Senior Mining Engineer - Rock Engineering

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); Hybrid; ZAR 1,100,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive remuneration package

Hybrid remote/onsite work

Challenging underground projects

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Mining Engineer specializing in rock engineering for our client in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga. The role combines remote analysis with on-site geotechnical assessments to ensure stability and safety of underground excavations.

You will lead rock mass characterization, ground support design, and monitoring programs, mentoring junior engineers, and drafting technical reports for mine planning teams.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Mining Engineering or Geotechnical Engineering with Rock Mechanics focus.
• 8+ years of progressive rock engineering experience, underground mining preferred.
• Expertise in rock mass classification, structural geology, and geomechanics.
• Proficiency with geotechnical software including FLAC, Dips, UnWedge.
• Strong understanding of underground mining methods and geotechnical implications.
• Excellent analytical, data interpretation, and communication skills.
• Hybrid-work experience with site visits is desirable.
• PE license or equivalent is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Conduct rock mass characterization and stability analyses for underground workings.
• Design and implement ground support for tunnels, stopes, and shafts.
• Utilize numerical modeling to simulate rock mass behavior and failure modes.
• Develop and manage rock engineering monitoring programs and interpret data.
• Provide geotechnical recommendations to mine planning and operations.
• Investigate ground-related incidents and propose corrective actions.
• Contribute to rock engineering standards, guidelines, and best practices.
• Collaborate with geologists, mine planners and other engineers.
• Prepare technical reports, presentations and safety alerts.
• Mentor junior rock engineers and technicians.

Skills

Rock mechanics

Geotechnical analysis

Numerical modeling

Ground support design

Technical reporting

Mentoring

Stakeholder communication

Hybrid work experience

Education

Master's or PhD in Mining/Geotechnical Engineering (Rock Mechanics focus)

Professional Engineer (PE) or equivalent

Tools

FLAC

Dips

UnWedge

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading force in the mining sector, is looking for a highly experienced Senior Mining Engineer specializing in Rock Engineering to join their team in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga, ZA. This hybrid role combines strategic planning and analysis conducted remotely with essential on-site geological and operational assessments. You will be responsible for ensuring the stability and safety of underground excavations through expert rock mechanics analysis, design, and monitoring. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of rock mass characterization, failure mechanisms, and the application of numerical modeling techniques. Your expertise will be crucial in advising mine design and operations teams, mitigating geotechnical risks, and contributing to the overall safety and efficiency of mining activities. This position demands a proactive approach, strong analytical skills, and the ability to communicate complex technical information effectively to a variety of stakeholders. We are seeking a dedicated professional who can drive best practices in rock engineering within a dynamic mining environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct detailed rock mass characterization and stability analyses for underground mine workings.


• Design and implement appropriate ground support systems for tunnels, stopes, and shafts.


• Utilize numerical modeling software (e.g., FLAC, Dips, UnWedge) to simulate rock mass behavior and assess potential failure modes.


• Develop and manage rock engineering monitoring programs, interpreting monitoring data to assess ground conditions.


• Provide expert advice and recommendations on geotechnical issues to mine planning and operations teams.


• Investigate ground-related incidents and propose corrective actions.


• Contribute to the development of rock engineering standards, guidelines, and best practices.


• Liaise with geologists, mine planners, and other engineering disciplines.


• Prepare comprehensive technical reports, presentations, and safety alerts.


• Mentor junior rock engineers and technicians.

Requirements

• Master's degree or PhD in Mining Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, or a related discipline with a focus on Rock Mechanics.


• A minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in rock engineering, with a significant portion dedicated to underground mining operations.


• Proven expertise in rock mass classification, structural geology, and geomechanics.


• Proficiency in industry-standard geotechnical and mine modeling software.


• Strong understanding of underground mining methods and their geotechnical implications.


• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and data interpretation skills.


• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, capable of conveying complex technical concepts clearly.


• Experience working effectively in a hybrid model, balancing remote analysis with necessary site visits.


• Professional Engineer (PE) or equivalent professional registration is highly desirable.


• Commitment to safety and operational excellence.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive remuneration package, performance-based incentives, and a comprehensive benefits structure.


• This hybrid role provides the flexibility of remote strategic work coupled with essential on-site engagement, promoting a healthy work-life balance.


• You will have the opportunity to work on challenging underground projects, apply cutting-edge rock engineering principles, and advance your career within a reputable mining company.


• Professional development and continuous learning are strongly encouraged.

Join a team dedicated to safety, innovation, and operational excellence in the Mpumalanga mining region.