Senior Geotechnical Engineer - Mining

Placements24; Pietermaritzburg; On-site; ZAR 1,500,000 - 2,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive remuneration

Professional development

Travel opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Geotechnical Engineer for our client in Pietermaritzburg to lead geotechnical investigations, designs, and monitoring across mining projects. You will guide stability analyses, support systems, and risk mitigation in collaboration with engineers and geologists.

The role requires 8+ years in mining geotechnics, proficiency with Plaxis/FLAC/RocScience, and a Pr.Eng or eligibility. Travel to project sites and a strong safety ethos are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Geotechnical Engineering, Civil Engineering, or related field.
• Minimum 8 years of progressive geotechnical experience in mining.
• Proficiency in geotechnical software for modeling and analysis (Plaxis, FLAC, RocScience).
• Pr.Eng registration or eligibility desirable.

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive geotechnical investigations to inform design and operations.
• Develop geotechnical designs for mine structures, slopes, excavations and TSFs.
• Perform advanced numerical modeling to assess stability and ground behavior.
• Provide expert technical advice to mine planning and production teams.
• Oversee geotechnical monitoring programs and interpret data.

Skills

Geotechnical investigations

Site assessments

Soil mechanics

Rock mechanics

Numerical modeling

Slope stability

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Geotechnical Engineering

Tools

Plaxis

FLAC

RocScience

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent player in the mining sector, is seeking an experienced and highly skilled Senior Geotechnical Engineer to join their dynamic team in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal . This is a critical role focused on ensuring the safety, stability, and efficiency of mining operations through expert geotechnical analysis and design. The successful candidate will be instrumental in managing complex geotechnical challenges, providing strategic guidance, and contributing to the long‑term success of projects. This position offers an exciting opportunity to work on diverse mining projects and make a significant impact within a well‑established organization. You will be part of a collaborative environment that values innovation and professional development, working closely with a multidisciplinary team of engineers and geologists.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive geotechnical investigations, including site assessments, soil and rock mechanics testing, and laboratory analysis to inform design and operational decisions.
• Develop and implement detailed geotechnical designs for mine structures, slopes, excavations, and tailings storage facilities, ensuring compliance with industry standards and safety regulations.
• Perform advanced numerical modeling and analysis to assess the stability of excavations, predict ground behavior, and mitigate potential risks.
• Provide expert technical advice and support to mine planning, development, and production teams on all geotechnical aspects.
• Oversee and manage geotechnical monitoring programs, interpret data, and recommend corrective actions as necessary.
• Review and approve geotechnical reports, designs, and construction methods submitted by contractors and consultants.
• Contribute to the development of best practices and continuous improvement initiatives within the geotechnical engineering discipline.
• Ensure all work is performed in accordance with the company's health, safety, and environmental policies.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Geotechnical Engineering, Civil Engineering, or a related field from a recognized institution.
• A minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in geotechnical engineering, with a significant portion spent in the mining industry.
• Proven experience in slope stability analysis, foundation design, and excavation support systems.
• Proficiency in geotechnical software for modeling and analysis (e.g., Plaxis, FLAC, Rocscience suite).
• Strong understanding of rock mechanics, soil mechanics, and hydrogeology as applied to mining environments.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively liaise with stakeholders at all levels.
• Professional Engineer (Pr.Eng) registration or eligibility is highly desirable.
• Experience with diverse mining methods (surface and underground) is advantageous.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive remuneration package commensurate with experience and qualifications.
• This includes a comprehensive benefits plan, opportunities for professional development and training, and the chance to advance your career within a leading mining company.
• Employees are provided with a safe and stimulating work environment, and there are opportunities for travel to project sites.