Geotechnical Engineer
Job description
About the role
The position assesses ground conditions, defines support strategies, and evaluates stability to manage geotechnical risks.
Software engineers turn product ideas into working code. Engineers work in small teams, review each other's work, and ship in small batches. Most teams follow agile practices such as sprints and daily standups. Engineers also write tests, fix bugs, and improve performance. The field values clear communication as much as technical skill. Engineers spend part of every week on planning, code review, and debugging, not just writing new code. The ability to explain a technical decision in plain words separates strong engineers from the rest.
Key facts
What you'll do
Map rock mass characteristics using RMR, Q-System, GSI, and RQD to inform engineering models.
Evaluate stability of stopes, drifts, shafts, and pillars with empirical and numerical tools to guide support decisions.
Monitor excavation performance and ground support to ensure conditions remain within design expectations.
Interpret extensometer, stress cell, and convergence data to track ground movement over time.
Maintain geotechnical databases and records that document conditions, tests, and monitoring results.
Ensure compliance with geotechnical standards and ground control procedures during shaft sinking activities.
Assess ground control risks and recommend excavation sequencing, stope layouts, and backfill strategies.
Manage and enforce the Ground Control Management Plan to align operations with best practices.
Coordinate with geology, ventilation, mine planning, and operations teams to embed geotechnical constraints into project planning.
Requirements
Hold a bachelor's degree in Geotechnical Engineering, Mining Engineering, Geological Engineering, or an equivalent qualification.
Possess professional registration (EIZ) as an Engineer where applicable, or demonstrate equivalent credentials.
Bring a minimum of 5 years of experience in underground mining geotechnical work.
Demonstrate proficiency in geotechnical software such as the RocScience suite, Map3D, Leapfrog, and Deswik.
Show strong knowledge of rock mechanics, ground support design, and underground excavation stability.
Understand safety systems and statutory mine regulations relevant to ground control and compliance.
Practical notes
This is a full-time contract position open only to Zambian nationals.
The role is based in the Northern Copperbelt, which may include Chingola or Chililabombwe.
Typical interview steps
Hiring for engineering roles usually starts with a recruiter screen, followed by one or two technical rounds. Candidates often solve a coding problem, discuss past projects, and answer system design questions. Some loops include a take-home task. Final rounds typically cover team fit and give candidates a chance to ask questions. Interviewers look for how you break down an unfamiliar problem, not just whether you reach the answer. Practicing a few problems aloud and reviewing your own past projects are the best preparation.
Good to know
The role involves hands-on fieldwork and technical design in mining environments.
Tools such as RocScience software, Map3D, Leapfrog, and Deswik are commonly used for geotechnical analysis.
The position contributes to exploration success by reducing geotechnical risk and improving resource definition.
Work occurs within a multidisciplinary team that includes geology, mine planning, and operations.
Professional development is supported through training and mentorship of junior staff.
Career growth
Engineering careers usually progress from individual contributor to senior, staff, and principal levels. Some engineers move into management and lead teams of five to twenty people. Others stay on the technical track. Growth follows demonstrated impact, not tenure alone. A typical engineering ladder has clear levels with defined expectations for scope, quality, and mentorship. Moving up usually requires owning outcomes end to end rather than completing assigned tickets.