Senior Geotechnical Engineer - Mining Sector

Placements24; Benoni; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive benefits package

Premium medical aid

Robust retirement provisions

International travel opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 seeks an exceptionally qualified Senior Geotechnical Engineer for a fully remote role supporting global mining projects from Benoni region. The candidate will apply advanced geotechnical principles to improve safety, efficiency, and sustainability in open-pit and underground environments.

The role demands a Master’s or PhD in Geotechnical Engineering, Pr Eng/ECSA, and 12+ years of experience with mining projects. Strong leadership and software skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Geotechnical Engineering or closely related field.
• Professional Engineer (Pr Eng) registration with ECSA or equivalent chartership.
• Minimum 12 years progressive geotechnical experience; at least 8 years in mining.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert geotechnical services for mining projects including feasibility, design and operations support.
• Analyze open-pit slope stability, underground design, and ground support systems.
• Design and oversee tailings storage facilities and waste rock dumps per international standards.
• Perform risk assessments and develop mitigation strategies for geological hazards.
• Utilize RocScience, GeoStudio, and other software for modeling and visualization.
• Collaborate with mine planners, geologists and other disciplines in a remote setting.
• Develop and implement geotechnical monitoring programs for active operations.
• Prepare comprehensive geotechnical reports and recommendations.
• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical leadership.
• Stay updated on industry best practices and regulatory changes in mining geotechnics.
• Ensure health, safety, and environmental standards across project phases.

Skills

Slope stability

Open-pit mining

Underground mining

Ground support design

TSF design

RocScience

GeoStudio

Maptek

Rock mechanics

Hydrogeology

Mentoring

Leadership

Education

Master's degree in Geotechnical Engineering

PhD in Geotechnical Engineering

Pr Eng registration (ECSA)

Tools

RocScience

GeoStudio

Maptek

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a global leader in mining engineering and consultancy services, is seeking an exceptionally qualified Senior Geotechnical Engineer to join their fully remote team. This role is critical for providing expert geotechnical advice and design solutions for complex mining operations across various geographies. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in open-pit and underground mining environments, with a focus on slope stability, tailings management, and ground support design. This fully remote position allows for unparalleled flexibility while maintaining a crucial role in supporting significant mining projects, often connected to our operational knowledge base in the Benoni, Gauteng region. You will be at the forefront of applying cutting-edge geotechnical principles to enhance safety, efficiency, and sustainability in the mining industry.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide expert geotechnical engineering services for mining projects, including feasibility studies, design, and operational support.
• Conduct detailed analyses of open-pit slope stability, underground mine design, and ground support systems.
• Design and oversee the construction of tailings storage facilities (TSFs) and waste rock dumps, ensuring compliance with international standards.
• Perform risk assessments and develop mitigation strategies for geological hazards relevant to mining.
• Utilize advanced geotechnical software for numerical modeling, analysis, and visualization.
• Collaborate closely with mine planners, geologists, metallurgists, and other disciplines in a remote setting.
• Develop and implement geotechnical monitoring programs for active mining operations.
• Prepare comprehensive geotechnical reports, specifications, and technical recommendations.
• Mentor and guide junior geotechnical engineers and provide technical leadership.
• Stay abreast of industry best practices, new technologies, and regulatory changes in mining geotechnics.
• Ensure adherence to stringent health, safety, and environmental standards in all project phases.

Requirements

• A Master's degree or Ph.D. in Geotechnical Engineering or a closely related field.
• Professional Engineer (Pr Eng) registration with ECSA or equivalent international chartership.
• A minimum of 12 years of progressive experience in geotechnical engineering, with at least 8 years focused specifically on the mining sector.
• Proven expertise in open-pit slope engineering, underground support design, and TSF design.
• Proficiency in specialized mining geotechnical software (e.g., Rocscience suite, GeoStudio, Maptek).
• Strong understanding of rock mechanics, soil mechanics, and hydrogeology as applied to mining.
• Demonstrated experience in managing complex, large-scale mining projects remotely.
• Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex technical information effectively.
• Proven leadership qualities and experience in mentoring technical teams.

Benefits

• This fully remote role offers a highly attractive, top-tier salary and a comprehensive executive benefits package, including significant bonus potential, premium medical aid, and robust retirement provisions.
• We provide extensive opportunities for professional growth through advanced training, sponsored research, and participation in international mining conferences.
• Enjoy the ultimate flexibility and autonomy with this remote position, coupled with the satisfaction of contributing to world-class mining projects.
• Opportunities for international travel for key site visits or client engagements may arise.