We have an opportunity for dynamic and motivated Principal Geotechnical Engineer in our Johannesburg office.

We are seeking an experienced Principal Geotechnical Engineer to join our geotechnical team in Johannesburg working in the mining, energy and infrastructure sectors. This is a fantastic opportunity to take a leading role in the geotechnical engineering input to some of our most challenging projects.

Mukona has an impressive current portfolio of prestigious geotechnical projects in the South Africa and internationally. We need to increase our resources to meet the growing demands from our clients, especially in the infrastructure sector (particularly rail, highways & water) and the energy sector, which includes renewable energy (wind, solar and hydro-power), offshore and onshore oil & gas and mining environment.

As a result, we are looking to grow our team and looking for someone with the drive and enthusiasm to embrace the future.

 

Requirements
The successful applicant will be a principal geotechnical engineer with a proven technical and project management track record.

Candidates should have:

The candidate must have a strong technical background in geotechnical and civil engineering with knowledge of design, construction and closure practices for mining facilities, particularly tailing and waste storage facilities, in a variety of climatic and seismic regions of the world.

This position will engage several key technical practice disciplines beyond engineering.  These include but are not limited to geology, hydrogeology, environmental practices/permitting, rock mechanics, water management, process design and pumping/piping of tailing slurry.  The role will encounter varying degrees of technical oversight by clients and/or regulatory agencies.

The person will need to possess a competent understanding of project/program management fundamentals and have a firm understanding of the relationship between technical delivery, project scope, costs, and schedule.

• Have a clear understanding of the current and future market and business conditions, revenue and profit potential, major clients and competitors in our active mining markets
• Assist in developing and then implementing regional, country, and client marketing strategies to enable optimum market penetration of the sector in selected geographies
• Participate in conferences, seminars, interact with the media, public, and represent Mukona in social, community, and business situations
• Complete work in line with Mukona Core Values and in accordance with the Mukona Quality, Safety & Environment Systems and Project Quality Procedures A strong academic background with a relevant post graduate degree in geotechnical engineering (ideally MSc or equivalent)
• Proven experience of acting as a senior/principal geotechnical engineer in a fast-moving engineering consultancy environment
• Proven geotechnical design experience
• Proficient in design software packages, such as PLAXIS 2D,3D, MIDAS GTNX, GeoStudio, OASYS, and RockScience etc.
• Excellent interpersonal and technical skills and the ability to develop and lead geotechnical design teams
• Excellent communication skills and confidence to liaise with clients
• Good commercial track record in negotiating and running successful jobs
• Excellent report writing skills with the ability to self-check and produce accurate work
• A willingness to travel on short assignments both within South Africa and in Africa

Capabilities and Credentials

• Excellent communication skills: verbal, business writing, electronic communications and presentations
• Understanding of mining operations and mine waste management, geotechnical material characterization (particularly mined materials), slope stability, deformation analyses, liquefaction potential, seismic hazard assessments, seepage and foundation characteristics of dams/tailing storage facilities
• Ability to work under minimal supervision and work well with others to achieve group results
• Ability to lead several projects or tasks with a sound understanding of overall goals, objectives and costs to our clients
• Possess strong problem-solving skills and ability to make timely decisions or lead and develop others to do so;
• Provide technical, safety and logistical leadership to project teams throughout the completion of programs in various stages of development.
• Membership of professional bodies related to geotechnical engineering

Education and Experience

• Relevant tertiary qualification in civil engineering, preferably post-graduate degree in geotechnical engineering
• 10+ years of experience as a geotechnical engineer with strong experience in numerical modeling of geotechnical structures
• ECSA registered as a professional engineer or in the process of being registered

This description is not a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that may be required of the employee and other duties, responsibilities and activities may be assigned or may be changed at any time with or without notice.