Senior Dams Engineer

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); On-site; ZAR 1,100,000 - 1,900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Life insurance

Retirement fund

Professional development

Industry conferences

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Senior Dams Engineer to lead design, analysis, and construction supervision of dam projects in Nelspruit and across Mpumalanga. The role requires deep expertise in dam safety, geotechnical and structural design, and leadership of multidisciplinary teams.

Candidates should have a MSc/MEng in Civil/Geotechnical/Structural Engineering with a dam specialization, 10+ years of relevant experience, and Pr.Eng registration with ECSA.

Qualifications

• MSc or MEng in Civil/Geotechnical/Structural Engineering with a specialization in Dam Engineering.
• Minimum 10 years of progressive experience in design, construction, and management of dams.
• Pr.Eng registration with ECSA is essential.
• Expertise with dam analysis software (PLAXIS, GeoStudio, HEC-RAS).
• Strong knowledge of embankment and concrete dam structures and related hydrology.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, analysis, and construction supervision of dams (earthfill, rockfill, concrete).
• Perform dam safety assessments, risk analyses, and rehabilitation studies.
• Develop design reports, drawings, and technical specifications for dam projects.
• Oversee geotechnical investigations, hydrological assessments, and hydraulic modeling.
• Ensure compliance with dam safety guidelines and national/international standards.
• Manage project teams, budgets, and schedules across Mpumalanga projects.
• Provide mentorship to junior engineers and staff; liaise with clients and regulators.
• Review contractor submittals and provide construction support and QA/QC.

Skills

Project leadership

Technical mentoring

Dam design analysis

Communication skills

Education

MSc or MEng in Civil/Geotechnical/Structural Engineering with Dam specialization

Tools

PLAXIS

GeoStudio

HEC-RAS

Dam stability software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent civil engineering firm specializing in water infrastructure, is seeking an experienced Senior Dams Engineer to join their team in Nelspruit . This role is essential for the planning, design, construction, and rehabilitation of dams and associated appurtenant structures. You will provide technical leadership, manage complex dam projects, and contribute to ensuring the safety and reliability of vital water resources infrastructure in Mpumalanga and surrounding regions. The ideal candidate will possess extensive knowledge of dam safety regulations, geotechnical considerations, and structural design principles specific to dams. This is a key position for a dedicated professional looking to make a substantial contribution to water security and infrastructure development.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, analysis, and construction supervision of various types of dams (e.g., earthfill, rockfill, concrete).
• Conduct comprehensive dam safety assessments, risk analyses, and rehabilitation studies.
• Develop detailed design reports, construction drawings, and technical specifications for dam projects.
• Oversee geotechnical investigations, hydrological assessments, and hydraulic modeling for dam structures.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant dam safety guidelines, national standards, and international best practices.
• Manage project teams, budgets, and schedules, ensuring the successful and safe delivery of dam projects.
• Provide expert technical guidance and mentorship to junior engineers and technical staff.
• Liaise effectively with clients, regulatory authorities (e.g., Department of Water and Sanitation), and other stakeholders.
• Review contractor submittals and provide construction support and quality control.

Requirements

• MSc or MEng in Civil/Geotechnical/Structural Engineering with a specialization in Dam Engineering.
• A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in the design, construction, and management of dams.
• Professional Engineer (Pr.Eng) registration with ECSA is essential.
• Expertise in dam analysis software (e.g., PLAXIS, GeoStudio, HEC-RAS, dam stability software).
• In-depth knowledge of embankment dams, concrete dams, spillways, outlets, and appurtenant structures.
• Strong understanding of soil mechanics, rock mechanics, hydrology, and hydraulic engineering principles.
• Proven experience in managing large dam projects and multidisciplinary teams.
• Excellent report writing, presentation, and communication skills.
• Willingness to undertake site visits to remote dam locations within Mpumalanga and beyond.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive remuneration package, including significant bonuses and comprehensive benefits such as medical aid, life insurance, and a retirement fund. Excellent opportunities for professional development, specialized training, and attending industry conferences are available. The firm is committed to technical excellence and fostering a collaborative work environment. This is a non-remote position requiring full-time presence in our Nelspruit office, with extensive travel to project sites across Mpumalanga .