Principal Rock Engineer - Remote

Placements24; South Africa; Remote; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work

Competitive salary

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Principal Rock Engineer to lead rock mechanics and ground control for diverse underground mining projects worldwide. This fully remote role within South Africa leverages advanced modeling and analytical methods to ensure safety and stability in excavations.

The ideal candidate has a PhD or Master’s in rock mechanics or geotechnical engineering, 10–12 years of underground mining experience, and strong skills in FLAC3D, UDEC, and VULCAN.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Rock Mechanics, Geotechnical Engineering or related discipline.
• Minimum 10–12 years in rock mechanics engineering, with underground mining focus.
• Experience with numerical modeling and geotechnical data analysis tools.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership in rock mechanics and ground control for complex mining projects globally.
• Develop rock mass characterization, numerical modeling, and stability analysis methodologies.
• Design and optimize ground support systems for hard rock and soft ground conditions.
• Conduct peer reviews of rock mechanics assessments and designs.
• Develop and deliver training on rock mechanics principles and best practices.

Skills

Rock mechanics

Geotechnical leadership

Numerical modeling

Remote collaboration

Education

Master's or PhD in Rock Mechanics

Tools

FLAC3D

UDEC

VULCAN

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a global leader in innovative mining solutions, is seeking a highly experienced and accomplished Principal Rock Engineer to join their esteemed technical team. This position is entirely remote, offering the flexibility to work from anywhere within South Africa. The Principal Rock Engineer will be responsible for providing expert guidance and strategic direction on all rock mechanics and ground support aspects for a diverse portfolio of mining projects worldwide. You will play a critical role in ensuring the stability and safety of underground excavations by applying advanced principles of rock mechanics and engineering. This is an unparalleled opportunity for a seasoned professional to contribute their deep expertise to cutting‑edge mining challenges without the need for physical relocation, leveraging advanced communication tools to collaborate with teams across different time zones and geographies.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide expert technical leadership and mentorship in rock mechanics and ground control for complex mining projects globally.
• Develop and implement advanced rock mass characterization, numerical modeling, and stability analysis methodologies.
• Design and optimize ground support systems for various mining conditions, including hard rock and soft ground environments.
• Conduct peer reviews of rock mechanics assessments and designs submitted by project teams.
• Develop and deliver training programs on rock mechanics principles and best practices to internal teams.
• Stay at the forefront of rock mechanics research and technology, identifying and recommending innovative solutions.
• Collaborate closely with mine planning, engineering, and operations teams through virtual channels to integrate geotechnical considerations into mine design and operations.
• Troubleshoot complex geotechnical problems and provide timely, practical solutions.
• Contribute to the development of company standards and guidelines for rock engineering.
• Represent the company in technical forums and conferences, sharing expertise and insights.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. in Rock Mechanics, Geotechnical Engineering, or a closely related discipline.
• A minimum of 10-12 years of progressive experience in rock mechanics engineering, with a significant portion dedicated to underground mining operations.
• Extensive experience in numerical modeling software (e.g., FLAC3D, UDEC, VULCAN) and geotechnical data analysis tools.
• Deep understanding of rock mass behavior, failure mechanisms, and ground support principles.
• Demonstrated ability to lead complex geotechnical investigations and problem‑solving initiatives.
• Exceptional analytical, strategic thinking, and report‑writing skills.
• Excellent remote communication, collaboration, and presentation skills, with a proven ability to work effectively in a virtual environment.
• Professional Engineer (Pr. Eng.) designation or equivalent international registration is highly desirable.
• Must be based in South Africa and able to work independently and reliably from a remote location.

Benefits

• This fully remote position offers a highly competitive salary commensurate with extensive experience, alongside a comprehensive benefits package.
• Employees will benefit from a flexible work arrangement, allowing for excellent work‑life balance.
• Our client provides substantial opportunities for professional development, continuous learning, and engagement with globally significant mining projects.
• You will be part of an innovative and supportive virtual team, contributing to the advancement of mining technology and safety standards.
• Access to state‑of‑the‑art digital collaboration tools and a dedicated support system for remote employees are provided.
• This role empowers you to shape the future of mining from the comfort of your own workspace.