Tunnelling Engineer

Arup; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private medical insurance

Life assurance

Income protection

Profit share

Flexible benefits

Job summary

Arup’s UK Tunnelling team is expanding to deliver diverse tunnel and underground projects across the UK and overseas. Based in the Birmingham office, you will contribute to design, analysis and delivery of tunnels using TBM, sprayed concrete lining, and micro-tunnelling methods while collaborating with geotechnical and structural colleagues.

You will apply design standards, analytical tools, and produce technical outputs including reports and drawings, with opportunities to work on various

Qualifications

• Experience contributing to the design or construction of tunnels with TBM, SCL or micro-tunnelling.
• Familiarity with Eurocodes, BTS and/or ACI.
• Experience using analytical software such as PLAXIS, FLAC or similar tools.
• Strong report-writing skills with the ability to produce technical outputs.
• Collaborative approach, good communication, and willingness to travel on short assignments.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to the design and delivery of tunnel and underground projects across the UK and internationally.
• Support development of technically robust and sustainable tunnelling solutions.
• Work across different tunnelling methodologies (TBM, SCL, micro-tunnelling).
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and produce high-quality reports and design documentation.

Skills

Tunnel design

TBM

SCL

Micro-tunnelling

PLAXIS

Python

Report writing

Tools

PLAXIS

FLAC

Job description

Arup’s purpose, shared values and collaborative approach have set us apart for 80 years, guiding how we shape a better world.

You will be joining Arup’s UK Tunnelling team, working across a wide range of infrastructure, energy and underground engineering projects. Our team applies advanced analysis techniques alongside practical design, construction and operational experience to support clients throughout the full project lifecycle — from planning and feasibility through to delivery, operation, refurbishment and upgrade of tunnel infrastructure.

The UK tunnelling team operates as one integrated team across hubs in Birmingham, London and Manchester/Leeds, working closely with our geotechnical and structural engineering colleagues. You will be based in our central Birmingham office, a modern and collaborative workspace.

The Opportunity

We are expanding our tunnelling capability to meet growing demand from our extensive client base, particularly across the infrastructure and energy sectors. Current areas of work include rail and highway tunnels, water and waste infrastructure, mining, carbon capture and storage, renewable energy (including hydropower), trenchless technologies and micro‑tunnelling.

We are seeking a Tunnel Engineer to contribute to the design and delivery of tunnel and underground projects across the UK and internationally. In this role, you will support the development of technically robust and sustainable tunnelling solutions, working across different tunnelling methodologies such as TBM, sprayed concrete lining (SCL) and micro‑tunnelling.

You will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, apply relevant design standards and analytical tools, and contribute to high‑quality technical outputs including reports and design documentation. There will also be opportunities to support projects across different stages of the lifecycle and to undertake short project assignments within the UK and overseas.

At Arup, you belong to an extraordinary collective – in which we encourage individuality to thrive. Our strength comes from how we respect, share and connect our diverse experiences, perspectives and ideas.

You will have the opportunity to do socially useful work that has meaning – to Arup, to your career, to our members and to the clients and communities we serve.

Is this role right for you?

We are keen to hear from engineers who are motivated by technical challenge, collaboration and continuous learning. You are likely to bring:

• Experience contributing to the design or construction of tunnels, with exposure to a range of tunnelling methodologies such as TBM, SCL or micro‑tunnelling
• Familiarity with relevant design standards and codes, including Eurocodes, BTS and/or ACI
• Experience using analytical software such as PLAXIS, FLAC or similar tools
• Strong report‑writing skills, with the ability to produce accurate, well‑structured technical outputs
• You will also bring a collaborative approach, strong communication skills, and the ability to apply existing knowledge in new and evolving contexts. Experience with design automation or coding (for example Python), an understanding of CDM Regulations, and a willingness to travel on short assignments will be advantageous.

***Unfortunately, we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK at the time of application and for the duration of employment. Any offer made will be subject to satisfactory proof of immigration status.***

What we offer you

At Arup, we care about each member’s success, so we can grow together.

Guided by our values, we provide an attractive total reward package that recognises the contribution of each of our members to our shared success. As well as competitive, fair and equitable pay, we offer a career in which all of our members can belong, grow and thrive – through benefits that support health and wellbeing, a wide range of learning opportunities and many possibilities to have an impact through the work they do.

We are owned in trust on behalf of our members, giving us the freedom, with personal responsibility, to set our own direction and choose work that aligns with our purpose and adds to Arup’s legacy. Our members collaborate on ambitious projects to deliver remarkable outcomes for our clients and communities. Profit Share is a key part of our reward, enabling members to share in the results of our collective efforts.

We also provide Private medical insurance, Life assurance, Accident insurance and Income protection cover. In addition, you’ll have access to flexible benefits to help you look after all aspects of your wellbeing and give you the freedom and flexibility to find the best solutions for you, your family, and your individual needs.

Different people, shared values

Arup is an equal opportunity employer that actively promotes and nurtures a diverse and inclusive workforce. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, regardless of age (within legal limits), gender identity or expression, marital status, disability, neurotype or mental health, race or ethnicity, faith or belief, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, and whether you’re pregnant or on family leave. We are an open environment that embraces diverse experiences, perspectives, and ideas – this drives our excellence.

Guided by our values and alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, we create and contribute to equitable spaces and systems, while cultivating a sense of belonging for all. Our internal employee networks support our inclusive culture: from race, ethnicity and cross-cultural working to gender equity and LGBTQ+ and disability inclusion – we aim to create a space for you to express yourself and make a positive difference. Discover more about life at Arup at www.arup.com/careers/your-life-at-arup.

We are committed to making our recruitment process and workplaces accessible to all candidates. Please contact [e-mail] to let us know if you need any assistance or reasonable adjustments throughout your application or interview process, and/or to perform the essential functions of the role. We will do everything we can to support you.

Our Application Process

To understand what to expect next, please visit https://www.arup.com/careers/recruitment-process.

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