Principal Geothermal Engineer — Hybrid Senior Lead

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

Benefits offered by this job

Executive-level compensation package

Hybrid work arrangement

Generous retirement savings plan

International assignments

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Principal Geothermal Engineer to lead the end-to-end geothermal projects in Pretoria, driving innovative subsurface engineering, well design, and plant optimization. You will oversee exploration, reservoir management, and project execution while guiding a team of engineers to deliver technically robust solutions.

The role demands a strong track record in geothermal systems, thermodynamics, and energy project management, with travel to field sites as required.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Petroleum Engineering, Geothermal Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum 12 years of experience specifically in geothermal engineering with subsurface operations and project management.
• Proven experience in geothermal well design, drilling supervision, and reservoir management.
• In-depth knowledge of thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, and heat transfer for geothermal systems.
• Proficiency in geothermal reservoir simulation software (TOUGH2, CMG) and CAD tools.
• Demonstrated success in managing large-scale energy projects from concept to completion.
• Strong leadership, analytical, and decision-making skills.
• Excellent communication, report-writing, and presentation abilities.
• Experience with different geothermal power plant technologies (dry steam, flash steam, binary).
• Ability to travel to project sites as required.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all technical aspects of geothermal exploration, resource assessment, and development projects.
• Oversee design, drilling, completion, and testing of geothermal wells.
• Develop and optimize geothermal power plant designs, including fluid systems and energy conversion tech.
• Conduct reservoir modeling and performance analysis to ensure sustainable resource utilization.
• Manage project budgets, timelines, and resources for successful execution.
• Collaborate with geologists and specialists to integrate subsurface data.
• Ensure compliance with environmental, safety, and regulatory standards.
• Provide mentorship to junior engineering staff.
• Evaluate new technologies to improve extraction efficiency and reduce costs.
• Contribute to business development, including proposals and client presentations.

Skills

Geothermal engineering

Project management

Leadership

Analytical skills

Communication

Education

Master's or PhD in a relevant field

Experience in geothermal subsurface operations

Tools

TOUGH2

CMG

CAD tools

Job description

Placements24 is seeking a Principal Geothermal Engineer to lead the end-to-end geothermal projects in Pretoria, driving innovative subsurface engineering, well design, and plant optimization. You will oversee exploration, reservoir management, and project execution while guiding a team of engineers to deliver technically robust solutions.

The role demands a strong track record in geothermal systems, thermodynamics, and energy project management, with travel to field sites as required.