Tunnel Design Expert

Systra; Dubai; On-site; AED 400,000 - 500,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering consultancy in Dubai seeks a Tunnel Design Expert to lead design activities on major transport projects. Candidates should have a Bachelor’s in Civil Engineering with at least 15 years of design and construction experience, including 5 years in senior roles. Proficiency in tunnel design software and knowledge of international standards is critical. This role requires strong leadership and communication skills, fluency in English, and experience in the UAE is advantageous.

Qualifications

• Minimum 15 years’ experience in tunnel design and construction.
• At least 5 years in senior/expert roles on major railway or HSR projects.
• Hands-on knowledge of international tunnel design standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise all design activities related to tunnel structures.
• Provide expert technical input during daily site activities.
• Review and approve contractor and designer submissions.

Skills

Tunnel design software proficiency

Leadership skills

Stakeholder management

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering or equivalent

Master’s degree in Tunnel Engineering (preferred)

Tools

Plaxis

FLAC

Tunnel CAD

Job description

SYSTRA is one of the world's leading engineering and consultancy groups specialising in public transport and sustainable mobility. With over 10,300 employees, SYSTRA's mission is to design safe and sustainable transport solutions to bring people together, develop social inclusion and facilitate access to employment, education and leisure throughout the world.

For 65 years, the Group has been working alongside cities and regions to contribute to their development by creating, improving and modernising their infrastructure and transport systems, throughout the life cycle of their projects. SYSTRA is involved from the earliest stages of design through to the testing, deployment and maintenance phases. The company provides all its services in over 80 countries worldwide and generates 74% of its turnover internationally. With its new services, SYSTRA supports its clients and partners in their digital, ecological and energy transition, in order to invent the mobility of tomorrow.

Tunnel Design Expert

Missions/Main Duties

• Lead and supervise all design activities related to tunnel structures, including alignment, cross-sections, geotechnical assessments, waterproofing, and ventilation systems.
• Provide expert technical input during daily site activities and resolve complex engineering challenges during tunnel construction.
• Review, assess, and approve contractors’ and designers’ technical submissions, calculations, drawings, and method statements related to tunnels.
• Ensure that the design and construction methodologies comply with safety, quality, and sustainability standards, as well as local regulatory requirements.
• Coordinate with multidisciplinary teams (civil, geotechnical, MEP, safety, etc.) and stakeholders to ensure seamless project delivery.
• Conduct risk assessments, value engineering, and constructability reviews.
• Attend site inspections, FATs, and supervise installation/testing of critical tunnel systems.
• Lead technical meetings, workshops, and design reviews with contractors, clients, and authorities.
• Provide mentoring and knowledge-sharing to junior engineers and team members.
• Prepare and submit regular progress, quality, and safety reports.
• Proactively identify and solve engineering and interface issues as they arise.

Profile/Skills

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, or equivalent; Master’s degree or specialization in Tunnel Engineering preferred.

Background

• Minimum 15 years’ experience in tunnel design and construction, including at least 5 years in senior/expert roles on major railway or HSR projects.
• Proven track record on the design and successful delivery of bored, cut-and-cover, and mined tunnels, preferably in challenging geotechnical environments.
• Hands‑on knowledge of international tunnel design standards (e.g., Eurocode, AASHTO, BS, UAE regulations), with relevant HSR/tunnel safety requirements.
• Proficiency in tunnel design software (Plaxis, FLAC, Tunnel CAD, etc.).
• Experience in the Middle East, particularly the UAE, is highly advantageous.
• Strong communication, leadership, and stakeholder management abilities.
• Fluency in English is mandatory; knowledge of Arabic is an advantage.

Systra is an equal opportunities company; this position is open to all applicants.