Senior Geotechnical Engineer - Mining & Civil Projects

Placements24; Soweto; On-site; ZAR 730,000 - 810,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Provident fund

Performance bonuses

Education support

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a highly experienced Senior Geotechnical Engineer to join our established team in Soweto, Gauteng. You will provide advanced geotechnical engineering services for mine infrastructure, tailings dams, foundations for heavy industrial structures, and general civil works, leading investigations and delivering robust design solutions.

The role requires leadership, project management and the ability to mentor junior engineers, with strong report writing and collaboration with

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Geotechnical Engineering or related field.
• Pr. Eng. with ECSA registration is mandatory.
• 7+ years of post-graduate geotechnical experience in mining/civil infrastructure.
• Proficiency in geotechnical analysis software such as Plaxis 2D/3D, GeoStudio Suite, Slope/W or Seep/W.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning and execution of geotechnical investigations for mining and civil projects.
• Perform detailed geotechnical analyses, including slope stability, bearing capacity, settlement analysis, and seismic assessments.
• Design foundations (shallow and deep), retaining walls, earthworks, and tailings storage facilities.
• Prepare comprehensive geotechnical investigation and design reports; mentor junior engineers and technicians.
• Ensure designs comply with SANS, mining codes and international best practices.
• Collaborate with mining and civil engineers to integrate geotechnical considerations into designs.
• Manage geotechnical project scopes, schedules and budgets.
• Conduct site inspections and provide technical support during construction.

Skills

Project management

Team leadership

Report writing

Communication

Education

Master's degree in Geotechnical Engineering

Tools

Plaxis 2D/3D

GeoStudio Suite

Slope/W

Seep/W

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a distinguished engineering firm with extensive expertise in the mining and civil sectors, is seeking a highly experienced Senior Geotechnical Engineer to join their established team in Soweto, Gauteng . This role is crucial for providing advanced geotechnical engineering services for a variety of projects, including mine infrastructure, tailings dams, foundations for heavy industrial structures, and general civil engineering works. You will be responsible for managing geotechnical investigations, performing complex analyses, and delivering robust design solutions. We are seeking a technically proficient engineer with strong leadership qualities and a proven ability to manage projects effectively in demanding environments. This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to significant projects within the mining and civil engineering landscape of Gauteng .

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the planning and execution of geotechnical investigations for mining and civil projects.
• Perform detailed geotechnical analyses, including slope stability, bearing capacity, settlement analysis, and seismic assessments.
• Design foundations (shallow and deep), retaining walls, earthworks, and tailings storage facilities.
• Prepare comprehensive geotechnical investigation and design reports.
• Ensure designs comply with relevant South African National Standards (SANS), relevant mining codes, and international best practices.
• Collaborate with mining engineers, civil engineers, and other specialists to integrate geotechnical considerations into project designs.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior geotechnical engineers and technicians.
• Manage geotechnical project scopes, schedules, and budgets.
• Conduct site inspections and provide technical support during construction phases.
• Contribute to risk assessments and the development of mitigation strategies for geotechnical hazards.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Geotechnical Engineering or a related field.
• Professional registration with ECSA as a Professional Engineer (Pr. Eng.) is mandatory.
• A minimum of 7 years of relevant post-graduate experience in geotechnical engineering, with significant exposure to mining and civil infrastructure projects.
• Proficiency in geotechnical analysis software such as Plaxis 2D/3D, GeoStudio Suite, Slope/W, Seep/W, or similar.
• Strong understanding of soil mechanics, rock mechanics, hydrogeology, and engineering geology relevant to mining environments.
• Experience in the design and management of tailings dams and mine waste facilities is highly desirable.
• Excellent report writing, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Proven ability to manage complex projects and work effectively within multidisciplinary teams.
• Willingness to travel to project sites as required.
• Experience within the Soweto or broader Gauteng mining and industrial region is advantageous.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive annual salary, estimated between R730,000 and R810,000, commensurate with experience and expertise. The comprehensive benefits package includes medical aid, a substantial provident fund, and opportunities for performance-based bonuses. Employees are provided with excellent opportunities for professional development, including specialized training courses and support for further education. This role, based in Soweto , offers a stable and challenging career path within a highly respected firm, contributing to critical infrastructure projects in the vital mining and civil sectors of Gauteng .