Senior Geotechnical Engineer - Remote First

Placements24; Johannesburg; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid time off

Home office stipend

Professional development

Fully remote work

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Geotechnical Engineer for a fully remote role in the mining sector. You will lead advanced geotechnical analyses, design recommendations, and risk assessments for major projects across continents.

The ideal candidate has 8+ years of mining-geotech experience, strong modeling skills (FLAC/PLAXIS/Rocscience), and holds a PE or equivalent chartered status. You will work independently within a distributed team, providing mentorship and collaborating with planners and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Geotechnical or Civil Engineering
• Master's degree or PhD preferred
• 8+ years in geotechnical engineering with mining focus
• Expertise in numerical modeling software (FLAC, PLAXIS, Rocscience)
• Ability to manage complex geotechnical projects independently
• PE or chartered status is a strong advantage
• Familiarity with remote collaboration tools and platforms

Responsibilities

• Conduct advanced geotechnical investigations for open-pit and underground mining operations focusing on slope stability and excavation design.
• Develop and implement geotechnical monitoring programs using instrumentation and data analysis.
• Prepare geotechnical reports, design recommendations, and risk assessments for stakeholders.
• Collaborate with mine planners, geologists, and other engineering disciplines to integrate geotechnical considerations into mine design.
• Provide mentorship and guidance to junior engineers in a distributed team.
• Stay updated with advances in geotechnical methods and software to enhance project outcomes.
• Ensure compliance with industry standards and environmental policies.

Skills

Independent work

Mentorship

Remote collaboration

Communication

Education

Bachelor's in Geotechnical/Civil Engineering

Master's or PhD preferred

Tools

FLAC

PLAXIS

Rocscience suite

Job description

About the Role Our client, a leader in the global mining sector, is seeking a highly experienced and motivated Senior Geotechnical Engineer to join their expanding team. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to significant mining projects from a fully remote, location-independent setting. As a remote-first organization, we prioritize effective communication, collaboration through digital platforms, and a results-oriented work environment. You will play a critical role in ensuring the stability and safety of mine infrastructure, contributing directly to the success and sustainability of our operations across various continents. We are looking for a candidate who thrives in an independent work setting and can demonstrate exceptional technical expertise in geotechnical analysis and design.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct advanced geotechnical investigations and analyses for open-pit and underground mining operations, focusing on slope stability, ground support, and excavation design.
• Develop and implement geotechnical monitoring programs, utilizing state-of-the-art instrumentation and data analysis techniques.
• Prepare comprehensive geotechnical reports, design recommendations, and risk assessments for project stakeholders.
• Collaborate closely with mine planners, geologists, and other engineering disciplines to integrate geotechnical considerations into mine design and operational planning.
• Provide expert technical guidance and mentorship to junior engineers and support staff within a remote team structure.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in geotechnical engineering, mining methods, and relevant software technologies, applying them to enhance project outcomes.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant industry standards, regulations, and company policies related to geotechnical safety and environmental stewardship.
• Contribute to the development and refinement of company-wide geotechnical standards and best practices, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Geotechnical Engineering, Civil Engineering, or a related field.
• A Master's degree or PhD is highly preferred.
• A minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in geotechnical engineering, with a significant portion focused on the mining industry.
• Demonstrated expertise in numerical modeling software (e.g., FLAC, PLAXIS, Rocscience suite) for slope stability and underground excavation analysis.
• Proven ability to manage complex geotechnical projects from inception to completion, working independently and as part of a distributed team.
• Excellent understanding of rock mechanics, soil mechanics, hydrogeology, and their application in mining environments.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret complex data and provide practical, innovative solutions.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, essential for effective remote collaboration and reporting.
• Professional Engineer (PE) or equivalent chartered engineer status is a strong advantage.
• Familiarity with remote work tools and collaboration platforms.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive remuneration package and a supportive remote work environment.
• Employees benefit from comprehensive health insurance, generous paid time off, and opportunities for professional development and advancement.
• We also provide a home office stipend to ensure you have the necessary resources to work effectively from anywhere.
• This role offers the flexibility and autonomy that comes with a fully remote position, allowing for a superior work-life balance.
• You will be part of a dynamic, international team working on challenging and rewarding projects that make a real impact on the global resources sector.
• Continuous learning and development are encouraged, with access to online training and conferences.