At Jacobs, we're challenging today to reinvent tomorrow by solving the world's most critical problems for thriving cities, resilient environments, mission-critical outcomes, operational advancement, scientific discovery and cutting-edge manufacturing, turning abstract ideas into realities that transform the world for good.
Your impact
Jacobs is seeking an experienced Tunnel Design Engineer – Specialist who is a recognised technical authority in the design and delivery of underground structures constructed using a range of tunnelling and excavation methods. These include
- Tunnel Boring Machines (TBM) (preferred)
- Drill & Blast (D&B)
- Sequential Excavation Method (SEM / NATM)
- Mechanical excavation using road headers and partialface machines
- Cutandcover and mined cavern construction where relevant
The role provides indepth expertise in tunnel geometry, ground–structure interaction, primary and permanent linings, and constructability, together with a strong appreciation of construction method selection and risk management in complex ground conditions.
The position operates with broad technical and professional latitude, contributing to functional strategy, technical governance, and the delivery of safe, efficient, and resilient tunnels across diverse geological and urban environments.
The role operates with broad technical and professional latitude in a complex environment, contributing to functional strategy, anticipating business and regulatory challenges, and leading teams to deliver safe, efficient, and innovative TBM tunnelling solutions.
Expertise & Professional Standing
- Recognised as a technical expert in tunnel design across multiple construction methods, including mechanised and conventional tunnelling
- Deep expertise in
- Segmental linings (precast and composite systems)
- Sprayed concrete linings (SCL)
- Insitu concrete linings and secondary linings
- Strong understanding of excavationsupport interaction for
- Closedface and openface tunnelling
- Drill & blast advance cycles
- SEM/NATM staging and temporary support
- Broad working knowledge of geotechnical, structural, civil, systems, and construction disciplines relevant to underground works
- Acts as a senior technical escalation point and trusted advisor on tunnel design and construction methodology.
Key Responsibilities
Tunnel Design & Technical Leadership
- Technically lead tunnel design delivery for projects constructed using TBM, drill & blast, and other mechanical or sequential excavation methods.
- Lead the development of a tunnel
- Alignment and geometry
- Excavation profiles and clearances
- Construction staging assumptions
- Interfaces with track, systems, and other disciplines
- Design and review
- Segmental linings
- Sprayed concrete linings (primary and permanent)
- Insitu and composite lining systems
- Assess
- Ground–structure interaction
- Excavationinduced ground loss and deformation
- Settlement, convergence, and lining performance
Method & GroundSpecific Design
- Develop tunnel designs reflecting the construction method, including
- Face stability and support requirements
- Advance lengths and excavation sequences
- Temporary support classes (especially for D&B / SEM)
- Provide design input to
- Drill & blast blastability, support classes, and overbreak control
- Road header excavation feasibility and cutterhead interaction
- TBM operational envelopes and lining performance
- Evaluate transitions between excavation methods (e.g. TBM–SEM, SEM–cutandcover).
Coordination & Interface Management
- Coordinate closely with geotechnical, structural, civil, track/systems, hydraulics, and construction teams to ensure constructable and integrated tunnel solutions.
- Interface with contractors, specialist subcontractors, and equipment suppliers (e.g. TBM, road header, ground support systems).
- Manage interfaces at
- Cross passages
- Caverns and adits
- Shafts and portals
- Underground stations
Risk, Construction Support & Assurance
- Identify and manage geotechnical and construction risks related to different tunnelling methods.
- Define mitigation, observational approach strategies, and contingency measures.
- Support construction through
- Site visits
- Interpretation of monitoring data
- Resolution of excavation and liningrelated design issues
- Lead or contribute to
- Independent design reviews
- Constructability reviews
- Temporary works interface discussions
Strategic Contribution & Leadership
- Contribute to the development of companywide tunnelling standards and guidance covering both mechanised and conventional tunnelling
- Drive innovation in tunnel design, including
- Advanced numerical modelling
- Digital and datadriven design tools
- Observational Method implementation
- Mentor and technically develop engineers across multiple tunnelling disciplines
- Author or coauthor technical papers, presentations, and internal bestpractice documentation.
Here's what you'll need
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Tunnel Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, Rock Mechanics, Civil Engineering, or related discipline
- Typically 15+ years postgraduate experience in tunnel design covering more than one tunnelling method
- Demonstrated experience in at least two of the following
- TBM tunnels (preferred)
- Drill & blast tunnels
- SEM / NATM tunnels
- Mechanical excavation (road headers, partialface machines)
- Proficiency in geotechnical and structural analysis software (e.g. PLAXIS, FLAC/UDEC, RS2/RS3, MIDAS, SAP2000 or similar)
- International project experience preferred (HSR, metro, or major infrastructure)
- Chartered Engineer status preferred; membership of a relevant professional body required
- Strong technical judgement, communication, and clientfacing capability.
- Willingness to travel domestically and internationally as required for project delivery.
AtJacobs we value people. Having the right balance of belonging, career and lifestyle enables us to consistently deliver and exceed clients expectations.
Working alongside industry leaders, you will have the opportunity to develop your career working on key projects in an environment which encourages collaboration, knowledge sharing and innovation. To support your professional growth, Jacobs flexible working arrangements, extended leave options and a host of social, health and wellbeing events and initiatives will underpin our commitment to you.
At Jacobs it's all about what you do, not where you are, which counts!
We value collaboration and believe that in-person interactions are crucial for both our culture and client delivery. We empower employees with our hybrid working policy, allowing them to split their work week between Jacobs offices/projects and remote locations enabling them to deliver their best work.
Your application experience is important to us, and we're keen to adapt to make every interaction even better. If you require further support or reasonable adjustments with regards to the recruitment process (for example, you require the application form in a different format), please contact the team via Careers Support.
