Senior Geotechnical Engineer - Civil Infrastructure

Placements24; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,700,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Attractive salary package

Diverse infrastructure projects in CT

Medical aid and provident fund

Professional development support

Collaborative work environment

Job summary

Placements24 presents a respected civil engineering consultancy in Cape Town searching for a Senior Geotechnical Engineer to lead investigations, analyses and designs for infrastructure projects. You will oversee foundations, earthworks and ground-related works while mentoring junior engineers.

The successful candidate will hold ECSA Pr Eng or Pr Eng Tech, an MSc/MEng in Geotechnical or Civil Engineering, and 7–10 years of relevant experience, with PLAXIS and GeoStudio proficiency.

Qualifications

• Professional registration with ECSA as Pr Eng or Pr Eng Tech.
• MSc or MEng in Geotechnical Engineering or Civil Engineering.
• 7–10 years of geotechnical experience.
• Experience with PLAXIS and GeoStudio software.
• Strong knowledge of SA geology and civil practice.
• Ability to lead teams and manage projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead geotechnical investigations, site reconnaissance, drilling supervision, and in-situ testing.
• Perform geotechnical analysis and design for foundations, slopes, and earthworks.
• Prepare geotechnical reports, specs, and design drawings.
• Develop and implement ground improvement strategies.
• Provide expert geotechnical advice to clients and teams.
• Review contractor proposals and method statements for geotechnical works.
• Ensure compliance with SANS and geotechnical codes.
• Mentor junior geotechnical engineers and technicians.
• Manage project budgets, schedules and client liaison for geotechnical components.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Mentoring

Technical writing

Education

MSc or MEng in Geotechnical/Civil Eng

Tools

PLAXIS

GeoStudio

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a respected civil engineering consultancy with a strong presence in Cape Town, Western Cape , is seeking a Senior Geotechnical Engineer to lead geotechnical investigations and designs for a diverse portfolio of civil infrastructure projects. This role is critical for ensuring the stability and integrity of foundations, earthworks, and other ground-related structures. The ideal candidate will possess extensive expertise in soil mechanics, rock mechanics, and foundation engineering, coupled with a proven ability to manage projects and mentor junior engineers. This position offers the chance to contribute significantly to major developments within the vibrant Western Cape region and to tackle challenging geotechnical problems.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage geotechnical investigations, including site reconnaissance, drilling supervision, and in-situ/laboratory testing.


• Perform detailed geotechnical analysis and design for foundations (shallow and deep), slopes, retaining structures, and earthworks.


• Prepare comprehensive geotechnical reports, technical specifications, and design drawings.


• Develop and implement ground improvement strategies where necessary.


• Provide expert geotechnical advice to clients, project managers, and design teams.


• Review contractor proposals and method statements for geotechnical works.


• Ensure compliance with relevant South African National Standards (SANS) and international geotechnical codes.


• Mentor and guide junior geotechnical engineers and technicians.


• Manage project budgets, schedules, and client liaison for geotechnical components of projects.

Requirements

• Professional registration with ECSA (Engineering Council of South Africa) as a Professional Engineer (Pr Eng) or Professional Engineering Technologist (Pr Eng Tech).


• MSc or MEng in Geotechnical Engineering or Civil Engineering with a specialization in Geotechnics.


• A minimum of 7-10 years of relevant professional experience in geotechnical engineering.


• Proficiency in geotechnical software such as PLAXIS, GeoStudio suite (SLOPE/W, SEEP/W, etc.), or equivalent.


• Strong understanding of South African geological conditions and construction practices.


• Experience in managing geotechnical aspects of major civil infrastructure projects (e.g., roads, buildings, dams, coastal works).


• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and report-writing skills.


• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal abilities.


• Ability to conduct site visits and work effectively in various field conditions.


• Commitment to professional development and safety standards.

Benefits

• Attractive salary package commensurate with experience and qualifications.


• Opportunity to work on diverse and high-profile infrastructure projects in Cape Town, Western Cape .


• Comprehensive benefits package including medical aid and provident fund.


• Professional development support and training opportunities.


• Collaborative and supportive work environment.