Senior Geotechnical Engineer - Energy Infrastructure

Placements24; Stellenbosch; Hybrid; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Geotechnical Engineer to join a fully remote technical team focused on offshore wind developments. You will evaluate geological and soil conditions for turbine foundations, guiding design and installation decisions from a distance and coordinating with international teams.

The role demands 8+ years in offshore geotechnical projects, strong data interpretation skills, and expertise with PLAXIS, GEO5 and GRLWEAP.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Geotechnical/Civil engineering.
• 8+ years of offshore geotechnical experience.
• Ability to interpret and analyze geotechnical site investigation data.
• Proficiency with geotechnical software such as PLAXIS, GEO5 and GRLWEAP.
• PE or equivalent certification is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Lead geotechnical assessment of offshore wind sites, including data analysis and interpretation.
• Manage and review offshore site investigations (CPT, boreholes, geophysical surveys).
• Perform advanced geotechnical analyses for foundation design (monopiles, jackets, gravity bases).
• Develop geotechnical design reports, risk assessments, and recommendations for foundations.
• Collaborate with structural engineers, naval architects, and project managers to integrate findings into design.
• Stay updated on offshore geotechnical engineering advancements and site investigation technologies.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior geotechnical engineers in the remote team.
• Ensure compliance with international standards and best practices for offshore geotechnical engineering.
• Assist in tendering processes for geotechnical surveys and site investigations.

Skills

Geotechnical analysis

Data interpretation

Remote teamwork

Project management

Communication

Mentorship

Analytical skills

Education

Master's or PhD in Geotechnical Engineering

PE certification desirable

Tools

PLAXIS

GEO5

GRLWEAP

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a pioneering renewable energy firm with a significant footprint in offshore wind development, is seeking a highly experienced Senior Geotechnical Engineer to join their fully remote technical team. This role is paramount in assessing the geological and soil conditions at proposed offshore sites, providing critical data for the design and installation of wind turbine foundations and associated infrastructure. You will leverage advanced geotechnical analysis techniques and interpret extensive site investigation data to ensure the stability and longevity of renewable energy projects. As a remote-first position, you will collaborate closely with international engineering teams, project managers, and offshore survey specialists, utilizing sophisticated digital collaboration tools. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to the advancement of sustainable energy solutions from anywhere, playing a key role in shaping the future of the energy sector.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the geotechnical assessment of offshore sites for wind farm development, including data analysis and interpretation.
• Manage and review offshore geotechnical site investigations (e.g., CPT, boreholes, geophysical surveys).
• Perform advanced geotechnical analyses for foundation design (e.g., monopiles, jackets, gravity bases).
• Develop geotechnical design reports, risk assessments, and recommendations for foundation engineering.
• Collaborate with structural engineers, naval architects, and project managers to integrate geotechnical findings into overall project design.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in offshore geotechnical engineering and site investigation technologies.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior geotechnical engineers within the remote team.
• Ensure compliance with relevant international standards and best practices for offshore geotechnical engineering.
• Assist in the tendering process for geotechnical surveys and site investigations.

Requirements

• Master's degree or PhD in Geotechnical Engineering, Civil Engineering, or a related discipline.
• A minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in geotechnical engineering, with a strong focus on offshore projects (e.g., wind, oil & gas).
• Proven expertise in interpreting and analyzing geotechnical site investigation data.
• Proficiency in geotechnical software for analysis and modeling (e.g., PLAXIS, GEO5, GRLWEAP).
• Strong understanding of soil mechanics, foundation design principles, and offshore geohazards.
• Experience with risk assessment and management in geotechnical engineering.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with experience collaborating in international, remote teams.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple projects, and meet deadlines in a remote setting.
• Professional Engineer (PE) or equivalent certification is highly desirable.

Benefits

This fully remote position offers a competitive salary and benefits package, including opportunities for professional development and participation in cutting-edge renewable energy projects. You will benefit from the flexibility of working from any location, collaborating with a world-class team of engineers and project specialists. Our client is committed to fostering a sustainable future and provides a supportive, innovative virtual work environment. While the role supports projects in the Stellenbosch, Western Cape region's offshore energy sector, your work will be conducted entirely remotely, offering exceptional work-life balance.