Principal Geotechnical Engineer - Remote

Placements24; Centurion; Hybrid; ZAR 2,000,000 - 3,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Top-tier compensation

Full remote work arrangement

Influence on geotechnical strategy

Learning and development opportunities

Access to advanced software tools

Flexible working hours

Collaborative virtual environment

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Principal Geotechnical Engineer to lead advanced geotechnical initiatives for global mining projects, with full remote work. You will develop models, assess risk, and guide design for pits, underground works, and tailings facilities.

The role requires senior-level expertise, strong leadership, and the ability to coordinate with dispersed teams. You will influence geotechnical strategy and ensure safe, efficient operations across projects.

Qualifications

• Master's or Ph.D. in Geotechnical Engineering, Civil Engineering, or Mining Engineering with a strong geotechnical focus.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in geotechnical engineering within mining.

Responsibilities

• Provide senior technical expertise and leadership in geotechnical engineering for mining operations.
• Develop and validate complex geotechnical models for slope stability, ground support, and seismic hazards.
• Oversee geotechnical investigation programs.
• Review and approve designs for open pits, underground excavations, tailings dams, and waste dumps.
• Conduct quantitative risk assessments and mitigation strategies for geotechnical hazards.
• Develop and implement best practice guidelines and standards for geotechnical engineering.
• Mentor junior and intermediate geotechnical engineers remotely.
• Collaborate with operations, mine planning, and environmental teams for integrated risk management.
• Stay updated on research, technologies, and regulatory requirements in geotechnical engineering.

Skills

Geotechnical leadership

Open-pit and underground design

Seismic hazard analysis

Geotechnical modelling software

Remote leadership

Project management

Communication skills

Education

Masters or PhD in Geotechnical/Civil/Mining Engineering

Tools

Slide

FLAC

Plaxis

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a global leader in the mining industry, is actively seeking a highly experienced and visionary Principal Geotechnical Engineer to join their fully remote expert team. This is an exceptional opportunity to leverage your extensive knowledge and leadership skills to influence geotechnical stability and risk management across a portfolio of international mining projects. You will be responsible for providing high-level technical guidance, developing advanced geotechnical models, and ensuring the safe design and operation of mine infrastructure, including open pits, underground excavations, and tailings storage facilities. This role is fully remote, demanding exceptional self-discipline, communication skills, and the ability to collaborate effectively with diverse, geographically dispersed teams. Your insights will be critical in mitigating risks and optimizing the performance of mining operations, particularly those with complex geological settings. The role focuses on contributing to projects that may have connections to the Centurion, Gauteng area or broader South African operations, but the work itself is performed remotely.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide senior technical expertise and leadership in all aspects of geotechnical engineering for mining operations.
• Develop and validate complex geotechnical models for slope stability, ground support, and seismic hazards.
• Oversee the design and implementation of geotechnical investigation programs.
• Review and approve geotechnical designs for open pits, underground excavations, tailings dams, and waste dumps.
• Conduct quantitative risk assessments and develop mitigation strategies for geotechnical hazards.
• Develop and implement best practice guidelines and standards for geotechnical engineering within the company.
• Mentor and provide technical guidance to junior and intermediate geotechnical engineers remotely.
• Collaborate with operational teams, mine planning, and environmental departments to ensure integrated risk management.
• Stay abreast of the latest research, technologies, and regulatory requirements in geotechnical engineering.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. in Geotechnical Engineering, Civil Engineering, or Mining Engineering with a strong geotechnical focus.
• A minimum of 10-15 years of progressive experience in geotechnical engineering, with significant experience specifically within the mining industry.
• Demonstrated expertise in open-pit and underground mine geotechnical design, analysis, and monitoring.
• Proven experience with tailings management facility design and stability analysis.
• Advanced proficiency in geotechnical modelling software (e.g., Slide, FLAC, Plaxis).
• Strong understanding of geological principles, rock mechanics, and soil mechanics.
• Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making capabilities.
• Superior communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, essential for remote leadership and collaboration.
• Experience managing large, complex projects and providing technical oversight remotely.

Benefits

• Top-tier compensation package including base salary and potential for bonuses.
• Full remote work arrangement with comprehensive benefits.
• Significant influence on the geotechnical strategy of a major mining organization.
• Opportunities for continuous learning and engagement with cutting-edge research.
• Access to advanced software and data analysis tools.
• Flexible working hours to support a global remote team structure.
• A highly collaborative and intellectually stimulating virtual work environment.