TBM Inspector - Tunnel Operations

Parsons; Dubai; On-site; AED 167,000 - 246,000; Full time

Job summary

Parsons in Dubai seeks a TBM Inspector - Tunnel Operations to oversee mechanized tunneling, TBM operations, grouting, and lining works. You will monitor TBM parameters, review method statements, and coordinate with geotechnical and instrumentation teams to ensure safe, on-schedule progress.

The ideal candidate holds a Civil Engineering degree and has extensive TBM supervision experience, including EPB tunneling, with strong QA/QC and documentation skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or related discipline
• Minimum 8 years of construction supervision experience
• At least 4 years of direct TBM tunnel operations experience
• Completion of at least one TBM tunneling project
• Extensive knowledge of TBM operating sequences
• Earth Pressure Balance TBM experience preferred
• Strong understanding of excavation control, segment erection, backfill grouting
• Ability to interpret TBM operating parameters and recognize abnormal trends
• Experience identifying tunnel lining defects and precast segment damage
• Knowledge of QA-QC procedures, ITPs, and material testing
• Ability to interpret drawings, specifications, method statements
• Understanding of settlement monitoring and instrumentation requirements
• Experience coordinating with geotechnical, survey, instrumentation, construction, and design teams
• Strong documentation and record-keeping capability
• Proficiency with computer-based reporting and construction records
• Previous metro rail or large-scale tunneling experience desirable
• UAE or GCC tunneling experience preferred
• Good written and spoken English
• Strong interpersonal and coordination skills

Responsibilities

• Assist the Resident Engineer with supervision of TBM tunneling, segment lining, tunnel repair, and related underground works
• Monitor excavation and lining operations against approved drive instruction sheets and TBM protocols
• Review TBM operating parameters and ensure compliance with approved requirements
• Monitor face pressure, machine advance rate, torque, thrust, cutterhead speed, and muck characteristics
• Identify abnormal conditions that may affect tunnel stability or nearby assets
• Inspect tunnel lining defects and precast segments for damage
• Coordinate with geotechnical, instrumentation, and construction teams on TBM works
• Submit inspection observations and recommendations to the Resident Engineer

Skills

TBM inspection

TBM operations

EPB tunneling

Large-diameter tunneling

Face pressure monitoring

TBM advance monitoring

Torque monitoring

Thrust force monitoring

Cutterhead RPM monitoring

Screw conveyor monitoring

Muck parameter assessment

Tunnel lining inspection

Segment erection

Precast segment inspection

Segment defect classification

Ring build-up inspection

Lips and steps inspection

Backfill grouting

Annular gap grouting

Grout pressure monitoring

Tunnel waterproofing

Tail seal grease monitoring

Ground settlement monitoring

Instrumentation and monitoring

Geological face mapping

Ground condition assessment

Tunnel drainage

Inspection Test Plans

QA-QC

HSE compliance

TBM intervention planning

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or related discipline

Job description

TBM Inspector - Tunnel Operations Job Snapshot Role: TBM Inspector - Tunnel Operations Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates Industry: Civil Engineering Function: Building-Construction Inspection Experience: Minimum 8 years Job Type: Full-time Position Overview TBM Inspector - Tunnel Operations in Dubai, United Arab Emirates is a specialist Civil Engineering role supporting the inspection and supervision of large-diameter tunnel boring machine operations, segment installation, backfill grouting, ground behavior monitoring, and tunnel construction quality. Parsons Corporation is hiring an experienced tunneling inspector to monitor TBM operating parameters, identify abnormal conditions, inspect lining and segment works, coordinate with geotechnical and instrumentation teams, and ensure underground construction progresses safely within approved technical and contractual requirements.

Job Details Country: United Arab Emirates City: Dubai Industry: Civil Engineering Function: Building-Construction Inspection Salary: 15000-22000 Estimated salary range based on similar jobs in the job city; please confirm the final offer with the employer. Gender: Any Candidate Nationality: Any Job Type: Full-time

Role Context The TBM Inspector will provide continuous field oversight of mechanized tunneling operations and support the Resident Engineer in controlling excavation, segment erection, grouting, ground response, and machine-related construction activities. The role requires close interpretation of real-time TBM parameters and site conditions so developing risks such as settlement, loss of face pressure, groundwater ingress, segment defects, or unexpected geology can be identified early. Consistent inspection and reporting will help protect surrounding roads, buildings, utilities, structures, waterways, and other sensitive assets while maintaining tunnel quality and operational continuity.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist the Resident Engineer with supervision of TBM tunneling, segment lining, tunnel repair, and associated underground construction activities.
• Monitor excavation and lining operations against approved drive instruction sheets, method statements, Inspection Test Plans, TBM protocols, and contract specifications.
• Review assigned TBM operating parameters and confirm that construction teams implement approved requirements during each drive.
• Monitor face pressure, machine advance rate, torque, thrust force, cutterhead speed, screw conveyor operation, muck characteristics, and related machine data.
• Identify abnormal operating conditions that may create risk to tunnel stability or adjacent infrastructure.
• Assess TBM behavior in relation to surrounding buildings, roads, utilities, structures, and other critical assets.
• Inspect annular gap and backfill grouting activities.
• Verify grout pressure, injection volume, approved grout mix, injection sequence, and continuity behind installed segments.
• Monitor ring installation and confirm correct segment identification, positioning, gasket condition, and ring build-up.
• Check lips, steps, joint alignment, and damage to precast tunnel segments.
• Inspect completed tunnel lining for cracks, edge damage, damp areas, leakage sources, and other visible defects.
• Classify segment defects in accordance with contractual requirements and approved repair procedures.
• Monitor routine TBM activities including tail seal grease application, machine maintenance, grout supply, segment handling, and foam consumption.
• Coordinate with TBM shift personnel to maintain stable and safe machine operation.
• Review shift and daily reports covering excavation, ring erection, machine data, and grouting records.
• Immediately report abnormal face pressure, excessive settlement, water ingress, adverse ground conditions, excessive grout pressure, or other conditions that may compromise safe tunneling.
• Coordinate with instrumentation and monitoring teams to track settlement and movement during TBM advancement.
• Pay particular attention to critical zones beneath major roads, buildings, utilities, waterways, and sensitive structures.
• Notify geotechnical personnel when observed ground behavior differs from approved design assumptions.
• Support assessment of unexpected geological conditions and associated construction risks.
• Provide consistent inspection guidance to contractor shift teams.
• Review tunnel-related method statements, material submittals, technical proposals, test plans, and supporting technical documentation.
• Submit inspection observations and recommendations to the Resident Engineer.
• Provide technical assistance to supervision teams regarding excavation, segment erection, grouting, waterproofing, and tunnel lining works.
• Coordinate with design engineers when structural or constructability concerns arise underground.
• Inspect temporary and permanent tunnel drainage systems supporting safe TBM operations.
• Participate in incident investigations and support root-cause analysis.
• Follow up corrective and preventive actions until agreed issues are satisfactorily closed.
• Monitor tunnel progress against the approved baseline program and construction sequence.
• Highlight forecast delays and operational constraints affecting tunneling progress.
• Maintain complete, accurate, and traceable construction and as-built records.
• Support identification of tunneling risks and appropriate mitigation measures.
• Verify compliance with approved HSE, management, and QA-QC plans.
• Coordinate and supervise contractor activities during TBM assembly, disassembly, and transportation.
• Support route surveys required for TBM transport between ports, project sites, or shafts.
• Monitor preparation for planned and unplanned TBM interventions.
• Review geological face mapping and compare encountered conditions with approved design assumptions.
• Record rock quality, fractures, joints, groundwater, weak zones, cavities, and other adverse geological features at intervention locations.

Ideal Profile Candidates should hold a bachelor 's degree in Civil Engineering or a related discipline from an accredited institution and have substantial construction supervision experience in mechanized tunneling.

• Minimum 8 years of construction supervision experience.
• At least 4 years of direct experience with large-diameter TBM tunnel operations.
• Completion of at least one TBM tunneling project from commencement through final completion.
• Extensive knowledge of TBM operating sequences is mandatory.
• Previous Earth Pressure Balance TBM experience is strongly preferred.
• Strong understanding of excavation control, segment erection, and backfill grouting.
• Ability to interpret TBM operating parameters and recognize abnormal trends.
• Experience identifying tunnel lining defects and precast segment damage.
• Knowledge of QA-QC procedures, Inspection Test Plans, and material testing requirements.
• Ability to interpret drawings, specifications, method statements, and technical submissions.
• Understanding of settlement monitoring and instrumentation requirements around sensitive assets.
• Experience coordinating with geotechnical, survey, instrumentation, construction, and design teams.
• Strong documentation and record-keeping capability.
• Proficiency with computer-based reporting and construction records.
• Previous metro rail or large-scale tunneling experience is highly desirable.
• UAE or GCC tunneling experience is preferred.
• Good written and spoken English.
• Strong interpersonal skills for coordination with contractors, engineers, and project stakeholders.
• Ability to work under demanding underground construction conditions while maintaining inspection quality and safety standards.

Skills Set

• TBM tunnel inspection
• TBM operations
• EPB tunneling
• Large-diameter tunneling
• Face pressure monitoring
• TBM advance monitoring
• Torque monitoring
• Thrust force monitoring
• Cutterhead RPM monitoring
• Screw conveyor monitoring
• Muck parameter assessment
• Tunnel lining inspection
• Segment erection
• Precast segment inspection
• Segment defect classification
• Ring build-up inspection
• Lips and steps inspection
• Backfill grouting
• Annular gap grouting
• Grout pressure monitoring
• Tunnel waterproofing
• Tail seal grease monitoring
• Ground settlement monitoring
• Instrumentation and monitoring
• Geological face mapping
• Ground condition assessment
• Tunnel drainage
• Inspection Test Plans
• QA-QC
• HSE compliance
• TBM intervention planning

Why Join Us

Large-scale tunneling programs require inspectors who understand both the mechanical behavior of a TBM and the ground response surrounding each advance. This role offers direct exposure to excavation control, segment erection, grouting, instrumentation, geological assessment, defect management, and intervention planning within technically demanding underground works. It provides an opportunity to deepen specialist TBM expertise while contributing to the safe delivery of critical transport and infrastructure assets in Dubai.

About the Company

Parsons Corporation delivers engineering, infrastructure, transportation, and technology services across complex international projects. In the Middle East, its teams support major metro, tunnel, road, utility, and urban infrastructure developments through design coordination, construction supervision, technical inspection, project management, geotechnical expertise, and specialized underground engineering services.