Tunnelling Lead - Water

Atkins Realis; Dubai; On-site; AED 120,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A global engineering firm is looking for a Tunnelling Lead in Dubai to drive complex tunnel projects. Candidates should have over 15 years of experience, a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, and be adept in tunneling methods. This role offers a tax-free salary, comprehensive benefits including medical insurance, remote work options, and a strong emphasis on personal and professional development. Take the opportunity to shape essential underground infrastructure in the region.

Benefits

Tax-free salary

Comprehensive life insurance

Premium medical insurance

Generous annual leave balance

Flexible work solutions

Remote work opportunities

Company gratuity scheme

Discretionary bonus program

Annual flight contribution

Relocation assistance

Transportation & housing allowances

Employee Wellbeing Program

Qualifications

• 15+ years of experience in tunneling and underground works.
• In-depth knowledge of TBM, NATM, and microtunneling.
• Familiarity with GCC regional ground conditions.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and construction support for tunneling projects.
• Oversee risk management and interface coordination.
• Mentor junior engineers and develop tunneling capabilities.

Skills

Leadership in tunneling projects

Communication skills

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering

Master's degree preferred

Professional Certification in tunneling

Tools

PLAXIS

FLAC

TunnelCAD

Job description

Overview

We are seeking a highly experienced and motivated Tunnelling Lead to drive the planning, design, and delivery of complex tunnel and underground infrastructure projects. This is a strategic leadership position offering the opportunity to work on some of the most ambitious and technically challenging tunnelling initiatives in the region.

Your role

• Lead and manage the design, engineering, and construction support for tunneling works, including bored tunnels, microtunneling, and cut-and-cover structures.
• Provide technical leadership across all stages of tunnel project delivery – from feasibility, conceptual and detailed design, to construction and commissioning.
• Oversee tunneling methods, ground treatment strategies, risk management, and interface coordination with surrounding infrastructure and utilities.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams including geotechnical, structural, mechanical, and environmental engineers to deliver integrated solutions.
• Review and approve tunnel design calculations, construction drawings, and technical specifications in line with international standards and client requirements.
• Lead client and stakeholder engagement, including participation in progress meetings, technical reviews, and approvals.
• Support the procurement strategy and review contractor methodologies, equipment selection, and temporary works.
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to the development of tunneling capability across the business.

About you

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, or a related discipline; Master's degree preferred.
• Professional Certification related to tunnelling and construction management is required.
• Minimum 15 years of experience in tunneling and underground works, with proven leadership on large-scale infrastructure projects.
• In-depth knowledge of tunneling techniques such as TBM, NATM, pipe jacking, and microtunneling.
• Familiarity with regional ground conditions and prior experience working in GCC or similar environments is highly desirable.
• Strong command of relevant standards and guidelines (e.g., ITA, BS, Eurocodes, AASHTO).
• Proficiency in tunnel design software such as PLAXIS, FLAC, TunnelCAD, or equivalent tools.
• Excellent communication, project management, and team leadership skills.

Rewards & benefits

Explore the rewards and benefits that help you thrive – at every stage of your life and your career.

This includes:

• Tax-free salary.
• Comprehensive life insurance coverage.
• Premium medical insurance for you and your dependents.
• Generous annual leave balance.
• Flexible and hybrid work solutions.
• Remote work opportunities outside of country.
• Company gratuity scheme.
• Discretionary bonus program.
• Annual flight contribution.
• Relocation assistance.
• Transportation & housing allowances (available for remote work locations).
• Employee Wellbeing Program: 24/7 access to specialists in finance, legal matters, family care, personal health, fitness, and nutrition.

Seize every opportunity to sharpen your skills, expand your expertise, and be recognized for the impact you make.

About AtkinsRéalis

We're AtkinsRéalis, a world-class engineering services and nuclear organization. We connect people, data and technology to transform the world's infrastructure and energy systems. Together, with our industry partners and clients, and our global team of consultants, designers, engineers and project managers, we can change the world. We're committed to leading our clients across our various end markets to engineer a better future for our planet and its people.

Find out more.