Senior Tailings Engineer

Innovazi Consulting (Pty) Ltd; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Job summary

Innovazi Consulting (Pty) Ltd in Gauteng seeks a Senior Tailings Geotechnical Engineer with 7+ years of experience. A BEng/BSc in Civil Engineering and Pr Eng registration with ECSA are required. Strong skills in soil mechanics, CPTu, and tailings facilities are essential.

Lead geotechnical investigations across Southern Africa, perform stability and seepage analyses, and mentor junior engineers. Travel extensively and engage clients in project delivery.

Qualifications

• BEng or BSc Engineering (Civil) with Pr Eng registration (ECSA)
• 7+ years tailings engineering experience
• Geotechnical geotech investigations and tailings facility design
• Experience with CPTu testing, soil mechanics, and geotechnical lab testing
• Exposure to stability/seepage/ numerical modelling and EoR responsibilities

Responsibilities

• Plan, schedule, and manage tailings engineering projects.
• Prepare technical proposals and coordinate specialist subcontractors.
• Conduct surveillance, inspections, and performance monitoring of tailings facilities.
• Lead geotechnical investigations and field assessments.
• Design tailings storage facilities, return water dams, and related infrastructure.
• Perform stability, seepage, and risk analyses.
• Mentor graduate and junior engineers.
• Manage project deliverables, budgets, schedules, and reporting.

Skills

Soil Mechanics

CPTu testing

Geotechnical lab testing

Tailings behaviour

Engineering contracts

Project delivery

Geotechnical investigations

Tailings dam breach

Limit equilibrium

Slope stability

Seepage analysis

Numerical modelling

GeoStudio

Plaxis

Slide

AutoCAD Civil 3D

ModelMaker

MS Project

Primavera

MS Office Suite

Education

BEng or BSc Engineering (Civil Engineering)

Registered Professional Engineer (Pr Eng) with ECSA

Postgraduate qualification in Geotechnical Engineering (advantage)

Tools

GeoStudio

Plaxis

Slide

AutoCAD Civil 3D

ModelMaker

MS Project

Primavera

Job description

Minimum Requirements

• BEng or BSc Engineering (Civil Engineering)
• Registered Professional Engineer (Pr Eng) with ECSA
• Minimum 7+ years' tailings engineering experience
• Postgraduate qualification or experience in Geotechnical Engineering advantageous
• Strong understanding of:
  • Soil Mechanics
  • CPTu testing and interpretation
  • Geotechnical laboratory testing
  • Tailings material behaviour
  • Engineering contracts and project delivery
• Proven experience conducting geotechnical investigations
• Experience performing Tailings Dam Breach Assessments
• Minimum 5 years' experience undertaking:
  • Limit equilibrium analysis
  • Slope stability assessments
  • Seepage analysis
  • Numerical modelling
• Proficient in:
  • GeoStudio
  • Plaxis
  • Slide (or equivalent geotechnical software)
  • MS Office Suite
  • MS Project and/or Primavera
  • AutoCAD Civil 3D and/or ModelMaker
• Valid driver's licence and passport
• Willingness to travel extensively throughout Southern and West Africa

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, schedule, and manage tailings engineering projects.
• Prepare technical proposals and coordinate specialist subcontractors and consultants.
• Conduct surveillance, inspections, and performance monitoring of tailings storage facilities and return water dams.
• Perform or support Engineer of Record (EoR) responsibilities.
• Carry out annual audits and compliance assessments on mining residue facilities.
• Lead geotechnical investigations and field assessments.
• Design new tailings storage facilities, return water dams, and associated infrastructure.
• Conduct stability, seepage, and risk analyses for various residue facilities.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to graduate, junior, and intermediate engineers.
• Manage project deliverables, budgets, schedules, and reporting requirements.
• Liaise with clients and stakeholders throughout project execution.
• Remain abreast of industry developments, best practices, and emerging technologies within the tailings sector.

Ideal Candidate Profile

• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent communication and report-writing skills.
• Commercially aware with the ability to build and maintain client relationships.
• Self-motivated with strong accountability and ownership.
• Effective project management and organisational skills.
• Strong leadership and mentoring capabilities.
• Detail-oriented with a commitment to technical excellence.
• Capable of identifying new business opportunities and supporting business growth initiatives.

Preferred Experience

• Tailings storage facility design and monitoring.
• Return water dam design and management.
• Mining infrastructure projects.
• Engineer of Record (EoR) support or experience.
• Geotechnical investigations and dam safety evaluations.
• African mining project exposure.
• Client-facing consulting environment.