Remote Senior Geotechnical Engineer

Placements24; Cape Town; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private health insurance

Life insurance

Retirement plan

Online training

Professional conferences

Remote-friendly work setup

Job summary

Placements24 is recruiting for a Senior Geotechnical Engineer to join a prominent international consultancy in a fully remote role within South Africa. You will apply advanced soil mechanics, foundation design, and site investigation expertise across infrastructure and building projects.

Responsibilities include leading investigations, performing settlement and bearing capacity analyses, designing foundations and earth retention systems, and producing comprehensive geotechnical reports.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Geotechnical Engineering required.
• Professional Engineer accreditation desirable.
• 10+ years in geotechnical engineering for infrastructure projects.
• Proficient with Plaxis/GeoStudio and site investigation techniques.
• Strong report writing and remote-work capability.

Responsibilities

• Lead geotechnical investigations, desk studies, and site reconnaissance.
• Perform settlement, bearing capacity, and seismic hazard analyses.
• Design foundations and earth retention systems for various projects.
• Develop geotechnical reports with interpretations and recommendations.
• Provide guidance across project lifecycles and supervise remote team members.
• Collaborate with managers, clients, and regulators to ensure successful outcomes.
• Mentor junior engineers and stay updated with international standards.
• Manage multiple projects with autonomous work style.

Skills

Geotechnical leadership

Project management

Report writing

Autonomous work

Mentoring

Education

Master's degree in Geotechnical Engineering

PhD in Geotechnical Engineering

Professional Engineer (PE) accreditation

Tools

Plaxis

GeoStudio

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent international engineering consultancy with a significant footprint in the African construction market, is seeking an exceptional Senior Geotechnical Engineer to join their expanding operations. This is a fully remote position, offering unparalleled flexibility to work from anywhere within South Africa . The successful candidate will be responsible for providing expert geotechnical advice and solutions for a wide array of challenging infrastructure and building projects. This role requires a deep understanding of soil mechanics, foundation design, and site investigation techniques, tailored to diverse geological conditions encountered across the continent. You will play a crucial role in risk assessment, feasibility studies, and the detailed design of foundations, earthworks, and slope stability measures. This is a unique opportunity for a motivated professional to contribute to impactful projects while enjoying the benefits of a truly remote work environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage geotechnical investigations, including desk studies, site reconnaissance, and detailed site characterisation.
• Perform advanced geotechnical analyses, including settlement analysis, bearing capacity calculations, and seismic hazard assessments.
• Design various foundation types (e.g., shallow foundations, deep foundations, piled rafts) and earth retention systems.
• Develop comprehensive geotechnical reports, interpretations, and recommendations for project teams and clients.
• Provide expert technical guidance on geotechnical aspects throughout the project lifecycle, from conceptual design to construction supervision.
• Collaborate with project managers, clients, and regulatory bodies to ensure successful project outcomes.
• Mentor and support junior geotechnical engineers and technicians within the remote team structure.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements and best practices in geotechnical engineering and relevant international standards.

Requirements

• A Master's degree or PhD in Geotechnical Engineering or a closely related field.
• Professional Engineer (PE) or equivalent professional accreditation is highly desirable.
• A minimum of 10 years of relevant professional experience in geotechnical engineering, focusing on infrastructure and major construction projects.
• Extensive experience with geotechnical software such as Plaxis, GeoStudio, or equivalent.
• Proven ability to interpret complex geological data and develop practical, cost-effective engineering solutions.
• Exceptional report writing and communication skills, essential for a remote role.
• Demonstrated experience in managing multiple projects and working autonomously.
• Must be legally authorized to work remotely from South Africa .

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive salary commensurate with experience and a comprehensive benefits package, including private health insurance, life insurance, and a generous retirement plan. You will have the opportunity to work on cutting-edge projects with a global reach. The fully remote nature of this position allows for exceptional work-life balance and the freedom to work from your preferred location within South Africa . Our client is committed to employee development and provides access to online training, professional conferences, and opportunities for advancement within the organization.