A Day in the Life of a GSS Senior Geotechnical Engineer

Hi Azhary,

What does a typical day look like for you as a Senior Geotechnical Engineer at GSS?

As a Senior Geotechnical Engineer and Remote Monitoring Project QAQC Lead at Geotechnical Specialist Services (GSS), my day combines technical analysis, operational assurance, and collaboration with teams and customers. A key focus is QAQC, ensuring procedures are followed, conducting audits, and updating standards. My team also tracks competency and training to keep operations compliant.

I work closely with monitoring engineers, shift leaders, project managers, and customers. On the technical side, I review slope stability radar data, validate deformation trends, and ensure analysis quality meets GSS standards. When needed, I troubleshoot anomalies or guide investigations.

Each day involves problem-solving and continuous improvement to keep remote monitoring smooth, safe, and compliant, while delivering accurate geotechnical insights.

How did you start your career with GSS, and what was it like being the first graduate when the service launched?

I began my career with GSS as the first graduate when the Remote Monitoring service was just launching. Everything was new, so I learned quickly and helped shape how the service operated. It was challenging but exciting. I experienced every part of the workflow and grew alongside the team. Being the first graduate carried significant responsibility, but it gave me a strong foundation and made me proud to be part of GSS from the start.

What skills or experiences have been most valuable in your development over the past 10 years?

Over the past 10 years, I have combined technical expertise with leadership. Geotechnical data interpretation has been central; learning to analyze complex deformation trends and ground behaviour has shaped me as an engineer.

Beyond technical skills, adaptability has been just as important. Facing new challenges, working with customers, and adapting to changing demands taught me a great deal. One major learning experience was managing a team of 60+ engineers to ensure remote monitoring ran smoothly, which strengthened my communication, decision-making, and problem-solving skills.

Together, deep technical knowledge and the ability to adapt and lead have been the most valuable aspects of my development.

Can you share one project or achievement that stands out as a highlight of your time with GSS?

One standout project was the launch of GroundProbe’s GML product, our first pilot for underground stability monitoring at one of the largest underground mining operations. I was part of a small team on a fly-in, fly-out roster for nearly a year.

The experience was unforgettable. We worked closely with the customer, tackling unique underground monitoring challenges and adapting to a completely different environment compared to open-pit operations. It was a steep learning curve, but also a proud moment to help implement this new technology from the ground up and see its impact firsthand.

How would you describe the team environment at GSS and what makes it unique?

The team environment at GSS is highly collaborative, making it truly unique. Everyone supports each other, shares knowledge, and steps in when needed. Because our work involves technical challenges and real-time operations, we’ve built a culture where communication, teamwork, and trust are essential. It feels like we’re all working toward the same goal, creating a strong sense of unity.

How do you see your work contributing to mining safety and slope stability globally?

Our Remote Monitoring project plays a crucial role in improving mining safety and slope stability worldwide. By providing real-time, 24/7 data on ground movement and slope behaviour, we help sites identify risks before they become critical. Accurate, continuous information enables teams to make informed decisions, issue early warnings, and evacuate personnel when needed. Knowing what’s happening on the ground at any moment allows mines to operate more safely and confidently, supporting better risk management and protecting people and assets globally.

What changes or innovations in geotechnical monitoring have you witnessed during your career?

Over the past decade, I’ve seen major advancements in slope stability radar technology. Early in my career, we used SSR Viewer Version 5, and since then, the evolution has been incredible. Today, platforms like MonitorIQ integrate multiple sensors into a single system for a more comprehensive view of slope stability.

We’re also moving toward cloud-based software for seamless access and faster collaboration. Under Orica Digital Solutions, monitoring technologies are being integrated into a unified platform for mining, civil, and infrastructure projects. These innovations have greatly improved safety, accuracy, and decision-making, one of the most exciting aspects of my career.

What excites you most about the future of GSS and the industry?

The launch of GSS 2.0 excites me the most. We’re becoming truly sensor-agnostic, offering services that cover a wide range of sensors, data types, and monitoring technologies. This shift lets us monitor and analyze data from both Geosolutions and third-party systems, aggregating information for deeper insights that support better decisions and stronger site safety.

This evolution leads to a more integrated and future-ready approach to geotechnical monitoring. Customers can rely on a single, unified service for their critical monitoring needs, positioning GSS at the forefront of innovation. Being part of this transformation and seeing how it shapes the next generation of monitoring solutions is something I’m genuinely excited about.

Thank you, Azhary!  Wishing you continued success!

Interested in joining Azhary and shaping the future of safety and innovation at Orica Digital Solutions? 👉  orica.com/careers

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