Senior Geotechnical Engineer - Foundation Design

Placements24; Polokwane; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Competitive salary

Medical aid and retirement fund

Professional growth opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 in Polokwane seeks an experienced Senior Geotechnical Engineer to lead foundation design, slope stability and ground improvement for civil and building projects. You will conduct site investigations, perform analyses, and provide expert recommendations to clients and design teams.

The ideal candidate has a Master’s in Geotechnical or Civil Engineering, 6+ years’ experience, and proficiency in PLAXIS/GeoStudio.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in geotechnical or civil engineering is required.
• Minimum 6 years of geotechnical design and site investigation experience.
• Proficiency with PLAXIS and GeoStudio or equivalent software.
• Pr.Eng. registration with ECSA is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Plan and supervise geotechnical site investigations (drilling, sampling, in-situ tests).
• Perform analyses for shallow/deep foundations, retaining structures, earthworks.
• Develop geotechnical reports with design recommendations and construction notes.
• Provide technical oversight during construction to ensure spec compliance.
• Collaborate with project managers, structural engineers and clients on geotech challenges.
• Utilize geotechnical software for modeling soil/rock behavior.

Skills

Geotechnical design

Site investigations

Analytical skills

Technical reporting

Communication

Education

Master's degree in Geotechnical Engineering or Civil Engineering

Pr.Eng. registration with ECSA preferred

Tools

PLAXIS

GeoStudio

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking an experienced Senior Geotechnical Engineer to join their dynamic team in Polokwane . This role focuses on the critical aspects of foundation design, slope stability, and ground improvement for a range of civil and building projects. You will conduct detailed site investigations, perform complex analyses, and provide expert recommendations to clients and design teams. The ideal candidate will possess a strong understanding of soil and rock mechanics and thrive in a hybrid work environment that balances fieldwork with office-based analysis, contributing to the development of sound and reliable infrastructure across Limpopo, working within a professional and collaborative setting.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan and supervise geotechnical site investigations, including drilling, sampling, and in-situ testing.
• Perform detailed geotechnical analyses for shallow and deep foundations, retaining structures, and earthworks.
• Develop comprehensive geotechnical reports with clear design recommendations and construction considerations.
• Provide technical oversight during construction phases, ensuring compliance with design specifications.
• Collaborate effectively with project managers, structural engineers, and clients to address geotechnical challenges.
• Utilize specialized geotechnical software for modeling and analysis of soil and rock behavior.
• Stay updated on the latest advancements in geotechnical engineering principles and practices.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Geotechnical Engineering or Civil Engineering with a specialization.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in geotechnical engineering design and site investigation.
• Proficiency in geotechnical software such as PLAXIS, GeoStudio, or equivalent.
• Solid understanding of soil mechanics, rock mechanics, and foundation engineering principles.
• Experience in managing project deliverables and providing technical leadership.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Professional Engineer (Pr. Eng.) registration with ECSA is preferred.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary and performance-based incentives.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund.
• Opportunities for professional growth and continuing education.
• Hybrid work model providing flexibility.
• Exposure to diverse and challenging projects in the Polokwane area and beyond.
• A collaborative and supportive team culture.