Senior Geotechnical / Tailings Engineer

MSP Staffing (PTY) LTD; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Job summary

MSP Staffing (PTY) LTD seeks an experienced Senior Geotechnical / Tailings Engineer to join their Johannesburg team. You will lead investigations, design tailings facilities, and coordinate multidisciplinary projects across mining sites.

The role requires a PE registration or equivalent, extensive geotechnical knowledge, and willingness to travel to remote locations, including international sites. Strong analytical and leadership skills are essential for delivering safe, effective designs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, Engineering Geology, or a closely related field.
• 8-10 years of relevant geotechnical or tailings engineering experience.
• Professional registration as a Pr Eng or equivalent with the relevant professional body.
• Strong knowledge of soil mechanics, rock mechanics, and geotechnical engineering principles.
• Experience with mining, tailings storage facilities, or dam projects.
• Valid driver's licence and own reliable transport.
• Valid passport and willingness to travel to remote project sites, including internationally.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, planning, and organisational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Plan and supervise geotechnical investigations, including boreholes, test pits, CPTu, and in-situ testing.
• Coordinate drilling contractors, laboratories, and field investigation activities.
• Conduct and review geotechnical assessments for foundations, slopes, retaining structures, excavations, and tailings facilities.
• Perform stability, seepage, settlement, and deformation analyses.
• Contribute to tailings storage facility design and engineering assessments.
• Review instrumentation data and support monitoring and performance assessments.
• Prepare technical calculations, design documentation, investigation reports, and site visit reports.
• Participate in construction monitoring, quality assurance, and quality control activities.
• Engage with multidisciplinary teams, contractors, and clients to ensure effective project delivery.
• Mentor junior team members and contribute to technical knowledge sharing.
• Adhere to all applicable health, safety, and environmental requirements.

Skills

Geotechnical engineering

Soil mechanics

Rock mechanics

Mining/tailings experience

Leadership/mentoring

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering

Geotechnical Engineering

Engineering Geology

Tools

Slide

SLOPE/W

PLAXIS

SEEP/W

MUCK3D

Job description

• Reference: Senior Geotechnical / Tailings Engineer

Our client is seeking an experienced Senior Geotechnical / Tailings Engineer to join their Johannesburg team. This opportunity is ideal for a professionally registered engineer with strong technical expertise in geotechnical engineering, tailings storage facilities, and mining-related infrastructure. The successful candidate will contribute to complex engineering projects, lead technical investigations, and support the delivery of safe and effective design solutions.

• Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, Engineering Geology, or a closely related field.
• 8-10 years of relevant geotechnical or tailings engineering experience.
• Professional registration as a Pr Eng or equivalent with the relevant professional body.
• Strong knowledge of soil mechanics, rock mechanics, and geotechnical engineering principles.
• Experience with mining, tailings storage facilities, or dam projects.
• Valid driver's licence and own reliable transport.
• Valid passport and willingness to travel to remote project sites, including internationally.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, planning, and organisational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.

Key Responsibilities:

• Plan and supervise geotechnical investigations, including boreholes, test pits, CPTu, and in-situ testing.
• Coordinate drilling contractors, laboratories, and field investigation activities.
• Conduct and review geotechnical assessments for foundations, slopes, retaining structures, excavations, and tailings facilities.
• Perform stability, seepage, settlement, and deformation analyses.
• Contribute to tailings storage facility design and engineering assessments.
• Review instrumentation data and support monitoring and performance assessments.
• Prepare technical calculations, design documentation, investigation reports, and site visit reports.
• Participate in construction monitoring, quality assurance, and quality control activities.
• Engage with multidisciplinary teams, contractors, and clients to ensure effective project delivery.
• Mentor junior team members and contribute to technical knowledge sharing.
• Adhere to all applicable health, safety, and environmental requirements.

Advantageous Experience:

• Proficiency in geotechnical software such as Slide, SLOPE/W, PLAXIS, SEEP/W, or MUCK3D.
• Experience in tailings storage facility design, operational monitoring, and construction supervision.
• Exposure to Engineer of Record (EoR) services and specialised geotechnical investigations.