Senior Geotechnical Engineer – Mining & Tailings Leadership

Placements24; Bloemfontein; Hybrid; ZAR 1,800,000 - 2,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid

Pension fund

Professional development

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Placements24 in Bloemfontein seeks a Principal Geotechnical Engineer to lead geotechnical design for mining infrastructure, tailings dams, and open pit stability. You will oversee site investigations, build models, and mentor junior engineers.

The role requires a MSc/PhD in Geotechnical or Mining Engineering, 12+ years of experience, PrEng registration, and strong client liaison. Travel to project sites across Southern Africa is expected.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or PhD in Geotechnical Engineering, Mining Engineering, or a related field.
• Proven track record with mining geotechnical projects and tailings management.
• PrEng registration with ECSA is essential.

Responsibilities

• Lead geotechnical design for mine waste facilities, tailings storage, and mining structures.
• Oversee site investigations (drilling, CPT, geophysics) and interpret results.
• Develop geotechnical models and risk assessments for slope stability, seepage, and seismic performance.
• Provide expert guidance on rock/mechanics, hydrogeology and mining geotechnics.
• Manage project teams and deliver high-quality geotechnical reports and designs on time.
• Coordinate with clients, regulators and partners for project execution.
• Develop best practices in tailings management and mine closure strategies.
• Review peer designs and analyses from other teams.
• Support business development through proposals and client engagement.
• Mentor junior geotechnical and mining engineers.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Education

Master's degree or PhD in Geotechnical or Mining Engineering

Tools

PLAXIS

SLOPE/W

SEEP/W

Rocscience suite

Job description

Placements24 in Bloemfontein seeks a Principal Geotechnical Engineer to lead geotechnical design for mining infrastructure, tailings dams, and open pit stability. You will oversee site investigations, build models, and mentor junior engineers.

The role requires a MSc/PhD in Geotechnical or Mining Engineering, 12+ years of experience, PrEng registration, and strong client liaison. Travel to project sites across Southern Africa is expected.