Senior Geotechnical Engineer

Placements24; Pietermaritzburg; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid

Pension fund

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a highly experienced Senior Geotechnical Engineer to join our Pietermaritzburg team. You will lead complex geotechnical investigations and designs for infrastructure projects, including buildings, roads, dams, and mining operations.

The role requires a Master's in Geotechnical Engineering, PrEng registration, and 10+ years of progressive experience. You will mentor juniors, interact with clients, and ensure compliance with SANS and best practices across KwaZulu-Natal.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Geotechnical Engineering or a related field.
• PrEng registration with ECSA is mandatory.
• Extensive experience leading geotechnical investigations and design.

Responsibilities

• Lead geotechnical investigations, planning, site supervision, and result interpretation for projects in Pietermaritzburg.
• Perform advanced geotechnical analyses for foundations, retaining structures, tunnels, and slopes.
• Develop detailed geotechnical design recommendations, reports, and specifications.
• Oversee and mentor junior engineers and technicians on technical work.
• Liaise with clients, contractors, and regulators to ensure project delivery.
• Provide expert input on geotechnical aspects of large-scale projects across KwaZulu-Natal.
• Ensure compliance with SANS and international best practices.
• Conduct risk assessments and mitigation strategies for geotechnical hazards.
• Review and approve geotechnical reports and designs prepared by the team.
• Contribute to business development and client relationship management.

Skills

Geotechnical engineering

Project leadership

Report writing

Communication

Mentoring

Education

Master's degree in Geotechnical Engineering

PrEng registration with ECSA

Tools

PLAXIS

GeoStudio

FLAC

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a reputable engineering consulting firm, is seeking a highly experienced Senior Geotechnical Engineer to join their team in **Pietermaritzburg**, **KwaZulu-Natal**. This senior role involves leading complex geotechnical investigations and designs for a variety of infrastructure projects, including buildings, roads, dams, and mining operations. The successful candidate will be responsible for providing expert advice on soil and rock mechanics, foundation design, slope stability, and ground improvement. This is an excellent opportunity to take on significant project responsibility and contribute to major developments within **KwaZulu-Natal**. Our client is dedicated to delivering innovative and sustainable engineering solutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage geotechnical investigations, including planning, site supervision, and interpretation of results for projects in **Pietermaritzburg**.
• Perform advanced geotechnical analyses for foundations (shallow and deep), retaining structures, tunnels, and slopes.
• Develop detailed geotechnical design recommendations, reports, and specifications.
• Oversee and guide junior engineers and technicians in their technical work.
• Liaise with clients, contractors, regulatory bodies, and other stakeholders to ensure successful project delivery.
• Provide expert technical input on geotechnical aspects of large-scale infrastructure projects across **KwaZulu-Natal**.
• Ensure compliance with relevant South African National Standards (SANS) and international best practices.
• Conduct risk assessments and develop mitigation strategies for geotechnical hazards.
• Review and approve geotechnical reports and designs prepared by the team.
• Contribute to business development activities, including proposal preparation and client relationship management.

Requirements

• A Master's degree in Geotechnical Engineering or a related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in geotechnical engineering, with a significant portion in a senior or lead capacity.
• Professional Engineer (PrEng) registration with ECSA is mandatory.
• Extensive experience with geotechnical software such as PLAXIS, GeoStudio, FLAC, or similar finite element analysis tools.
• Deep understanding of soil mechanics, rock mechanics, engineering geology, and earthquake engineering.
• Proven track record of managing complex geotechnical projects from inception to completion.
• Excellent report writing, presentation, and communication skills.
• Strong leadership and mentoring capabilities.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment and manage client expectations in **Pietermaritzburg**.
• Willingness to travel to project sites within **KwaZulu-Natal**.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, including medical aid, pension fund, and performance bonuses.
• There are excellent opportunities for professional development, training, and career advancement within a respected organization.
• Join a leading firm in **Pietermaritzburg** and play a key role in shaping the region's infrastructure.