Senior Geotechnical Engineer - Energy Projects

Placements24; Richards Bay; Hybrid; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully remote role

Global energy projects

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Professional development programs

Access to advanced engineering tools

Work-life balance

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a highly experienced Senior Geotechnical Engineer for a fully remote role supporting energy projects worldwide, including activities in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal.

You will lead geotechnical investigations, develop foundation designs, assess hazards, review reports and drawings, and provide expert advice to multidisciplinary teams. A PE or Chartered Engineer designation is preferred, and strong communication skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Master's or Ph.D. in Geotechnical Engineering or closely related field.
• 10+ years of professional geotechnical experience, with energy sector exposure (oil & gas, power, renewables).
• Proven experience designing foundations for heavy industrial structures (shallow and deep).
• Proficiency with geotechnical analysis software (Plaxis, GeoStudio, FLAC).
• Strong understanding of soil/rock mechanics and engineering geology.

Responsibilities

• Conduct geotechnical investigations and analyses for energy projects (power, transmission, renewables).
• Develop foundation design recommendations based on soil/rock properties and seismic loads.
• Assess and mitigate hazards like landslides, liquefaction, settlement.
• Prepare and review geotechnical reports, specifications, and drawings.
• Oversee field investigations (drilling, CPT, geophysics) and provide technical direction.

Skills

Soil mechanics

Rock mechanics

Engineering geology

Report writing

Communication

Education

Master's or Ph.D. in Geotechnical Engineering

Tools

Plaxis

GeoStudio

FLAC

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a globally recognized leader in providing specialized engineering consultancy for the energy sector, is seeking a highly experienced Senior Geotechnical Engineer. This is a fully remote position, offering the flexibility to work from anywhere while contributing to critical energy projects, including those in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal. You will be instrumental in assessing subsurface conditions, providing foundation designs, and mitigating geotechnical risks for a variety of energy infrastructure, such as power plants, pipelines, and offshore facilities. This role demands deep expertise in soil mechanics, rock mechanics, and foundation engineering, with a strong emphasis on practical application in complex environments. Join a team that is at the forefront of developing sustainable and resilient energy solutions worldwide.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive geotechnical investigations and analyses for energy projects, including power generation facilities, transmission infrastructure, and renewable energy installations.
• Develop detailed foundation design recommendations for various structures, considering soil and rock properties, seismic conditions, and operational loads.
• Assess and mitigate geotechnical hazards such as landslides, liquefaction, and settlement.
• Prepare and review geotechnical reports, specifications, and drawings.
• Oversee and provide technical direction for field investigations, including drilling, CPT, and geophysical surveys.
• Collaborate with multi-disciplinary engineering teams, including structural, civil, and environmental engineers, to ensure integrated project solutions.
• Provide expert advice on ground improvement techniques, slope stability, and earthworks design.
• Review and approve designs and calculations prepared by other engineers and consultants.
• Stay updated on the latest geotechnical engineering principles, software, and industry best practices relevant to the energy sector.
• Contribute to proposals and business development efforts by providing technical expertise and scope definition for new projects.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. in Geotechnical Engineering or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of professional experience in geotechnical engineering, with significant exposure to the energy sector (oil & gas, power generation, renewables).
• Proven experience in designing foundations for heavy industrial structures, including shallow and deep foundations.
• Proficiency in geotechnical analysis software (e.g., Plaxis, GeoStudio, FLAC).
• Strong understanding of soil mechanics, rock mechanics, and engineering geology principles.
• Experience with seismic hazard analysis and the design of structures in seismically active regions.
• Excellent report writing and communication skills, with the ability to convey complex technical information clearly and concisely.
• Professional Engineer (PE) or Chartered Engineer (CEng) designation is required.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously in a remote setting.
• Experience with offshore geotechnical engineering is a significant advantage.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and performance-based incentives.
• Fully remote work environment, offering excellent work-life balance.
• Opportunity to work on high-profile, impactful energy projects globally.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Generous paid time off and company holidays.
• Professional development programs and support for continued learning.
• Access to advanced engineering tools and technologies.
• Be part of a leading consultancy shaping the future of sustainable energy infrastructure.