Remote Lead Geotechnical Engineer

Placements24; Mtubatuba Local Municipality; Hybrid; ZAR 1,969,000 - 2,953,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work from home

Competitive salary

Medical, dental, retirement plans

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Geotechnical Engineer for a globally recognized mining consultancy. This remote-first role delivers expert geotechnical guidance for mining projects worldwide, with a focus on Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.

You will lead investigations, risk assessments, and design work from your home office. You will mentor junior staff, ensure adherence to international standards, and collaborate with geologists and mining engineers.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Geotechnical/Mining Engineering required.
• Professional Engineer (PE) registration is highly desirable.
• Minimum 10 years of progressive geotechnical experience in mining.

Responsibilities

• Lead geotechnical assessment and design for open-pit and underground mining projects.
• Develop and review investigation plans, drilling, testing, and monitoring programs.
• Perform numerical modeling and analysis of slope stability and underground structures.
• Provide expert geotechnical advice and risk assessments to project teams and clients.
• Oversee preparation of reports, specifications, and design documents.
• Mentor junior engineers and technical staff.
• Ensure compliance with international geotechnical standards.

Skills

Geotechnical engineering

Slope stability

Leadership

Remote collaboration

Education

Master's or PhD in Geotechnical/Mining Engineering

PE registration (desirable)

Tools

Rocscience Suite

FLAC

Plaxis

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a globally recognized leader in mining consultancy, is looking for an exceptional Lead Geotechnical Engineer to join their expanding, fully remote team. This role is instrumental in providing expert geotechnical advice and solutions for mining projects worldwide, with a particular focus on operations in South Africa, including areas like Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal. The successful candidate will lead complex geotechnical investigations, risk assessments, and design projects, ensuring the stability and safety of mining infrastructure. This is a unique opportunity to leverage your expertise in a remote-first environment, shaping the geotechnical landscape of major mining operations from your home office.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the geotechnical assessment and design for open-pit and underground mining projects.
• Develop and review geotechnical investigation plans, including drilling, testing, and monitoring programs.
• Perform advanced numerical modeling and analysis of slope stability, excavations, and underground structures.
• Provide expert geotechnical advice and risk assessments to project teams and clients.
• Oversee the preparation of geotechnical reports, specifications, and design documents.
• Mentor and guide junior geotechnical engineers and technical staff.
• Ensure compliance with international geotechnical standards and best practices.
• Collaborate effectively with geologists, mining engineers, and other disciplines in a remote setting.
• Stay abreast of advancements in geotechnical engineering and their application to mining.
• Contribute to business development by identifying opportunities and assisting in proposal preparation.

Requirements

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Geotechnical Engineering, Mining Engineering, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in geotechnical engineering within the mining industry.
• Demonstrated expertise in open-pit slope stability, underground excavation design, and ground support.
• Proficiency in geotechnical analysis software (e.g., Rocscience Suite, FLAC, Plaxis).
• Experience in managing complex geotechnical projects and leading engineering teams.
• Strong understanding of geological conditions and their impact on geotechnical design.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, suitable for remote collaboration and client interaction.
• Proven ability to lead and mentor junior engineers.
• Professional Engineer (PE) or equivalent registration is highly desirable.

Benefits

• This is a fully remote position offering a highly competitive salary, comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and retirement plans, and significant opportunities for professional development. Employees benefit from flexible working hours and the autonomy of working from home, while contributing to high-impact projects globally. Our client invests in its remote workforce, providing the necessary tools and support for success. This role offers a chance to be a key technical leader in the mining industry without the constraints of a traditional office environment, serving clients potentially near Richards Bay.