Principal Geotechnical Engineer

Principal Geotechnical Engineer

Zutari is a well‑established, management‑owned engineering firm with more than 90 years of experience. We are trusted by clients, business partners, communities and other stakeholders across Africa.

Zutari values inclusion and recognises the importance of a diverse, talented workforce, believing that people need other people to succeed.

We employ people with the right attitude and a positive mindset, who are motivated by doing the right thing, getting things done and sharing a sense of urgency. People who make an impact in our teams and the broader community. People who think differently and connect with those around them to co‑create new opportunities and leave a meaningful legacy.

We are looking for a Principal Geotechnical Engineer with knowledge and experience in geotechnical analysis and design.

Our team offers the opportunity to work across a broad range of projects including Energy, Transport, Water, Built Environment and Resources. This role provides a great opportunity to develop a career across a wide spectrum of ground engineering solutions and gain both local and international experience.

• Partner with an established, leading team of geotechnical engineers and engineering geologists.
• Provide a mix of technical delivery, project management, with significant focus on problem‑solving, analysis and design.
• Liaise with other design disciplines to develop and maintain design coordination.
• Responsible for winning work for the broader geotechnical team and building strong client relationships.
• Travel periodically to projects in South Africa, the rest of Africa and the Middle East.
• Apply new knowledge to deliver innovative approaches for solving complex ground problems.
• Ensure timely delivery of geotechnical deliverables within scope and budget.
• Establish a clear understanding of project goals and stakeholder expectations, managing client expectations and ensuring delivery meets expectations.
• Be a team player willing to collaborate across multiple disciplines and international geographies.
• Resolve project‑level issues independently.
• Mentor junior geotechnical and geology resources.
• Support business development activities.
• Motivate the project team toward objectives, generating enthusiasm and maintaining personal interest in achieving set targets.

• BEng or BSc degree in Civil Engineering.
• Registration as a Professional Engineer (Pr.Eng. or equivalent).
• A post‑graduate qualification in Geotechnical Engineering is highly beneficial.
• Minimum of 7 years postgraduate experience in Geotechnical Engineering within the transport discipline.
• Extensive understanding of soil and rock mechanics.
• Solid experience in designing foundations for buildings and structures, slope stabilization and ground improvement, earthworks and retention structures.
• Experience in foundation and pile design, settlement analysis, earth pressure, slope stability, and bearing capacity.
• Skills and experience in geotechnical analysis and design.
• Solid knowledge of design standards.
• Skills in geotechnical analysis using the latest methods and software.
• Communication and report‑writing skills, with the ability to work with clients to develop new and existing business opportunities.

We believe that a diverse workforce is key to our business success. We seek the best people for our jobs based on their skills, qualifications, and experience. We embrace the principle of equal opportunity in employment and work toward eliminating unlawful discrimination. Preference will be given to individuals from designated groups within South Africa.