Principal Geotechnical Engineer - Remote Opportunity

Placements24; Cape Town; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work

Laptop provided

Home office stipend

Professional development

Global team environment

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Principal Geotechnical Engineer for a fully remote position. This senior role leads geotechnical investigations and design for major infrastructure projects across Africa.

You will mentor a dispersed team, develop advanced numerical models, and deliver high-quality reports while engaging clients and stakeholders. Ideal candidates hold a Master’s or PhD in Geotechnical Engineering, with 12+ years of progressive experience, PE registration, and strong expertise in PLAXIS/GEO5.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Geotechnical Engineering or related field required.
• Minimum 12 years of progressive geotechnical experience with complex projects.
• PE registration or eligibility to register in South Africa required.
• Extensive experience with PLAXIS, GEO5 or equivalent software.
• Expertise in foundation design, slope stability, seismic analysis and ground improvement.
• Proven track record managing large, multi-disciplinary projects.
• Strong leadership, communication and client-facing skills.
• Ability to work independently and in a remote team environment.
• Excellent report writing and presentation capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership in geotechnical investigations, analysis and design for dams, tunnels, and large developments.
• Develop and implement advanced numerical modeling for soil-structure interaction.
• Oversee preparation of geotechnical reports, feasibility studies and design recommendations.
• Lead and mentor geotechnical engineers and technicians to ensure high-quality work.
• Interface with clients, regulators and stakeholders and present findings.
• Conduct peer reviews of designs and reports to ensure quality and compliance.
• Contribute to business development through proposals and client relations.
• Stay current with geotechnical practices and standards.

Skills

Leadership

Client-facing

Report writing

Communication

Team mentoring

Education

Master's degree in Geotechnical Engineering

PhD in Geotechnical Engineering

PE registration

Tools

PLAXIS

GEO5

Job description

About the Role

Our client is a globally recognized leader in geotechnical engineering, actively seeking a Principal Geotechnical Engineer for a fully remote position. This senior role offers the unique opportunity to shape major infrastructure projects from the ground up, contributing your deep expertise to complex challenges across the continent. You will be an integral part of a dispersed yet cohesive team, leveraging advanced digital collaboration platforms to deliver exceptional results. We are dedicated to pushing the boundaries of geotechnical science and providing our employees with the resources and support needed to excel in a remote-first work setting. If you are passionate about soil mechanics, foundation design, and delivering sustainable engineering solutions, this role is for you. Join our innovative firm and make a lasting impact.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide expert technical leadership in geotechnical investigations, analysis, and design for a wide range of projects including dams, tunnels, and large commercial developments.
• Develop and implement advanced numerical modeling for complex soil-structure interaction problems.
• Oversee the preparation of comprehensive geotechnical reports, feasibility studies, and design recommendations.
• Lead and mentor a team of geotechnical engineers and technicians, ensuring high-quality work and professional development.
• Interface with clients, regulatory agencies, and stakeholders, presenting technical findings and ensuring project success.
• Conduct peer reviews of geotechnical designs and reports to maintain quality and compliance.
• Contribute to business development efforts, including proposal writing and client relationship management.
• Stay current with geotechnical engineering best practices, emerging technologies, and relevant standards.

Requirements

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Geotechnical Engineering or a related field.
• Minimum of 12 years of progressive experience in geotechnical engineering, with a strong emphasis on complex project delivery.
• Professional Engineer (PE) registration or eligibility for registration in South Africa.
• Extensive experience with geotechnical software such as PLAXIS, GEO5, or equivalent.
• Demonstrated expertise in foundation design, slope stability analysis, seismic analysis, and ground improvement techniques.
• Proven track record of managing large, multi-disciplinary projects.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and client-facing skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a remote team environment.
• Strong report writing and presentation skills.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive medical and dental coverage.
• Retirement fund participation.
• Extensive opportunities for professional development and continuous learning.
• A flexible, fully remote work arrangement.
• Access to state-of-the-art geotechnical software and resources.
• Company-provided laptop and home office stipend.
• Collaborative and innovative global team environment.