Senior Tunnel Engineer – Geotechnical Leader

CDM Smith; Fargo (ND); On-site; USD 105,000 - 184,000; Full time

Job summary

CDM Smith is seeking a Senior Geotechnical Engineer specialized in tunnels and underground structures to lead complex infrastructure projects. You will apply geotechnical expertise, guide multidisciplinary teams, mentor staff, and advance design standards and QA/QC practices.

You will drive field exploration oversight, develop geotechnical reports, and engage with clients to deliver world‑class solutions while contributing to industry advancement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Civil, Geotechnical, Mining, Tunneling, Structural Engineering, or related discipline.
• PE license.
• 10 years of related experience.

Responsibilities

• Performs structural and geotechnical analyses and design for increasingly complex projects involving tunnels and underground structures.
• Develops and implements design approach for 2D and 3D structural/geotechnical/soil structure interaction analyses and independently cross checks against empirical approaches, as necessary.
• Develops calculation packages, contract document (drawings and specifications) package related to geotechnics, tunnel, and underground structures areas.
• Communicates design requirements developed through engineering analysis to drawings and specifications.
• Provides technical leadership to drafters/designers and junior engineering staff.
• Provides leadership oversight on planning geotechnical investigation programs specific to tunneling and underground engineering.
• Develops/writes geotechnical reports (data, interpretive, and baseline).
• Performs risk workshop and cost estimate efforts.
• Independently reviews shop drawings and provides technical support on complex issues.
• Provides engineering oversight on field exploration program for tunneling and underground engineering projects.
• Serves as field engineer or assistant resident engineer on tunneling and underground engineering projects.
• Performs inspection of existing tunnels and underground structures to support project execution.
• Contributes to firm's TKM initiative for technical excellence and IP growth by developing white papers and technical design documentation of new or special case designs, studies, etc.
• Co-leads efforts in developing and maintaining design standards and proformas to support improved productivity and QA/QC initiatives.
• Collaborates with sales staff to create proposals in response to current and potential client requests for proposal (RFPs).
• Reviews draft proposals for adherence to firm, industry, state, local and federal regulations, and best practices.
• May meet with current and potential future clients to review their current and future design needs.
• Actively seeks to authors technical papers and attends (present at) conferences, symposia, etc.
• Actively seeks engagement with industry through committee membership and/or association participation.
• Actively seek opportunities for self and firm’s luminance within the industry.
• Provides technical guidance and training to more junior staff.
• Mentors more junior staff and develops them for future growth within the discipline and firm Oversees the work of junior engineers on project work.
• Performs other duties as required.

Skills

CADD 3D

Geotechnical engineering

Soil-structure interaction

Underground engineering design

Leadership

Client engagement

QA/QC

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil/Geotechnical/Mining/Tunneling/Structural Engineering

PE license

Tools

Revit

STAAD

RISA

Plaxis

FLAC

DeepEX

Excel

Word

Job description

CDM Smith is seeking a Senior Geotechnical Engineer specialized in tunnels and underground structures to lead complex infrastructure projects. You will apply geotechnical expertise, guide multidisciplinary teams, mentor staff, and advance design standards and QA/QC practices.

You will drive field exploration oversight, develop geotechnical reports, and engage with clients to deliver world‑class solutions while contributing to industry advancement.