Senior Geotechnical Engineer - Infrastructure Projects

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Provident fund

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Geotechnical Engineer in the Western Cape, Paarl area, to lead investigations, design foundations, and direct ground improvement projects. The role demands strong leadership, detailed reporting, and collaboration with multidisciplinary teams across infrastructure projects.

You will work on complex analyses, stay current with software advances, and ensure compliance with South African codes and standards while mentoring junior staff.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Geotechnical Engineering or closely related field.
• Pr.Eng registration with ECSA is mandatory.
• Minimum of 7 years of relevant geotechnical experience, infrastructure-focused.
• Experience managing geotechnical projects from inception to completion.
• Proficiency in geotechnical software such as Plaxis and GeoStudio.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage geotechnical investigations, planning, drilling supervision, testing, and result interpretation.
• Perform complex geotechnical analyses for foundation design (shallow and deep), slope stability, excavation support, and seismic analysis.
• Develop comprehensive geotechnical reports with design and construction recommendations.
• Collaborate with structural, civil engineers and clients to integrate geotechnical solutions into project design.
• Oversee construction activities related to earthworks, foundations, and ground improvement, ensuring compliance with specs and quality standards.
• Provide expert advice on risk assessment and mitigation related to ground conditions.
• Mentor and guide junior geotechnical engineers and technicians.
• Stay current with geotechnical software and methodologies; ensure work adheres to SA codes and standards.

Skills

Geotechnical engineering

Leadership

Project management

Technical report writing

Team collaboration

Education

Master's degree in Geotechnical Engineering

Tools

Plaxis

GeoStudio

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a highly experienced Senior Geotechnical Engineer to join their dynamic team in Paarl, Western Cape. This role is crucial for the successful execution of a wide range of infrastructure projects, including roads, dams, buildings, and pipelines, where understanding and managing subsurface conditions is paramount. The ideal candidate will possess extensive expertise in site investigations, soil and rock mechanics, foundation design, and ground improvement techniques. This position offers the opportunity to work on challenging and impactful projects within the Western Cape region and to contribute significantly to infrastructure development in South Africa. You will be part of a respected firm known for its technical prowess and commitment to sustainable engineering solutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage geotechnical investigations, including planning, supervision of drilling and testing, and interpretation of results.
• Perform complex geotechnical analyses for foundation design (shallow and deep foundations), slope stability, excavation support, and seismic analysis.
• Develop comprehensive geotechnical reports, providing clear recommendations for design and construction.
• Collaborate closely with structural engineers, civil engineers, and clients to integrate geotechnical solutions into overall project design.
• Oversee construction activities related to earthworks, foundations, and ground improvement, ensuring compliance with specifications and quality standards.
• Provide expert advice on risk assessment and mitigation strategies related to ground conditions.
• Mentor and guide junior geotechnical engineers and technicians.
• Stay current with advancements in geotechnical engineering software and methodologies.
• Ensure all work adheres to relevant South African codes and standards.

Requirements

• A Master's degree in Geotechnical Engineering or a closely related field from an accredited institution.
• Professional registration with ECSA as a Professional Engineer (Pr.Eng) is mandatory.
• A minimum of 7 years of relevant experience in geotechnical engineering, with a strong emphasis on infrastructure projects.
• Demonstrated experience in managing geotechnical projects from inception to completion.
• Proficiency in geotechnical software such as Plaxis, GeoStudio, or similar is essential.
• Extensive knowledge of soil and rock mechanics, engineering geology, and groundwater hydrology.
• Experience with construction dewatering, ground anchoring, and tunneling is advantageous.
• Excellent communication, report writing, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Willingness to travel to project sites within Paarl and the surrounding Western Cape areas.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary package, with annual earnings up to ZAR, reflecting the seniority and expertise required for this role.

• Benefits include a comprehensive medical aid plan, a generous provident fund contribution, and opportunities for professional growth through specialized training and conference attendance.

This role provides the opportunity to work on critical infrastructure that supports the development of the Western Cape region.

We offer a collaborative and technically stimulating work environment where your contributions are recognized and rewarded.