Senior Geotechnical / Tunnel Engineer

J10 Consulting FZ LLE; Dubai; On-site; AED 420,000 - 600,000; Full time

Job summary

J10 Consulting FZ LLE in Dubai seeks a senior Geotechnical Tunnel Engineer to lead the geotechnical design of large-diameter TBM tunnels and caverns for a major rail/road project.

Responsibilities include ground investigation planning, numerical modelling (PLAXIS/FLAC/MIDAS), excavation sequencing, and third-party damage assessments, with 10+ years in UAE or GCC tunnelling programmes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Civil or Geotechnical Engineering required.
• Minimum 10 years' post-graduate geotechnical/tunnelling experience; lead role on large TBM projects preferred.
• Experience with GIR/GBR and ground investigation specifications.

Responsibilities

• Lead geotechnical design for large-diameter TBM tunnels and caverns.
• Oversee ground treatment, supports design, and excavation sequencing.
• Direct ground investigation planning and GIR/GBR production.
• Oversee third-party damage assessment and instrumentation monitoring.
• Model ground-structure interaction using PLAXIS, FLAC, MIDAS.
• Review GI data and integrate results into design.
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams and clients.
• Provide technical leadership and mentoring to junior engineers.

Skills

Geotechnical design

TBM tunnelling

Numerical modelling

Ground investigation

Project leadership

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil/Geotechnical Engineering

MSc/PhD in Geotechnical or Tunnelling Engineering

Tools

PLAXIS 2D/3D

FLAC/FLAC3D

MIDAS GTS

Job description

Our Multi National Engineering Consultancy client has a new requirement for a well experienced consultant Geotechnical Tunnel Engineer to join their team in Dubai working on a major new tunnel and underground infrastructure project. Successful candidates will have a proven background as a Geotechnical Tunnel Engineer working on major tunnel and underground infrastructure projects rail or road in the UAE or the wider GCC region and will have worked for a recognised Consultancy or PMC company previously. This role is available for immediate joining and is an initial 3-6 month contract position employed as outsourced staff through J10 Consulting.

Key Responsibilities

• Leading the geotechnical design of large-diameter D 10 m TBM tunnels including the TBM crossover caverns at junctions ground treatment and pre-support temporary and permanent support design and excavation sequencing SEM NATM of cavern and enlargement works
• Leading deep excavation 30 m methodology studies for stations shafts and cross-passages comparison and selection of retention systems diaphragm wall secant pile top-down base stability dewatering and groundwater control and the resulting construction methodology
• Directing building and utility damage assessment for third-party structures adjacent to the alignment volume loss and settlement prediction Stage 1 to Stage 3 damage risk assessment protective and mitigation measures and instrumentation monitoring with trigger levels and response plans
• Predicting advance and production rates for large-diameter TBM drives and forecasting cutter intervention frequency and location including hyperbaric versus atmospheric intervention strategy ground treatment at intervention points and the effect of abrasivity mixed-face and boulder conditions on the programme
• Owning the numerical modelling strategy 2D 3D finite element and finite difference PLAXIS FLAC FLAC3D MIDAS GTS or equivalent soil-structure interaction groundwater and seismic assessment and technically reviewing the team's analyses
• Ground Investigation and Geotechnical Reporting: Collecting, reviewing and interpreting existing and historical ground investigation data from adjacent and previous projects and producing the project Geotechnical Interpretative Report (GIR) the geotechnical design parameters and where required the Geotechnical Baseline Report (GBR)
• Defining the ground investigation requirements for new projects scope technical specification borehole layout and depths in-situ and advanced laboratory testing schedules and geophysical surveys and preparing the associated tender documents and technical evaluation
• Managing the ground investigation programme from procurement to close-out supervision of the GI contractor factual report review schedule and budget control and timely integration of the results into the design
• TBM Operations and Constructability: Carrying out and documenting TBM optioning studies machine type EPB slurry variable density hybrid diameter cutterhead and cutting tool configuration back-up arrangement and segmental lining with a clear and auditable basis of selection
• Developing the TBM procurement and manufacturing plan technical specification manufacturing and factory acceptance programme delivery and assembly schedule together with the segment casting yard and site establishment plan
• Preparing and documenting tunnelling logistics plans launch and reception shafts muck haulage and disposal slurry treatment and separation plant segment supply annulus grouting ventilation power and water supply and issuing them as method statements technical notes and design reports

Senior Geotechnical / Tunnel Engineer Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Civil or Geotechnical Engineering; an MSc or PhD in Geotechnical or Tunnelling Engineering is strongly preferred.
• Minimum 10 years' relevant post-graduate work experience in geotechnical and tunnel engineering, of which at least 3 years must be on large-diameter TBM rail or metro tunnelling projects in a lead or principal role, is mandatory.
• Demonstrable, project-specific experience in each of the following: large-diameter (D > 10 m) TBM tunnel design; mined crossover cavern and junction design; deep (> 30 m) excavation and shaft design; third-party building damage assessment; and TBM production rate and cutter intervention prediction.
• Proven authorship of Geotechnical Interpretative Reports (GIR) and ground investigation specifications, and hands‑on management of GI campaigns from scoping through to design integration.
• A recognised technical authority in tunnelling geotechnics the depth of specialisation typically developed within a dedicated tunnelling and geotechnical consultancy, rather than a generalist civil engineering background.
• Advanced user of geotechnical numerical analysis software (PLAXIS 2D/3D, FLAC/FLAC3D, MIDAS GTS or equivalent).
• Prior experience providing guidance and leadership to junior engineers and managing sub-consultants.
• Strong communication skills, written and oral, in English.
• Dedication to technical excellence, innovation, and high-quality delivery.
• Previous experience in the UAE and GCC is an advantage; RTA, Dubai Metro, Etihad Rail or equivalent regional rail experience is a distinct advantage.
• Experience gained with a specialist tunnelling / geotechnical consultancy on major metro, high-speed rail or road tunnel programmes.