Senior Geotechnical Engineer

Placements24; East London; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangement

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Generous annual leave

Professional development

Conference attendance

Career growth

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Geotechnical Engineer in East London, South Africa, to lead investigations and design services for infrastructure and energy projects. The role blends office collaboration with remote work, and offers mentorship to junior engineers in a dynamic team.

You will manage site investigations, interpret soil/rock data, and design foundations, slopes, and earth structures while ensuring compliance with geotechnical standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering with geotechnical focus.
• Minimum 7 years’ geotechnical investigation and design experience.
• Proficiency in foundation design and slope stability analysis.
• Experience with geotechnical software and field testing.

Responsibilities

• Plan, manage, and execute geotechnical site investigations (CPT, boreholes, trial pits).
• Analyze soil and rock mechanics data, including laboratory results.
• Perform foundation design for buildings, bridges, and industrial structures.
• Design and assess the stability of slopes, excavations, and embankments.
• Prepare geotechnical investigation reports and design recommendations.
• Liaise with clients, regulatory bodies, and other disciplines.
• Provide mentorship to junior geotechnical engineers.
• Ensure compliance with geotechnical codes and standards.
• Manage project budgets and schedules.
• Stay abreast of geotechnical software and methods.

Skills

Site investigations

Project management

Communication

Mentoring

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering with geotechnical specialization

Master's degree preferred

Tools

Plaxis

GeoStudio

Slide

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading engineering consultancy with a strong presence in East London , is seeking an experienced Senior Geotechnical Engineer to lead their geotechnical investigations and design services. This role is crucial for assessing ground conditions and providing expert advice for a wide range of infrastructure and energy projects within the Eastern Cape and beyond. You will be responsible for managing geotechnical investigations, interpreting soil and rock mechanics data, and designing foundations, slopes, and earth structures. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of geotechnical principles, extensive field experience, and strong project management capabilities. This position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to significant development projects and mentor junior engineers in a collaborative environment. The hybrid work model allows for a balance between office-based teamwork and the flexibility of remote work, supporting a productive and engaging work experience. You will be a key technical authority, ensuring the integrity and safety of project foundations.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, manage, and execute geotechnical site investigations, including CPT, boreholes, and trial pits.
• Analyze soil and rock mechanics data, including laboratory testing results.
• Perform foundation design for buildings, bridges, and industrial structures.
• Design and assess the stability of slopes, excavations, and embankments.
• Prepare comprehensive geotechnical investigation reports and design recommendations.
• Liaise with clients, regulatory bodies, and other engineering disciplines.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior geotechnical engineers.
• Ensure compliance with relevant geotechnical codes, standards, and best practices.
• Manage project budgets and schedules for geotechnical assignments.
• Stay abreast of advancements in geotechnical engineering techniques and software.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering with a specialization in Geotechnical Engineering; Master's degree preferred.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in geotechnical investigation and design.
• Proven experience in foundation design, slope stability analysis, and ground improvement.
• Proficiency with geotechnical software (e.g., Plaxis, GeoStudio, Slide).
• Strong understanding of soil mechanics, rock mechanics, and hydrogeology.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and reporting skills.
• Effective communication, presentation, and client liaison abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Experience in the energy sector or large infrastructure projects is an advantage.
• Professional Engineer (PrEng) registration is highly desirable.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package commensurate with experience.
• Performance-based incentives.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund options.
• Generous annual leave and paid public holidays.
• Opportunities for professional development, training, and conference attendance.
• Hybrid work arrangement promoting work-life balance.
• Access to advanced geotechnical investigation and analysis tools.
• Collaborative and supportive team environment.
• Career growth opportunities within a reputable consultancy.
• Work on diverse and challenging engineering projects.