Principal Rock Engineer - Underground Stability and Design

Placements24; Randburg; On-site; ZAR 2,000,000 - 3,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive remuneration package with aし

Relocation assistance

housing allowance

International travel

Executive health benefits

Retirement plan

Sabbatical leave options

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Principal Rock Engineer to lead rock mechanics and stability initiatives in Randburg, Gauteng. The role requires deep expertise in geotechnics, mine design, and risk management, guiding advanced numerical modeling and ground support strategies across complex geological settings.

You will mentor junior staff, drive R&D in rock mechanics, and provide high-level geotechnical advice to project teams and senior management, shaping safety and operational performance.

Qualifications

• PhD or Master’s degree in Mining Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, or a related discipline with a strong focus on Rock Mechanics.
• Minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in rock engineering, with a significant portion in a senior leadership or principal role within underground mining.
• Demonstrated expertise in advanced numerical modeling software (e.g., FLAC3D, UDEC, ABAQUS).
• Proven track record in designing and implementing effective ground support systems for challenging conditions.
• In-depth understanding of seismic hazard assessment and mine design for seismically active areas.
• Strong knowledge of geostatistics, rock mass characterization, and failure mechanisms.
• Excellent leadership, strategic thinking, and communication skills.
• Ability to present complex technical information to diverse audiences, including senior management.
• Published research or significant contributions to the rock mechanics field are highly desirable.
• Experience working in diverse geological settings is advantageous, with a focus on operations around Randburg, Gauteng.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of advanced rock engineering strategies for underground mines.
• Conduct complex numerical modeling and stability analyses of mine structures, considering seismic activity and in-situ stresses.
• Design and optimize ground support systems for various mining methods and geological conditions.
• Provide expert geotechnical advice and recommendations to project teams, mine planning, and operations.
• Oversee geotechnical investigations, including data acquisition, interpretation, and quality assurance.
• Develop and maintain geotechnical databases and risk assessment frameworks.
• Mentor and guide a team of rock engineers and technicians, fostering technical excellence.
• Lead R&D initiatives in rock mechanics and contribute to industry knowledge advancement.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant geotechnical standards, regulations, and best practices.
• Investigate significant geotechnical events and provide expert reports.

Skills

Geotechnical leadership

Numerical modeling

Ground control design

Seismic analysis

Team mentoring

Stakeholder communication

Education

PhD or Master’s in Mining/Geotechnical Engineering

Tools

FLAC3D

UDEC

ABAQUS

Job description

About the Role Our client, a global leader in underground resource extraction , is seeking a highly experienced and authoritative Principal Rock Engineer to spearhead their rock mechanics and stability initiatives in Randburg, Gauteng . This senior role demands exceptional expertise in geomechanics, mine design, and risk management within complex geological environments. You will be responsible for leading advanced numerical modeling, developing robust ground support strategies, and providing high-level geotechnical advice to project teams and senior management. The Principal Rock Engineer will mentor junior staff, drive research and development in rock engineering, and ensure best practices are implemented across all operations. This is a career-defining opportunity for a recognized expert in the field to influence critical aspects of mine safety, design, and operational performance. Our client is committed to cutting-edge technology and innovation, making this position central to their ongoing success and the sustainable development of their extensive mining portfolio in the Randburg region and beyond.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of advanced rock engineering strategies for underground mines.
• Conduct complex numerical modeling and stability analyses of mine structures, considering seismic activity and in-situ stresses.
• Design and optimize ground support systems for various mining methods and geological conditions.
• Provide expert geotechnical advice and recommendations to project teams, mine planning, and operations.
• Oversee geotechnical investigations, including data acquisition, interpretation, and quality assurance.
• Develop and maintain geotechnical databases and risk assessment frameworks.
• Mentor and guide a team of rock engineers and technicians, fostering technical excellence.
• Lead R&D initiatives in rock mechanics and contribute to industry knowledge advancement.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant geotechnical standards, regulations, and best practices.
• Investigate significant geotechnical events and provide expert reports.

Requirements

• A PhD or Master's degree in Mining Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, or a related discipline with a strong focus on Rock Mechanics.
• Minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in rock engineering, with a significant portion in a senior leadership or principal role within underground mining.
• Demonstrated expertise in advanced numerical modeling software (e.g., FLAC3D, UDEC, ABAQUS).
• Proven track record in designing and implementing effective ground support systems for challenging conditions.
• In-depth understanding of seismic hazard assessment and mine design for seismically active areas.
• Strong knowledge of geostatistics, rock mass characterization, and failure mechanisms.
• Excellent leadership, strategic thinking, and communication skills.
• Ability to present complex technical information to diverse audiences, including senior management.
• Published research or significant contributions to the rock mechanics field are highly desirable.
• Experience working in diverse geological settings is advantageous, with a focus on operations around Randburg, Gauteng .

Benefits

• Executive-level remuneration package with substantial performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive executive health benefits and robust retirement plan.
• Relocation assistance, housing allowance, and potential for expatriate benefits.
• Opportunities for international travel and involvement in global projects.
• Significant professional autonomy and influence on company strategy.
• Access to cutting-edge technology and research facilities.
• A pivotal role shaping the future of safe and efficient underground mining.
• Executive company car and travel provisions.
• Supportive leadership committed to innovation and technical excellence.
• Annual sabbatical leave options for senior personnel.