
• Proven track record in managing large-scale mining geotechnical projects.
• Expertise in tailings dam design, stability analysis, and risk management.
• Proficiency in geotechnical software such as PLAXIS, SLOPE/W, SEEP/W, Rocscience suite, and others.
• Strong understanding of rock mechanics, mine waste characterization, and hydrogeological modeling.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Experience working with clients and projects in the Free State province and other major mining regions is desirable.
• Willingness to travel to mine sites as required.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and executive bonus potential.
• Comprehensive medical aid, life insurance, and a generous pension fund.
• Significant investment in professional development, including specialized training and international conferences.
• Opportunity to work on some of the most significant mining projects in the region.
• A challenging and rewarding career path within a respected industry leader.
• Flexible working arrangements and potential for international assignments.
• Relocation assistance may be provided.
• Generous annual leave and paid time off.
• Exposure to cutting-edge mining and geotechnical technologies.