Senior Geotechnical Engineer - Open Pit Operations

Placements24; Randburg; On-site; ZAR 1,400,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Performance bonuses

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Generous leave

Professional development

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Placements24 partners with a world-renowned mining conglomerate to hire a Senior Geotechnical Engineer for open pit operations near Randburg, Gauteng. The role centers on ensuring wall and waste dump stability through rigorous geotechnical analysis and design.

You will lead investigations, perform slope stability analyses using RocScience Suite, develop monitoring programs, review designs, and mentor junior engineers.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or PhD in Geotechnical/Civil/Mining Engineering with geotechnical specialization.
• 8+ years of geotechnical experience in open pit mining environments.
• Proficiency with geotechnical modeling software (RocScience Suite).

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive geotechnical investigations including site characterization and lab testing.
• Perform detailed stability analyses for open pit slopes, high walls, and waste dumps.
• Develop and implement geotechnical monitoring programs and instrumentation.
• Provide engineering recommendations for slope design, reinforcement, and stabilization.
• Review and approve geotechnical designs from internal teams and external consultants.
• Investigate geotechnical failures and recommend corrective actions.
• Collaborate with mine planning, operations and closure teams.
• Prepare clear geotechnical reports, specs and presentations.
• Mentor junior geotechnical engineers and contribute to technical development.
• Ensure compliance with geotechnical standards and regulations.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Report writing

Communication

Team collaboration

Education

Master's or PhD in Geotechnical/Civil/Mining Engineering

Tools

RocScience Suite (Slide, RS2, XPS, FLAC)

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a world-renowned mining conglomerate, is seeking a highly experienced Senior Geotechnical Engineer to provide expert technical support for their extensive open pit mining operations near Randburg, Gauteng . This vital role involves ensuring the stability and safety of pit walls, waste dumps, and infrastructure through rigorous geotechnical analysis and design. The Senior Geotechnical Engineer will conduct investigations, develop stability assessments, and provide recommendations to mitigate geotechnical risks associated with mining activities. This position demands a deep understanding of rock mechanics, soil mechanics, slope stability analysis, and advanced numerical modeling techniques, coupled with strong practical experience in open pit mining environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive geotechnical investigations, including site characterization, data collection, and laboratory testing.
• Perform detailed stability analyses for open pit slopes, high walls, and waste rock dumps using industry-standard software.
• Develop and implement geotechnical monitoring programs, including instrumentation and data interpretation.
• Provide engineering recommendations for slope design, reinforcement, and stabilization measures.
• Review and approve geotechnical designs prepared by internal teams and external consultants.
• Investigate and analyze geotechnical failures or incidents, and recommend corrective actions.
• Collaborate with mine planning, operations, and closure teams to integrate geotechnical considerations into all project phases.
• Prepare clear and concise geotechnical reports, specifications, and presentations.
• Mentor junior geotechnical engineers and contribute to the development of technical expertise within the department.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant geotechnical standards, codes, and regulations.

Requirements

• A Master's degree or Ph.D. in Geotechnical Engineering, Civil Engineering, or Mining Engineering with a geotechnical specialization.
• A minimum of 8 years of experience in geotechnical engineering, with substantial exposure to open pit mining environments.
• Proven expertise in slope stability analysis, rock mechanics, and soil mechanics.
• Proficiency with geotechnical modeling software (e.g., Rocscience Suite - Slide, RS2, XPS, FLAC).
• Experience in designing and interpreting geotechnical instrumentation.
• Strong understanding of geological conditions and their impact on mining stability.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and report-writing skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across disciplines.
• Must be willing to work from the Randburg, Gauteng office and undertake site visits as required.
• Professional Engineer (Pr.Eng) registration is highly desirable.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive salary, performance-based bonuses, and opportunities for career advancement within a global organization.
• The comprehensive benefits package includes excellent medical aid, a substantial retirement fund, and generous leave entitlements.
• Professional development courses and participation in industry conferences are supported.
• The company is committed to safety and employee well-being.
• Relocation assistance is available for qualified candidates moving to the Randburg area.