Senior Geotechnical Engineer - Urban Development

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

Benefits offered by this job

Performance bonuses

Medical aid

Retirement fund contributions

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Senior Geotechnical Engineer for a hybrid role in Sandton, Gauteng. You will lead site investigations, perform advanced geotechnical analyses, and design foundations for urban developments, while coordinating with clients and design teams.

You will apply expertise in soil/rock mechanics, use Plaxis and GeoStudio tools, and mentor junior engineers. The role emphasizes regulatory compliance and project leadership in a dynamic urban environment.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or PhD in Geotechnical Engineering or Civil Engineering with specialization in Geotechnics.
• Pr Eng registration with ECSA is essential.
• 10+ years of relevant geotechnical experience in urban development and infrastructure projects.
• Proven track record leading complex geotechnical investigations and design projects.
• Expertise in geotechnical software such as Plaxis, GeoStudio, SLOPE/W or SEEP/W.
• Knowledge of soil/rock mechanics, foundation engineering, and ground improvement techniques.
• Experience with Gauteng province geological conditions.
• Excellent report writing, presentation, and communication skills.
• Strong leadership and project management capabilities.
• Ability to work in a hybrid environment with site visits in Sandton and beyond.

Responsibilities

• Lead geotechnical investigations, including site characterization, sampling, and in-situ testing programs.
• Perform advanced geotechnical analyses, including slope stability, settlement, bearing capacity, and seismic analyses.
• Design foundations (shallow and deep), retaining structures, and earthworks for complex urban developments.
• Prepare comprehensive geotechnical investigation reports, design recommendations, and construction method statements.
• Provide expert geotechnical input and review during planning, design, and construction phases.
• Manage project timelines, budgets, and resources for geotechnical tasks.
• Mentor and supervise junior geotechnical engineers and technicians.
• Liaise with clients, architects, structural engineers, and contractors for integrated delivery.
• Stay current with advancements in geotechnical engineering principles, software, and best practices.
• Ensure compliance with South African geotechnical standards and regulatory requirements.

Skills

Geotechnical engineering

Project leadership

Site investigations

Numerical modeling

Soil mechanics

Education

Master's degree in Geotechnical Engineering

PhD in Geotechnical Engineering

Pr Eng registration with ECSA

Tools

Plaxis

GeoStudio

SLOPE/W

SEEP/W

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a respected engineering consultancy, is seeking an experienced Senior Geotechnical Engineer to join their team in **Sandton, Gauteng**. This role is crucial for providing expert geotechnical advice and design solutions for a wide array of urban development projects, including commercial buildings, residential estates, and infrastructure developments. You will lead site investigations, analyze ground conditions, design foundations, and manage geotechnical aspects throughout the project lifecycle. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in soil and rock mechanics, numerical modeling, and a deep understanding of the geological challenges within the **Gauteng** region. This is a key position offering significant impact on major urban projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage geotechnical investigations, including site characterization, sampling, and in-situ testing programs.
• Perform advanced geotechnical analyses, including slope stability, settlement, bearing capacity, and seismic analyses.
• Design foundations (shallow and deep), retaining structures, and earthworks for complex urban developments.
• Prepare comprehensive geotechnical investigation reports, design recommendations, and construction method statements.
• Provide expert geotechnical input and review during the planning, design, and construction phases of projects.
• Manage project timelines, budgets, and resources for geotechnical tasks.
• Mentor and supervise junior geotechnical engineers and technicians.
• Liaise effectively with clients, architects, structural engineers, and contractors to ensure integrated project delivery.
• Stay current with advancements in geotechnical engineering principles, software, and best practices.
• Ensure compliance with relevant South African geotechnical standards and regulatory requirements.

Requirements

• Master's degree or PhD in Geotechnical Engineering or Civil Engineering with a specialization in Geotechnics.
• Professional Engineer (Pr Eng) registration with ECSA is essential.
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• A minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in geotechnical engineering, with a strong focus on urban development and infrastructure projects.
• Proven track record in leading complex geotechnical investigations and design projects.
• Expertise in geotechnical software such as Plaxis, GeoStudio (SLOPE/W, SEEP/W), or equivalent.
• In-depth knowledge of soil mechanics, rock mechanics, foundation engineering, and ground improvement techniques.
• Experience with geological conditions prevalent in the **Gauteng** province.
• Excellent report writing, presentation, and communication skills.
• Strong leadership and project management capabilities.
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid environment, balancing office-based analysis with site visits in **Sandton** and beyond.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive remuneration package, including performance bonuses, comprehensive medical aid, and retirement fund contributions. You will have the opportunity to work on high-profile projects and benefit from continuous professional development and career advancement. The company fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture in **Sandton, Gauteng**. This hybrid role offers a strategic balance, enabling focused technical work while maintaining essential site connectivity. Join a team shaping the future of urban landscapes.