Senior Tunnel Geotechnical Lead – TBM & Caverns

Parsons; Dubai; On-site; AED 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

Parsons in Dubai seeks a Principal Tunnel Geotechnical Engineer to lead the geotechnical and tunnelling design for major rail and marine programmes. You will own the design strategy for large-diameter TBM tunnels, deep excavations, and ground investigation planning, coordinating with a multidisciplinary team to deliver safe, innovative infrastructure.

The role requires a strong track record in TBM projects and leadership, with English communication and international experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Civil or Geotechnical Engineering; MSc/PhD strongly preferred.
• Minimum 10 years post-graduate experience in geotechnical and tunnel engineering; 3 years on large-diameter TBM projects in lead role.
• Experience in large-diameter TBM tunnel design, mined crossover cavern and junction design, deep excavation, and third-party damage assessment.
• Authorship of Geotechnical Interpretative Reports (GIR) and GI campaigns from scoping to design integration.
• Technical leadership in tunnelling geotechnics; specialist consultancy background preferred.
• Advanced use of geotechnical numerical analysis software (PLAXIS 2D/3D, FLAC/FLAC3D, MIDAS GTS).
• Experience guiding junior engineers and managing sub-consultants.
• Strong written and oral English communication.
• Chartered or professional registration (CEng MIStructE/PE or equivalent).

Responsibilities

• Lead geotechnical design for large-diameter TBM tunnels and cavern design.
• Direct deep excavation studies for stations and shafts; select retention systems and dewatering approaches.
• Manage ground intervention planning, damage risk assessment, and monitoring strategies.
• Forecast TBM production rates and intervention strategies, considering ground conditions.
• Own numerical modelling strategy and review analyses.
• Define GI requirements, supervise GI contractor, and integrate results into design.

Skills

English communication

PLAXIS 2D/3D

FLAC/FLAC3D

MIDAS GTS

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil or Geotechnical Engineering

MSc or PhD in Geotechnical or Tunnelling Engineering

Tools

PLAXIS 2D/3D

FLAC/FLAC3D

MIDAS GTS

Job description

Parsons in Dubai seeks a Principal Tunnel Geotechnical Engineer to lead the geotechnical and tunnelling design for major rail and marine programmes. You will own the design strategy for large-diameter TBM tunnels, deep excavations, and ground investigation planning, coordinating with a multidisciplinary team to deliver safe, innovative infrastructure.

The role requires a strong track record in TBM projects and leadership, with English communication and international experience.