Tunnelling and Underground Construction Engineer

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Job Summary:

The Tunnel / Underground Works Superintendent is responsible for supporting the planning, development, and execution of tunnel and underground construction works across Heavy Civil infrastructure projects. The role provides technical and construction leadership to project teams throughout the project lifecycle, from proposal development and project planning through construction execution and closeout.

Working as part of multi-disciplinary teams, the Tunnel / Underground Works Construction Manager supports the development of construction strategies, execution plans, risk assessments, and delivery solutions for tunnel and underground works. The role works closely with engineering, procurement, project controls, quality, environmental, and construction teams to ensure successful project outcomes.

Based in London, the position will support projects and business development activities across Bechtel’s global Heavy Civil portfolio. The role requires periodic international travel and temporary assignments at project sites to support project execution, construction readiness activities, technical reviews, troubleshooting, and key project milestones.

The role reports to the Senior Tunnelling SME, the Project Development Manager or Project Manager, depending on assignment, and works collaboratively with project and functional leadership teams.

Major Responsibilities:

• Support the development of construction execution strategies and plans for tunnel and underground works during both proposal and project phases.
• Provide technical input to project estimates, schedules, construction methodologies, and risk assessments.
• Support the safe execution of tunnel and underground construction activities in accordance with project requirements, contractual obligations, and Bechtel standards.
• Coordinate with engineering teams to ensure designs support safe, efficient, and practical construction methodologies.
• Review contractor execution plans, method statements, schedules, and work packages related to underground works.
• Monitor construction progress and performance against safety, quality, schedule, and cost objectives.
• Identify construction risks, constraints, and opportunities and recommend mitigation measures.
• Support resolution of technical and operational issues affecting tunnel and underground construction activities.
• Participate in constructability reviews, construction readiness assessments, and planning workshops.
• Coordinate interfaces between underground works and other project disciplines.
• Support project reporting through assessment of progress, risks, forecast activities, and key performance indicators.
• Promote Bechtel's Environmental, Safety and Health (ES&H) principles and Zero Accident philosophy.
• Capture and share lessons learned and best practices to support continuous improvement across projects.
• Travel to project sites as required to support planning activities, construction execution, technical reviews, and critical project milestones.

Education and Experience Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Mining Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, or a related discipline from an accredited university.
• Typically requires 10–15 years of relevant experience in heavy civil, tunneling, underground construction, hydropower, transportation, mining, or other major infrastructure projects.
• Experience supporting or leading tunnel and underground construction scopes on complex infrastructure projects.

Required Knowledge and Skills:

• Practical experience in tunnel or underground construction delivery, including excavation, ground support, lining works, shaft construction, or related activities.
• Understanding of underground construction methods, sequencing, risk management, and construction planning principles.
• Experience working with multidisciplinary project teams across engineering, procurement, project controls, quality, safety, and construction functions.
• Ability to evaluate construction risks and develop practical mitigation strategies.
• Experience managing interfaces with contractors and subcontractors.
• Strong communication, stakeholder management, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to work effectively within diverse, multicultural project environments.
• International project experience is desirable.
• Experience working within joint venture environments is advantageous.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and common project management tools.
• Demonstrated commitment to Environmental, Safety and Health (ES&H) principles and Bechtel's Zero Accident philosophy.

Total Rewards/Benefits:

For decades, Bechtel has worked to inspire the next generation of employees and beyond! Because our teams face some of the world's toughest challenges, we offer robust benefits to ensure our people thrive.  Whether it is advancing careers, delivering programs to enhance our culture, or providing time to recharge, Bechtel has the benefits to build a legacy of sustainable growth. Learn more at Bechtel Total Rewards

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As a global company, Bechtel has long been home to a vibrant multitude of nationalities, cultures, ethnicities, and life experiences. This diversity has made us a more trusted partner, more effective problem solvers and innovators, and a more attractive destination for leading talent.

We are committed to being a company where every colleague feels that they belong-where colleagues feel part of "One Team," respected and rewarded for what they bring, supported in pursuing their goals, invested in our values and purpose, and treated equitably. Click here to learn more about the people who power our legacy.