Lead Underground Structures Engineer – Tunnels & Shafts

WSP; Sheffield; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

WSP in the United Kingdom is seeking a Principal Structural Engineer to lead the design of underground tunnels and shafts from concept through construction, delivering safe and innovative solutions. You will join a diverse team across the UK, Ireland, and internationally, mentoring engineers and coordinating multi-disciplinary inputs.

You will collaborate with geotechnical teams to integrate ground behaviour, ensure compliance with standards, and contribute to business development while

Qualifications

• Degree in Civil or Structural Engineering; postgraduate qualification desirable.
• Extensive experience in structural design for underground shafts and tunnels, including temporary and permanent works.
• Strong understanding of ground-structure interaction under complex loading.
• Familiarity with tunnelling methods TBM, NATM, SCL and shaft sinking techniques.
• Proficiency in STAAD.Pro, MIDAS, Robot and geotechnical modelling tools.
• Ability to manage complex projects and lead multi-disciplinary teams.
• Excellent communication skills and willingness to travel within the UK and internationally.

Responsibilities

• Lead structural design for underground structures from concept through detailed design and construction phases.
• Apply advanced structural engineering principles to develop safe, efficient, and innovative solutions for underground projects.
• Ensure compliance with Eurocodes, BS codes, ITA guidelines, and applicable local regulations.
• Undertake and review structural analyses including load assessments and ground-structure interaction modelling.
• Collaborate with geotechnical teams to integrate ground behaviour into structural solutions.
• Manage technical delivery of multi-disciplinary projects, coordinating inputs from civil, geotechnical and environmental teams.
• Provide expert advice on construction methods, structural risk management and material selection for underground works.
• Conduct site inspections, supervise construction activities, and provide input during tunnelling and shaft sinking operations.
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to internal training programmes.
• Support business development through proposals, client engagement and industry conferences.
• Promote health, safety, and equality in all aspects of work.

Education

Degree in Civil or Structural Engineering

Postgraduate qualification desirable

Tools

STAAD.Pro

MIDAS

Robot

Geotechnical modelling tools

Job description

WSP in the United Kingdom is seeking a Principal Structural Engineer to lead the design of underground tunnels and shafts from concept through construction, delivering safe and innovative solutions. You will join a diverse team across the UK, Ireland, and internationally, mentoring engineers and coordinating multi-disciplinary inputs.

You will collaborate with geotechnical teams to integrate ground behaviour, ensure compliance with standards, and contribute to business development while