Senior Geotechnical Engineer - Infrastructure & Mining

Placements24; South Africa; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Pension fund

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Geotechnical Engineer for their Port Elizabeth office to lead geotechnical investigations and design for major infrastructure and mining projects.

The role requires a Master’s in Geotechnical/Civil and Pr.Eng with ECSA, with 8+ years in geotechnical engineering and proficiency in PLAXIS/GeoStudio/FLAC. You will mentor juniors, manage client relations, and ensure compliance with standards.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Geotechnical or Civil with a strong geotechnical focus.
• Pr.Eng registration with ECSA is essential.
• 8+ years of relevant geotechnical experience in infrastructure/mining.
• Experience with geotechnical analysis software (PLAXIS, GeoStudio, FLAC).
• Strong report writing and communication skills.
• Willingness to travel to project sites.

Responsibilities

• Lead geotechnical investigations and design phases for major infrastructure/mining projects.
• Perform advanced analyses including slope stability, bearing capacity, settlement, seepage, and seismic analysis.
• Develop detailed geotechnical designs for foundations, earth retaining structures, and ground improvement.
• Prepare comprehensive investigation and design reports, specifications, and tender documents.
• Oversee field investigations, drilling, sampling, and in-situ testing.
• ,
• Provide mentorship to junior engineers and technicians.
• Manage project scopes, schedules and budgets.
• Ensure designs comply with SANS and international best practices.
• Liaise with clients, contractors and stakeholders.
• Conduct peer reviews of geotechnical designs and reports.
• Advise on construction methods and provide site support.

Skills

Geotechnical analysis

Project leadership

Soil mechanics

Report writing

Communication

Education

Master's degree in Geotechnical Engineering

Pr.Eng registration with ECSA

Tools

PLAXIS

GeoStudio

FLAC

Job description

Senior Geotechnical Engineer - Infrastructure Mining

Our client, a highly reputable firm providing specialized engineering solutions, is seeking a Senior Geotechnical Engineer for their office in Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape. This role requires extensive expertise in geotechnical investigations, analysis, and design, particularly for large-scale infrastructure and mining projects. You will be responsible for leading project teams, ensuring the technical integrity of designs, and managing client relationships. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in complex geotechnical challenges, including slope stability, foundation design for heavy structures, and ground improvement. This is a significant opportunity to contribute to impactful projects within the Eastern Cape and beyond.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the geotechnical investigation and design phases for major infrastructure and mining projects.
• Perform advanced geotechnical analyses including, but not limited to, slope stability, bearing capacity, settlement, seepage, and seismic analysis.
• Develop detailed geotechnical designs for foundations (shallow and deep), earth retaining structures, and ground improvement schemes.
• Prepare comprehensive geotechnical investigation reports, design reports, specifications, and tender documents.
• Oversee and conduct field investigations, including the supervision of drilling, sampling, and in-situ testing.
• Provide expert technical guidance and mentorship to junior geotechnical engineers and technicians.
• Manage project scopes, schedules, and budgets effectively.
• Ensure all designs comply with relevant South African National Standards (SANS) and international best practices.
• Liaise with clients, contractors, and other project stakeholders to ensure successful project outcomes.
• Conduct peer reviews of geotechnical designs and reports.
• Advise on construction methods and provide site support as required.

Requirements

• Master\'s degree in Geotechnical Engineering or Civil Engineering with a strong specialization in Geotechnical Engineering.
• Professional registration as a Pr. Eng. with ECSA is essential.
• A minimum of 8 years of relevant professional experience in geotechnical engineering, with a significant focus on infrastructure and mining sectors.
• Demonstrated experience with complex geotechnical analysis and design software (e.g., PLAXIS, GeoStudio, FLAC).
• Proven experience in managing projects and leading design teams.
• Strong understanding of soil and rock mechanics, foundation engineering, and mining geotechnics.
• Excellent report writing, communication, and presentation skills.
• Ability to build strong client relationships and manage stakeholder expectations.
• Proficiency in interpreting geological and geotechnical data.
• Willingness to travel to project sites as needed.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive remuneration package, commensurate with experience and qualifications, alongside performance-based bonuses. A comprehensive benefits package includes medical aid, a pension fund, and opportunities for professional development and continuous learning. The company provides a stimulating work environment with exposure to diverse and challenging projects, fostering career growth. The role is based in Port Elizabeth.