Senior Geotechnical Engineer – Mining (George)

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

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Medical aid and pension

Professional development

Annual leave

Career progression

Team lunches and events

State-of-the-art software

Vehicle or travel allowance

Job summary

Placements24 is representing a prominent geotechnical engineering firm in George, Western Cape. We seek a Geotechnical Engineer with 7+ years of experience to lead investigations, provide design recommendations, and support projects in the mining sector.

You will plan field investigations, perform detailed analyses, prepare reports, and oversee construction phase services while ensuring safety, compliance, and environmental standards. Extensive travel to project sites is expected.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering with Geotechnical specialization; Master’s degree desirable.
• Pr Eng registration with ECSA or eligible.
• Minimum 7 years of geotechnical engineering experience, preferably in consulting.
• Strong knowledge of soil and rock mechanics and foundation engineering.
• Experience with geotechnical software such as PLAXIS, GeoStudio, or similar FEA tools.
• Field investigation techniques and laboratory testing interpretation.
• Excellent report writing, communication, and presentation skills.
• Willingness to travel to project sites within Western Cape region.
• Valid driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Plan, manage, and execute geotechnical site investigations, including drilling and sampling.
• Perform geotechnical analysis for foundation design, slope stability, retaining walls, and ground improvement.
• Prepare geotechnical investigation reports with data analysis and risk assessments.
• Develop drawings and specifications for geotechnical works.
• Provide expert geotechnical advice to project teams, clients, and contractors.
• Oversee construction phase services, including site monitoring and QC of geotechnical works.
• Utilize PLAXIS/GeoStudio for modeling and analysis.
• Contribute to proposals and client liaison; ensure compliance with geotechnical codes and environmental regulations.

Skills

Report writing

Communication skills

Presentation skills

Independent work

Teamwork

Travel flexibility

Education

BEng Civil with Geotechnical specialization

Pr Eng registration with ECSA or eligible

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

PLAXIS

GeoStudio

Job description

About the Role

Our client is a prominent engineering firm specializing in geotechnical investigations and solutions for the mining industry. They are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Geotechnical Engineer to join their established team in George, Western Cape. This role involves providing expert geotechnical advice and solutions for mining operations, ensuring safety, efficiency, and environmental compliance. The successful candidate will be responsible for managing a variety of projects, conducting field investigations, and developing robust design recommendations. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to significant mining projects within the resource-rich Western Cape region and play a key role in our client’s continued success.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, manage, and execute geotechnical site investigations, including drilling, sampling, and in‑situ testing.
• Perform detailed geotechnical analysis for foundation design (shallow and deep foundations), slope stability, retaining walls, and ground improvement.
• Prepare comprehensive geotechnical investigation reports, including data analysis, design recommendations, and risk assessments.
• Develop detailed drawings and specifications for geotechnical works.
• Provide expert geotechnical advice and support to project teams, clients, and contractors.
• Oversee and undertake construction phase services, including site monitoring and quality control of geotechnical works.
• Utilize specialized geotechnical software for modeling and analysis (e.g., PLAXIS, GeoStudio).
• Contribute to business development activities, including proposal preparation and client liaison.
• Ensure compliance with relevant geotechnical codes, standards, and environmental regulations.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering with a specialization in Geotechnical Engineering. A Master’s degree is highly desirable.
• Professional registration (Pr Eng) with ECSA or demonstrable eligibility.
• Minimum of 7 years of relevant experience in geotechnical engineering, preferably within a consulting environment.
• Strong knowledge of soil mechanics, rock mechanics, and foundation engineering principles.
• Proficiency in geotechnical software such as PLAXIS, GeoStudio, or similar finite element analysis tools.
• Experience with field investigation techniques and laboratory testing interpretation.
• Excellent report writing, communication, and presentation skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Willingness to travel to project sites within the Western Cape and surrounding areas as required.
• Valid driver’s license.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package reflecting your expertise and experience.
• Company-provided medical aid and pension fund.
• Professional development opportunities and support for further education.
• Paid time off for annual leave and public holidays.
• A stimulating work environment with challenging projects.
• Career progression pathways within a leading firm.
• Regular team lunches and company social events.
• State-of-the-art design and analysis software.
• Opportunities to work on landmark projects in the region.
• Company vehicle or travel allowance may be provided.