Principal Tunnel Geotechnical Engineer

Role overview

Tunnel and geotechnical design

• Lead design of large-diameter TBM tunnels and crossover caverns, including ground treatment, pre-support, temporary and permanent support, and excavation sequencing.
• Lead deep excavation methodology for stations, shafts, and cross-passages, evaluating retention systems, base stability, dewatering, groundwater control, and construction methods.
• Direct third-party building and utility damage assessments, settlement prediction, damage risk assessment, protective measures, and instrumentation and monitoring plans.
• Predict TBM production rates and cutter intervention frequency and locations, accounting for ground conditions and intervention methods.
• Own 2D/3D finite element and finite difference modelling strategy, soil-structure interaction, groundwater and seismic assessment, and technical review of analyses.

Ground investigation and reporting

• Review historical and adjacent-project investigation data and produce Geotechnical Interpretative Reports, design parameters, and Geotechnical Baseline Reports where required.
• Define investigation scope, specifications, borehole layouts and depths, laboratory tests, and geophysical surveys; prepare tender documents and technical evaluations.
• Manage investigation programmes from procurement to close-out, including contractor supervision, factual report review, schedule and budget control, and design integration.

TBM operations and constructability

• Conduct documented TBM optioning studies covering machine type, diameter, cutterhead and tools, backup arrangement, and segmental lining.
• Develop TBM procurement and manufacturing plans, including technical specifications, factory acceptance, delivery, assembly, casting yard, and site establishment.
• Prepare tunnelling logistics plans for shafts, muck haulage and disposal, slurry treatment, segment supply, annulus grouting, ventilation, power, and water.

Team and sub-consultant management

• Plan workloads, allocate and direct work, quality-check submissions, and mentor geotechnical and tunnelling staff.
• Support team development by identifying resource gaps, defining roles, and assisting with interviews and recruitment.
• Select, scope, contract, and manage specialist sub-consultants and service providers, including ground investigation, numerical analysis, and monitoring providers.

Modelling tools

• Numerical modelling tools named include PLAXIS, FLAC/FLAC3D, and MIDAS GTS or equivalent.

Requirements

• Bring expertise in geotechnical and tunnelling engineering for major infrastructure programmes.
• Have experience leading design for large-diameter TBM tunnels, crossover caverns, and deep station excavations.
• Have expertise in numerical modelling, including 2D/3D finite element and finite difference analysis; PLAXIS, FLAC/FLAC3D, MIDAS GTS, or equivalent are cited.
• Be able to develop ground investigation scopes and interpret ground investigation data and reports.
• Be able to direct and mentor geotechnical and tunnelling staff and manage specialist sub-consultants.