Senior Engineer – Geotechnical

Company Description

Work with Us. Change the World.

At AECOM, we're delivering a better world. Whether improving your commute, keeping the lights on, providing access to clean water, or transforming skylines, our work helps people and communities thrive. We are the world's trusted infrastructure consulting firm, partnering with clients to solve the world’s most complex challenges and build legacies for future generations.

There has never been a better time to be at AECOM. With accelerating infrastructure investment worldwide, our services are in great demand. We invite you to bring your bold ideas and big dreams and become part of a global team of over 50,000 planners, designers, engineers, scientists, digital innovators, program and construction managers and other professionals delivering projects that create a positive and tangible impact around the world.

We're one global team driven by our common purpose to deliver a better world. Join us.

Job Description

Within the Transportation business, AECOM is looking to hire a highly skilled and motivated Senior Geotechnical Engineer with a solid background to join the team located in Pretoria.

If you are passionate about geotechnical engineering and eager to work on high-profile international and local projects, this is the perfect opportunity for you.

You will be an integral part of our Ground Engineering team, working on a variety of exciting projects and collaborating with experts from around the world.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Deliver geotechnical investigation, interpretation and design services across a range of infrastructure projects.
• Undertake geotechnical analyses and designs for foundations, retaining structures, excavations, earthworks, slope stability and settlement assessments.
• Interpret ground investigation data and develop geotechnical parameters and recommendations for design.
• Prepare and review geotechnical reports, calculations, specifications and drawings for feasibility, preliminary and detailed design stages.
• Coordinate with multidisciplinary engineering teams to develop practical and cost-effective design solutions.
• Liaise with clients, contractors, authorities and other stakeholders throughout project delivery.
• Provide technical guidance and day-to-day mentoring to graduate and junior engineers.
• Assist with proposal preparation, tender submissions, fee estimates and technical inputs for new opportunities.
• Support project planning, programme management and reporting on project progress.
• Undertake site visits and provide construction-phase geotechnical support as required.
• Collaborate with local and international Ground Engineering teams to deliver high-quality project outcomes.

Here’s what we’re looking for:

• Proven experience delivering geotechnical investigation and design projects, including responsibility for technical outputs and project delivery.
• Ability to work independently on technical assignments and lead small to medium-sized geotechnical project task.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to engage effectively with clients, project teams and stakeholders.
• Experience preparing and reviewing geotechnical reports, interpretative reports, specifications, calculations and design documentation.
• Good understanding of current geotechnical design codes, standards and industry best practice. Experience with Eurocodes would be advantageous.
• Experience in the design of shallow and deep foundations, retaining structures, earthworks, excavations and slopes.
• Experience using geotechnical software such as Rocscience Suite (Slide, RS2, Rocfall), PLAXIS, GEO5, WALLAP, ALP, or equivalent.
• Working knowledge of AutoCAD and Civil 3D would be advantageous.
• Strong understanding of soil mechanics, rock mechanics and engineering geology principles.
• Ability to identify, assess and manage geotechnical risks and develop practical engineering solutions.
• Willingness to undertake site visits and travel as required.

Preferred Qualifications

• 10 or more years of progressively responsible geotechnical engineering experience.
• Experience delivering transportation, water, building, industrial or energy infrastructure projects.
• Experience coordinating multidisciplinary project interfaces.
• Demonstrated ability to mentor junior technical staff.
• Experience managing project budgets, programmes, resources and client deliverables.
• Postgraduate qualification in Geotechnical Engineering would be advantageous.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) or Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Civil Engineering.
• Minimum of 8 years' post-graduate experience in geotechnical investigation, interpretation and design.
• Registered as a Professional Engineer (Pr Eng) with ECSA.
• Demonstrated experience in geotechnical design for civil infrastructure projects.

Additional Information

At AECOM, you will have freedom to grow in a world of opportunity

At AECOM, our Freedom to Grow philosophy supports flexibility and balance to help our people thrive. As part of this approach, we ask all hybrid employees to work from an AECOM office at least three days per week.

At AECOM, we are committed to maintaining a secure and trustworthy recruitment process and take any fraudulent hiring activity seriously. To support this commitment, all newly hired employees are required to attend an in-person Day 1 onboarding at an AECOM office location as a condition of employment.

About AECOM 

AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status, AECOM benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absences, voluntary benefits, perks, flexible work options, well-being resources, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, service recognition awards, retirement savings plan, and employee stock purchase plan. 

AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients’ complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle – from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025. Learn more at aecom.com. 

What makes AECOM a great place to work 

You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects - both in your local community and on a global scale - that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cutting-edge technology and a network of experts, you’ll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award-winning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills, helping you build the career you’ve always envisioned. Here, you’ll find a welcoming workplace built on respect, collaboration and community - where you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity. 

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.