Principal Geotechnical Engineer - Underground Mining

Placements24; Klerksdorp; On-site; ZAR 3,200,000 - 4,600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Industry-leading salary package

Comprehensive medical aid

Retirement benefits

Generous leave provisions

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Principal Geotechnical Engineer to lead the underground mining division near Klerksdorp, North West, South Africa. The role requires deep expertise in rock mechanics, ground control, and seismic analysis, with a strong track record in mentoring engineers and delivering safety-driven solutions.

You will develop standards, manage investigations, and collaborate with planning, operations, and regulators to ensure stability and safety of underground excavations.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Geotechnical Engineering, Mining Engineering, or related field
• Minimum 12 years of geotechnical experience with underground mining focus
• Expertise in rock mechanics, ground control, stability analysis for complex mine geometries
• Proficiency with geotechnical software: FLAC, UDEC, Map3D, RS2
• Experience with geotechnical instrumentation, data interpretation
• Strong seismic monitoring & analysis in mining contexts
• Leadership, project management, and communication skills
• Pr.Eng registration with ECSA or equivalent required

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all geotechnical engineering for underground mining operations.
• Conduct rock mass characterization, stress analysis, and seismic hazard assessments.
• Design and specify ground support systems (rockbolts, mesh, shotcrete) for underground conditions.
• Develop and implement ground monitoring programs using instrumentation and observational methods.
• Perform numerical modeling (e.g., finite element) to simulate rock mass behavior.
• Provide expert technical advice to mine planning, operations, and management.
• Lead investigations into geotechnical incidents and implement preventative measures.
• Develop and update geotechnical standards, guidelines, and best practices.
• Mentor and develop junior geotechnical engineers and technicians.
• Liaise with external consultants, regulators, and research institutions.
• Contribute to feasibility studies and mine design from a geotechnical perspective

Skills

Geotechnical leadership

Project management

Mentoring

Communication

Seismic analysis

Technical advisory

Education

Master's degree in Geotechnical/Mining Engineering

PhD in Geotechnical/Mining Engineering (related field)

Professional registration: Pr.Eng (ECSA)

Tools

FLAC

UDEC

Map3D

RS2

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent mining conglomerate with extensive operations, is seeking an exceptional Principal Geotechnical Engineer to lead their underground mining division. Based in the heart of the platinum-rich region near Klerksdorp, North West , this senior role is responsible for ensuring the stability and safety of all underground excavations. The ideal candidate will possess a deep theoretical understanding combined with extensive practical experience in geotechnical assessments, ground support design, and risk management for complex underground environments. You will be pivotal in providing expert advice, developing innovative solutions, and mentoring a team of geotechnical engineers. This is a high-impact position within a company committed to operational excellence and the highest standards of safety in the demanding mining landscape of Klerksdorp, North West .

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all aspects of geotechnical engineering for underground mining operations, ensuring safety and stability.
• Conduct comprehensive geotechnical investigations, including rock mass characterization, stress analysis, and seismic hazard assessments.
• Design and specify appropriate ground support systems (e.g., rockbolts, mesh, shotcrete) for various underground conditions.
• Develop and implement detailed ground monitoring programs using instrumentation and observational methods.
• Perform numerical modeling (e.g., finite element analysis) to simulate rock mass behavior and assess stability under different mining scenarios.
• Provide expert technical advice and recommendations to mine planning, operations, and management teams.
• Lead investigations into geotechnical incidents and failures, determining root causes and implementing preventative measures.
• Develop and update geotechnical standards, guidelines, and best practices for the company.
• Mentor and develop junior geotechnical engineers and technicians, fostering a culture of technical excellence.
• Liaise with external consultants, regulatory bodies, and research institutions as required.
• Contribute to feasibility studies and mine design projects from a geotechnical perspective.

Requirements

• A Master's degree or Ph.D. in Geotechnical Engineering, Mining Engineering, or a related discipline.
• A minimum of 12 years of relevant experience in geotechnical engineering, with a substantial focus on underground mining environments.
• Proven expertise in rock mechanics, ground control, and stability analysis for complex mine geometries.
• Proficiency in geotechnical numerical modeling software (e.g., FLAC, UDEC, Map3D, RS2).
• Experience with geotechnical instrumentation, data acquisition, and interpretation.
• Strong understanding of seismic monitoring and analysis in mining contexts.
• Excellent leadership, project management, and communication skills.
• Ability to present complex technical information clearly and concisely to diverse audiences.
• Demonstrated experience working in or familiar with the geological context of Klerksdorp, North West is highly desirable.
• Professional registration (e.g., Pr.Eng) with ECSA or equivalent is required.

Benefits

• Our client offers an industry-leading salary package, commensurate with the seniority of this role, including significant performance bonuses and long-term incentives.
• Comprehensive medical aid, top-tier retirement benefits, and generous leave provisions are standard.
• The company invests heavily in employee development, offering opportunities for advanced training, conference participation, and career progression.
• Relocation assistance to the Klerksdorp, North West area will be provided.
• This is a career-defining opportunity to shape the safety and success of major underground mining operations.