Geo Technical Engineer

Geo Technical Engineer The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) is a leading scientific and technology research organisation that researches, develops, localises and diffuses technologies to accelerate socio‑economic prosperity in South Africa. Its work contributes to industrial development and supports a capable state. CSIR is looking for a Geotechnical Engineer for the Mining Cluster. The incumbent will plan and execute strategies to improve rock‑related safety through the application of existing rock engineering knowledge in open‑cast and underground, shallow and deep‑level mining operations. The position is based in Pretoria. Key Responsibilities Maintain a national stakeholder network to broaden and deepen rock engineering opportunities. Participate in technical industry bodies, particularly in rock engineering, e.g., SANIRE, SAIMM. Assist with business growth in collaboration with the Principal Rock/Geotechnical Engineer. Manage a balanced Research, Development and Innovation projects pipeline/programme to deliver impact to the industry. Maintain awareness of business development opportunities for CSIR wide customer base and refer opportunities to relevant Clusters and Divisions where appropriate. Submit proposals for grant and private sector funding. Implement cost containment measures to avoid operating losses. Apply project management and business processes to convert business problems into technical solutions. Define programme scope, objectives, deliverables, schedule, financial risk, resources and integration. Ensure integrated project management across the portfolio. Implement governance systems for rock engineering and mining projects. Assist with growing rock engineering mining capability within the cluster. Mentor and supervise junior researchers and engineers. Assist in deriving strategy addressing mining challenges and innovations. Apply scientific knowledge to solve problems using mining domain expertise (e.g., rock engineering, mining processes, mine value chain). Scan and apply cutting‑edge technologies to solve mining and geophysics issues. Work in multidisciplinary teams to develop solutions from proof‑of‑concept to commercial products. Translate mining business challenges into technical solutions. Contribute to the development of rock/geotechnical engineering through scientific problem‑solving and synthesis. Work in multidisciplinary teams to implement research and solutions. Execute software coding to assist with the development of solutions. Disseminate technical knowledge via publications and conference presentations. Qualifications, Skills and Experience A bachelor's degree in Geotechnical Engineering, Engineering, Mining Engineering, Engineering Geology, Civil Engineering, Geology, Physics or Applied Sciences. Four years' experience in underground or surface mining operations with one or more commodities (Gold, coal or platinum) as a rock engineer or related position. Four years' experience in the following: Mining extraction processes (drill, blast & hauling). Mining design software or numerical modelling related software. Rock engineering problem solving. Setting rock engineering standards. Design of rock engineering projects and reports. Industry Rock Engineering Certificate for hard‐rock tabular mines OR for coal mines. Must be registered with SANIRE or qualified to register with SANIRE. Knowledge of Mine Health and Safety Act (MHSA). Ability to lead innovation and technology adoption in the mining industry. Ability to innovate and generate new knowledge. Good interpersonal and team skills. Ability to work independently, as well as in a team. Problem‑solving and solution‑seeking orientation. Financial / Business acumen. Project management skills. Applied research skills. Excellent English communication, presentation and writing skills, including the publication of technical outputs. All international qualifications require an evaluation report / certificate issued by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA). What's in it for you? Flexible hybrid work arrangement. Learning and development opportunities. Competitive and market‑related remuneration packages. Total guaranteed salary packages which encompass contributions to the pension fund, risk insurance and medical scheme. We openly acknowledge and reward our employees’ contributions and accomplishments through our esteemed CSIR Excellence Awards. Closing date 3 December 2025 Contact information For more information, please contact the CSIR Recruitment Centre on or email Equal Opportunity Employer Statement The CSIR is an equal opportunity employer. As such, it is committed to the Employment Equity Act and will give preference to candidates from designated groups in terms of the Employment Equity Act when filling this vacancy. By applying for this position at the CSIR, the applicant understands and agrees that the CSIR may solicit a credit and criminal report from a registered credit bureau and/or South African Police Service (in relation to positions that require trust and honesty and/or involve handling cash or finances) and may also verify the applicant's educational qualification and employment history. The CSIR reserves the right to remove the advertisement at any time before the stated closing date and it further reserves the right not to appoint if a suitable candidate is not identified. Job Details Seniority level: Mid‑Senior level Employment type: Full‑time Job function: Engineering and Information Technology Industries: Research #J-18808-Ljbffr