Senior Geotechnical Engineer - Foundation Design

Placements24; LegKraal Gate; Hybrid; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Performance-based bonus

Medical aid

Provident fund

Professional growth opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Geotechnical Engineer for a remote-first role in South Africa. Lead complex foundation design and soil investigations from anywhere, with occasional on-site visits to project locations.

You will mentor junior staff, review analyses, and contribute to client engagement and business development. The ideal candidate has 8+ years of post-graduate geotechnical experience and professional registration.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or PhD in Geotechnical Engineering or a closely related field is required.
• Professional registration with ECSA as Pr. Eng or Pr. Eng Tech is required.
• 8+ years of post-graduate geotechnical experience with a strong focus on foundation design is required.

Responsibilities

• Plan, manage, and interpret geotechnical investigations including site reconnaissance, drilling, and in-situ testing.
• Perform detailed geotechnical analyses for foundation design (shallow and deep foundations), retaining walls, and slope stability.
• Prepare comprehensive geotechnical investigation reports with findings, design recommendations, and risk assessments.
• Provide expert advice on ground improvement techniques and earthworks.
• Review and approve designs and technical specifications prepared by junior engineers.
• Liaise with clients, project managers, architects, and contractors to discuss project requirements and findings.

Skills

Geotechnical analysis

Soil mechanics

Report writing

Communication skills

Project management

Remote work management

Education

Master's degree or PhD in Geotechnical Engineering

Tools

PLAXIS

GeoStudio

Job description

About the Role

Our client is a distinguished geotechnical engineering consultancy with a strong reputation for delivering innovative solutions to complex ground engineering challenges across South Africa. This is a fully remote-first opportunity for a Senior Geotechnical Engineer to lead critical projects from anywhere, contributing expertise to diverse foundation design and site investigation requirements. While the role is remote, there will be an expectation of occasional site visits to various locations, potentially including the Mahikeng, North West region, for project oversight and client engagement. You will be responsible for planning and executing detailed soil investigations, providing expert advice on foundation design, slope stability, and earthworks. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in geotechnical analysis, a strong understanding of soil mechanics, and excellent report writing and communication skills. This role offers unparalleled flexibility and the chance to work on challenging and impactful projects nationwide.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, manage, and interpret geotechnical investigations, including site reconnaissance, drilling, and in-situ testing.
• Perform detailed geotechnical analyses for foundation design (shallow and deep foundations), retaining walls, and slope stability.
• Prepare comprehensive geotechnical investigation reports, including findings, design recommendations, and risk assessments.
• Provide expert advice on ground improvement techniques and earthworks.
• Review and approve designs and technical specifications prepared by junior engineers.
• Liaise with clients, project managers, architects, and contractors to discuss project requirements and findings.
• Ensure compliance with relevant geotechnical codes, standards, and best practices.
• Develop and implement quality control procedures for site investigations and laboratory testing.
• Mentor and guide junior geotechnical engineers and technicians.
• Contribute to business development by preparing proposals and participating in client meetings.
• Stay abreast of advancements in geotechnical engineering software and methodologies.
• Conduct peer reviews of technical reports and designs.

Requirements

• Master's degree or PhD in Geotechnical Engineering or a closely related field.
• Professional registration with ECSA as a Professional Engineer (Pr. Eng) or Professional Engineering Technologist (Pr. Eng Tech).
• A minimum of 8 years of relevant post-graduate experience in geotechnical engineering, with a strong focus on foundation design.
• Proven experience in managing complex geotechnical projects from inception to completion.
• Proficiency in geotechnical analysis software such as PLAXIS, GeoStudio, or similar.
• In-depth knowledge of soil mechanics, rock mechanics, and engineering geology principles.
• Excellent report writing, communication, and presentation skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects effectively in a remote setting.
• Strong problem-solving skills and meticulous attention to detail.
• Willingness to travel for site visits as required.
• Experience with infrastructure projects (roads, bridges, dams) is advantageous.

Benefits

This is a remote-first position offering exceptional flexibility and autonomy. Our client provides a highly competitive salary, a performance-based bonus scheme, and a comprehensive medical aid plan. A generous provident fund contribution is also included. Opportunities for professional growth and advancement are excellent, with support for continuous learning and development. You will work on a diverse range of challenging and technically demanding projects across the country. Join a highly respected consultancy known for its technical expertise and commitment to innovation. This role is ideal for an experienced professional seeking greater flexibility and impact in their career.