Remote Senior Geotechnical Engineer - Complex Foundation Design

Placements24; Sandton; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work flexibility

Performance bonuses

Medical aid & retirement provisions

Job summary

Placements24 seeks an accomplished Senior Geotechnical Engineer for a fully remote role focused on complex foundation design for international projects across high-rise structures, offshore works, and critical infrastructure. The ideal candidate will lead investigations, analyses, and reporting while mentoring remote teams from anywhere in South Africa.

The position requires a Master’s or PhD in Geotechnical Engineering, PE registration, and 10+ years of experience with deep and shallow

Qualifications

• Master’s or PhD in Geotechnical Engineering or closely related field.
• Professional Engineer (PE) or equivalent international registration is essential.
• Minimum 10 years of specialized geotechnical experience with complex foundation design.
• Proven track record delivering large-scale international foundation projects.
• Experience with international codes and standards (Eurocode, ACI, etc.).
• Willingness to travel occasionally (<15%).

Responsibilities

• Lead geotechnical investigation and design of complex foundations (deep and shallow).
• Conduct advanced analyses: seismic, soil-structure interaction, settlement predictions.
• Develop reports, design documentation, and tender specs for international clients.
• Provide QA and mentorship for junior engineers across remote teams.
• Collaborate virtually with project managers, structural engineers, and clients across time zones.
• Manage project risks and develop mitigation strategies for challenging conditions.
• Utilize PLAXIS, FLAC, LPILE and other numerical modeling tools.
• Support business development and proposal preparation.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Leadership

Remote collaboration

Education

Master's or PhD in Geotechnical Engineering

Professional Engineer registration

Tools

PLAXIS

FLAC

LPILE

Job description

About the Role

Our client is a global leader in geotechnical and foundation engineering, actively seeking to recruit a highly experienced Senior Geotechnical Engineer for a fully remote position. This role is ideal for an expert based anywhere in South Africa, with a preference for proximity to major economic hubs like Sandton, Gauteng , for potential occasional networking. You will be instrumental in tackling complex foundation design challenges for a diverse range of international projects, including high-rise buildings, offshore structures, and critical infrastructure. The position demands deep technical expertise, strong analytical skills, and the ability to lead projects and mentor teams remotely. We are looking for a self-driven professional who excels in complex problem-solving and thrives in an independent work environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the geotechnical investigation and detailed design of complex foundation systems, including deep foundations (piles, rafts) and shallow foundations for major structures.
• Conduct advanced geotechnical analyses such as seismic analysis, soil-structure interaction, and settlement predictions.
• Develop comprehensive geotechnical reports, design documentation, and tender specifications for international clients.
• Provide expert technical guidance and quality assurance for foundation designs executed by other engineers.
• Collaborate virtually with project managers, structural engineers, and clients across different time zones.
• Manage project risks and develop mitigation strategies for challenging geotechnical conditions.
• Utilize advanced geotechnical software and numerical modeling techniques (e.g., PLAXIS, FLAC, LPILE).
• Mentor and provide technical oversight to junior geotechnical engineers working remotely.
• Stay updated with the latest research, technologies, and best practices in foundation engineering globally.
• Contribute to business development efforts and proposal preparation for challenging projects.

Requirements

• Master’s or PhD degree in Geotechnical Engineering or a closely related field.
• Professional Engineer (PE) or equivalent international registration is essential.
• Minimum of 10 years of specialized experience in geotechnical engineering, with a strong focus on complex foundation design.
• Proven track record in managing and delivering large-scale international foundation projects.
• Expertise in advanced geotechnical software and numerical modeling techniques.
• Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, capable of conveying complex technical information effectively.
• Demonstrated ability to work autonomously and manage workload effectively in a remote setting.
• Experience with various international codes and standards (e.g., Eurocode, ACI, relevant national standards).
• Willig to travel occasionally for essential project meetings or client engagements (estimated < 15%).

Benefits

This fully remote position offers unparalleled flexibility and the opportunity to work on prestigious global projects from anywhere in South Africa. Our client provides a highly competitive salary, performance bonuses, and comprehensive benefits including medical aid and retirement provisions. You will be part of a world-class engineering organization, with ample opportunities for continuous professional development and career advancement. Experience the autonomy and work-life balance of remote work while contributing to the forefront of foundation engineering challenges.