Senior Geotechnical Engineer - Urban Planning

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

provident fund

Life insurance

Professional development budget

Company vehicle or travel allowance

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Geotechnical Engineer in Pretoria, Gauteng, with a strong background in urban infrastructure and ground condition assessment. The role blends field site visits with office design work under a hybrid model.

You will lead investigations, perform analyses, and design foundations, retaining walls, and slope stabilization, while coordinating with clients and project teams to deliver practical, cost-effective solutions.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Geotechnical Engineering or related field.
• Pr Eng registration with ECSA is required.
• 7+ years of hands-on geotechnical engineering experience for urban infrastructure.
• Proficiency in geotechnical software: PLAXIS, GeoStudio, SLOPE/W.
• Solid knowledge of South African geotechnical codes and standards.

Responsibilities

• Plan and oversee geotechnical site investigations.
• Analyze soil and rock data to assess ground conditions.
• Design foundations (shallow and deep), retaining walls, and slope stabilization measures.
• Perform stability analyses for excavations and embankments.
• Prepare comprehensive geotechnical investigation and design reports.
• Provide technical recommendations for construction materials and methods.
• Liaise with clients, project managers, and construction teams to ensure design implementation.
• Conduct peer reviews of geotechnical designs and reports.
• Manage geotechnical aspects of projects, including budgets and schedules.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Communication

Team collaboration

Site investigation planning

Education

Master's degree in Geotechnical Engineering

Pr Eng registration with ECSA

Tools

PLAXIS

GeoStudio

SLOPE/W

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading geotechnical and materials engineering firm, is actively seeking a highly skilled Senior Geotechnical Engineer to join their established practice in Pretoria, Gauteng. This position is central to supporting the firm's expanding portfolio of urban development and infrastructure projects. You will be responsible for the geotechnical investigation, analysis, and design of foundations, slopes, and earthworks for a variety of challenging sites. The role requires a strategic thinker who can provide expert advice on ground conditions and their implications for structural integrity and construction feasibility. This position offers a Hybrid work arrangement, balancing essential site visits and collaborative office meetings with the flexibility of remote work. We are looking for a candidate with a strong technical background, excellent problem-solving capabilities, and a commitment to delivering practical, cost-effective solutions for our clients in Pretoria, Gauteng and beyond. This is an excellent opportunity to advance your career within a respected organization that values technical excellence and professional development.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan and oversee geotechnical site investigations, including drilling, testing, and sampling.
• Analyze soil and rock mechanics data to assess ground conditions.
• Design foundations (shallow and deep), retaining walls, and slope stabilization measures.
• Perform stability analyses for excavations and embankments.
• Prepare comprehensive geotechnical investigation and design reports.
• Provide technical recommendations for construction materials and methods.
• Liaise with clients, project managers, and construction teams to ensure design implementation.
• Conduct peer reviews of geotechnical designs and reports.
• Manage geotechnical aspects of projects, including budgets and schedules.
• Stay updated on geotechnical engineering best practices and relevant standards.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Geotechnical Engineering or a related field.
• Professional Engineer (Pr Eng) registration with ECSA is required.
• A minimum of 7 years of hands-on experience in geotechnical engineering.
• Proven track record in designing geotechnical solutions for urban infrastructure and building projects.
• Proficiency in geotechnical software (e.g., PLAXIS, GeoStudio, SLOPE/W).
• Solid understanding of South African geotechnical codes and standards.
• Excellent report writing and presentation skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Experience with managing project deliverables and client liaison.
• Willingness to undertake site visits within the Pretoria, Gauteng region is essential for the Hybrid aspect of this role.

Benefits

• Attractive salary package up to ZAR annually.
• Comprehensive medical aid, provident fund, and life insurance.
• Generous professional development budget for courses and conferences.
• Access to cutting-edge geotechnical software and equipment.
• Opportunity to work on diverse and impactful urban development projects.
• Supportive team environment with opportunities for mentorship.
• Company vehicle or travel allowance for site visits.