Senior Geotechnical Engineer - Ground Control

Placements24; Sandton; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private medical aid

Retirement fund

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Placements24 in Sandton, Gauteng, seeks a Senior Geotechnical Engineer to lead ground control initiatives for underground operations. You'll oversee investigations, modeling, and design of rock support to ensure safety and stability.

The role requires an advanced degree and 8+ years in mining geotechnical work, with strong data interpretation and mentoring capabilities. Based in Sandton, relocation may be supported for the right candidate.

Qualifications

• Master's or Ph.D. in Geotechnical Engineering, Mining Engineering, or related field with rock mechanics focus.
• Minimum 8 years’ geotechnical engineering experience in the mining industry, underground focus.
• Demonstrated expertise in investigation techniques and data interpretation.
• Proficient in geotechnical modeling for stability analysis and ground support design.

Responsibilities

• Conduct geotechnical investigations, site characterization and data collection.
• Perform stability analyses of underground excavations, stopes and tunnels.
• Design and optimize ground support (rock bolts, mesh, shotcrete) per site.
• Use FLAC3D/Phase2 or similar to model ground behavior and assess risk.
• Develop ground control management plans for safe operations.
• Provide expert advice and mentorship to teams.
• Review mine designs and production plans from geotechnical view.
• Investigate geotechnical incidents and propose corrective actions.
• Stay updated on research and best practices in rock mechanics.
• Collaborate with planning to integrate geotechnical considerations.

Skills

Geotechnical investigations

Data interpretation

Stability analyses

Ground support design

Numerical modeling

Team communication

Education

Master's or Ph.D. in Geotechnical/Mining Engineering or related

Tools

FLAC3D

Phase2

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a world-renowned mining group, is seeking a highly experienced Senior Geotechnical Engineer to lead their ground control initiatives. This senior position is vital for ensuring the stability and safety of underground mine structures, minimizing risks associated with rock mass behavior. The ideal candidate will possess extensive expertise in geotechnical investigations, numerical modeling, and the design of ground support systems. This role offers a significant career opportunity within the dynamic mining sector of Sandton, Gauteng .

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive geotechnical investigations, including site characterization and data acquisition.
• Perform detailed stability analyses of underground excavations, stopes, and tunnels.
• Design and optimize ground support systems (e.g., rock bolts, mesh, shotcrete) based on site-specific conditions.
• Utilize advanced numerical modeling software (e.g., FLAC3D, Phase2) to predict ground behavior and assess risks.
• Develop and implement ground control management plans to ensure operational safety.
• Provide expert technical advice and mentorship to geotechnical and mining teams.
• Review mine designs and production plans from a geotechnical perspective.
• Investigate and analyze geotechnical incidents, recommending corrective actions.
• Stay updated on the latest research and best practices in geotechnical engineering and rock mechanics.
• Collaborate with mine planning and operations to integrate geotechnical considerations into daily activities.

Requirements

• A Master's degree or Ph.D. in Geotechnical Engineering, Mining Engineering, or a related field with a strong focus on rock mechanics.
• A minimum of 8 years of relevant experience in geotechnical engineering within the mining industry, with a focus on underground operations.
• Demonstrated proficiency in geotechnical investigation techniques and data interpretation.
• Expertise in using geotechnical modeling software for stability analysis and ground support design.
• In‑depth understanding of South African mining regulations and standards related to ground control.
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and decision‑making skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
• Ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team environment.
• Must be willing to reside and work full‑time in Sandton, Gauteng , with potential travel to mine sites.
• Previous experience in the Sandton, Gauteng area is highly advantageous.

Benefits

• Our client offers an attractive salary package, including performance bonuses, comprehensive private medical aid, and a substantial retirement fund.
• Opportunities for professional development, advanced training, and career progression within a globally recognized mining organization are extensive.
• Relocation assistance is provided for qualified candidates moving to the Sandton, Gauteng area.