Senior Geotechnical Engineer - Offshore Wind Energy

Placements24; Mossel Bay; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Relocation assistance

Medical aid and retirement fund

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Geotechnical Engineer for an offshore wind project based in Mossel Bay, Western Cape. The role combines on-site seabed investigations with flexible remote work in a hybrid setup, supporting design and risk assessments for marine structures.

The ideal candidate has 8+ years in geotechnical engineering, with offshore experience and strong analytical, reporting, and leadership abilities. South Africa work authorization and relocation as needed are required.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Geotechnical or Civil Engineering.
• 8+ years of progressive geotechnical experience, with offshore wind focus.
• Experience with marine soil investigation and foundation design.

Responsibilities

• Plan and manage offshore geotechnical investigations.
• Analyze seabed soil data for bearing capacity and settlement.
• Provide design input for monopiles, jackets, or floating platforms.
• Develop geotechnical risk assessments for marine construction.
• Review reports and supervise technicians/consultants.
• Stay updated on offshore geotechnical standards.
• Support tender evaluations and project bids.

Skills

Geotechnical engineering

Soil mechanics

Foundation design

Offshore wind experience

Project management

Leadership

Report writing

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Education

Master's or PhD in Geotechnical/Civil Engineering

Tools

PLAXIS

GeoStudio

Job description

About the Role

Our client is at the forefront of developing South Africa's burgeoning offshore wind energy sector and is seeking a distinguished Senior Geotechnical Engineer. This pivotal role, based in Mossel Bay, Western Cape, will be instrumental in assessing and managing the seabed conditions for the installation of offshore wind turbines and associated infrastructure. You will lead geotechnical investigations, interpret complex soil data, and provide critical engineering recommendations to ensure the stability and longevity of offshore structures. The ideal candidate possesses extensive experience in offshore geotechnics, a deep understanding of the challenges associated with marine environments, and a passion for renewable energy. This Hybrid role offers a blend of on-site analysis in Mossel Bay and flexible remote work, allowing you to contribute strategically while maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Join a pioneering team driving significant advancements in South Africa's energy landscape.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, manage, and interpret geotechnical investigations for offshore wind farm developments (e.g., CPT, boreholes, geophysical surveys).
• Analyze soil data to determine seabed characteristics, bearing capacity, and settlement potential.
• Provide geotechnical design input for offshore wind turbine foundations (e.g., monopiles, jackets, floating platforms).
• Develop geotechnical risk assessments and mitigation strategies for marine construction.
• Collaborate closely with structural engineers, marine engineers, and environmental consultants.
• Review and approve geotechnical reports, specifications, and design documents.
• Oversee the work of geotechnical consultants and contractors during site investigations and construction.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in offshore geotechnical engineering and relevant technologies.
• Ensure compliance with international standards and best practices for offshore energy projects.
• Contribute to tender evaluations and bid preparations for new projects.

Requirements

• Master's degree or PhD in Geotechnical Engineering, Civil Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in geotechnical engineering, with a significant portion dedicated to offshore projects, preferably offshore wind.
• Demonstrated expertise in soil mechanics, foundation design, and ground investigation techniques in marine environments.
• Proficiency in geotechnical analysis software (e.g., PLAXIS, GeoStudio).
• Experience with offshore site investigation methods and data acquisition.
• Strong understanding of the challenges related to the Western Cape coastal geology.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and report-writing skills.
• Proven ability to manage projects and lead technical teams.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills for collaboration with diverse stakeholders.
• Must be legally authorized to work in South Africa and located in or willing to relocate to Mossel Bay, Western Cape.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-related bonuses.
• Comprehensive medical aid, life insurance, and retirement fund.
• Generous annual leave allowance.
• Opportunities for professional development and international training.
• A Hybrid work model offering flexibility.
• The chance to be part of pioneering offshore wind energy projects.
• Relocation assistance for successful candidates.