Senior Mining Geotechnical Engineer: Open-Pit & Underground

Placements24; Gqeberha; Hybrid; ZAR 1,800,000 - 3,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund contributions

Performance bonuses

Flexible work arrangements

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Principal Mining Geotechnical Engineer to join a leading resource-sector team in Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape. The role requires guiding geotechnical assessment, slope stability, and ground support for both underground and open-pit operations, ensuring safe mine design and optimal performance.

You will apply rock and soil mechanics, run numerical models with FLAC and Rocscience, mentor junior engineers, and collaborate with planning and operations to embed geotechnical

Qualifications

• Master's or Ph.D. in Geotechnical Engineering, Mining Engineering, or related field.
• Minimum 12 years of experience in mining geotechnical engineering, with exposure to underground and open-pit environments.
• Extensive experience with numerical modeling software for geotechnical analysis.
• In-depth knowledge of rock mechanics, soil mechanics, and geological site characterization.

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive geotechnical investigations and analyses for mine design, development, and operations.
• Develop and implement geotechnical monitoring programs for stability of excavations, slopes, and tailings facilities.
• Provide expert recommendations on ground support systems, slope reinforcement, and excavation sequencing.
• Utilize advanced geotechnical software for numerical modeling and analysis (e.g., FLAC, Rocscience Suite).
• Review and approve geotechnical designs and parameters proposed by consultants and internal teams.
• Ensure compliance with geotechnical standards, regulations, and best practices in the Eastern Cape region.
• Collaborate with mine planning, engineering, and operations to integrate geotechnical considerations across projects.
• Investigate geotechnical incidents and recommend corrective actions.
• Mentor and guide junior geotechnical engineers and contribute to department development.
• Stay current with advancements in geotechnical engineering and their mining applications.

Skills

Geotechnical engineering

Rock mechanics

Numerical modeling

Project leadership

Mentorship

Education

Master's degree in Geotechnical Engineering

Ph.D. in Geotechnical/Mining Engineering

Tools

FLAC

Rocscience Suite

Job description

Placements24 is seeking a Principal Mining Geotechnical Engineer to join a leading resource-sector team in Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape. The role requires guiding geotechnical assessment, slope stability, and ground support for both underground and open-pit operations, ensuring safe mine design and optimal performance.

You will apply rock and soil mechanics, run numerical models with FLAC and Rocscience, mentor junior engineers, and collaborate with planning and operations to embed geotechnical