Senior Geotechnical Engineer - Coastal & Marine Projects

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Competitive salary

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a highly experienced Senior Geotechnical Engineer for their Port Elizabeth coastal office. The role focuses on critical geotechnical investigations and designs for coastal and marine projects, including port infrastructure, offshore structures, and coastal protection measures.

You will lead challenging projects, manage client relationships, and provide expert geotechnical advice within Port Elizabeth's vibrant coastal environment.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Geotechnical Engineering with coastal/marine specialization.
• Pr Eng registration with ECSA is required.
• 8+ years of post-graduate geotechnical experience with coastal/marine focus.
• Experience designing foundations for offshore structures or port facilities.
• Proficiency in geotechnical software (Plaxis, GeoStudio, GRLWEAP).
• Experience with marine investigation techniques and data interpretation.
• Knowledge of international codes (DNV, ISO) and SA standards.
• Excellent project management, leadership, and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead geotechnical investigations for coastal and marine projects.
• Develop detailed geotechnical designs for foundations and slopes.
• Plan and execute offshore/near-shore investigations (CPT, SPT, boreholes, geophysical surveys).
• Interpret soil data and perform advanced modeling.
• Prepare reports, specifications, and recommendations.
• Manage project teams, schedules, and budgets.
• Liaise with clients, regulators, marine contractors, and other stakeholders.
• Ensure compliance with SA and international marine geotechnical standards.
• Mentor junior engineers and technicians.
• Conduct site visits during construction.

Skills

Geotechnical leadership

Project management

Technical reporting

Marine geotechnics

Education

Master's degree in Geotechnical Engineering

PhD in Geotechnical Engineering

Tools

Plaxis

GeoStudio

GRLWEAP

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent engineering consultancy with a strong presence in coastal development, is seeking a highly experienced Senior Geotechnical Engineer for their Port Elizabeth office. This role focuses on critical geotechnical investigations and designs for a range of coastal and marine projects, including port infrastructure, offshore structures, and coastal protection measures. You will lead challenging projects, manage client relationships, and provide expert geotechnical advice within Port Elizabeth's vibrant coastal environment. The ideal candidate will have specialized knowledge in marine geotechnics, soil behavior in marine conditions, and relevant design codes. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to significant coastal engineering endeavors in the Eastern Cape.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead geotechnical investigations and analyses for coastal and marine projects, including port facilities, breakwaters, jetties, and submarine pipelines.
• Develop detailed geotechnical designs for foundations, retaining structures, and slope stability in marine and near-shore environments.
• Oversee the planning and execution of specialized offshore and near-shore investigations, including CPT, SPT, boreholes, and geophysical surveys.
• Interpret complex soil data and perform advanced geotechnical modeling using relevant software.
• Prepare high-quality geotechnical reports, specifications, and technical recommendations.
• Manage project teams, schedules, and budgets, ensuring timely and successful project delivery.
• Liaise with clients, regulatory bodies, marine contractors, and other project stakeholders.
• Ensure compliance with relevant international and South African marine geotechnical standards and best practices.
• Mentor and guide junior geotechnical engineers and technicians working on coastal projects.
• Conduct site visits and provide technical support during the construction phase of marine projects.

Requirements

• Master's degree or PhD in Geotechnical Engineering or a closely related field, with a specialization in coastal or marine geotechnics.
• Professional Engineer (Pr Eng) registration with ECSA is required.
• Minimum of 8 years of relevant post-graduate experience in geotechnical engineering, with a significant focus on coastal and marine projects.
• Demonstrated experience in the design of foundations for offshore structures, port facilities, or similar marine infrastructure.
• Proficiency in geotechnical design and analysis software (e.g., Plaxis, GeoStudio, GRLWEAP).
• Experience with marine investigation techniques and data interpretation.
• Strong understanding of relevant international codes (e.g., DNV, ISO) and South African standards.
• Excellent project management, leadership, and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team in Port Elizabeth.
• Willingness to undertake occasional site visits and travel for project requirements.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary package, comprehensive medical aid, and retirement fund benefits. This role provides a unique opportunity to work on challenging and high-profile coastal and marine engineering projects in Port Elizabeth. We support continuous professional development and offer a collaborative work environment. You will be part of a team recognized for its expertise in coastal engineering.