Technical Director - Tunnels

Jacobs; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 225,000 - 275,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision insurance

401(k) plan with company match

Stock purchase plan

Job summary

Jacobs is seeking a highly experienced Tunnel Engineer to join the Americas Region Tunnel Leadership Team as a design and project management leader for large-scale tunnel projects in the US.

The role demands a PE, 20+ years in tunnel engineering, and proven leadership in planning, design, and construction across TBM, NATM, and cut‑and‑cover methods. Hybrid work with collaboration across Jacobs offices and sites is offered.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Civil Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, or related field; PE license required.
• Minimum 20 years of tunnel engineering experience, with at least 5 years in a leadership role on major US projects.
• Extensive knowledge of tunnel/underground design and construction methods (TBM, NATM, cut-and-cover).

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership for a portfolio of tunnel projects.
• Take on Project or Design Manager roles overseeing planning, design, and execution.
• Guide geotechnical analysis, structural design, and construction methods across projects.
• Mentor and develop a team of tunnel engineers.
• Collaborate with clients and stakeholders to secure new opportunities.

Skills

Tunnel engineering

Leadership

Project management

Communication

Mentoring

Education

Bachelors or Masters in Civil/Geotechnical Eng

Professional Engineer (PE) license

Tools

AutoCAD

PLAXIS

SAP 2000

Job description

At Jacobs, we're challenging today to reinvent tomorrow by solving the world's most critical problems for thriving cities, resilient environments, mission-critical outcomes, operational advancement, scientific discovery and cutting-edge manufacturing, turning abstract ideas into realities that transform the world for good.

Your impact

We are seeking a highly experienced and visionary expert Tunnel Engineer to be part of our core leadership teamfor of ournational tunnel engineering group. This role requires a dynamic leader with a proven track record in Design Management and Project Management of complex tunnel and underground infrastructure projects, as well as the ability to drive technical excellence across a broad portfolio of tunneling projects. The successful candidate will drive strategic initiatives, oversee complex projects, and mentor a team of talented engineers.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership and StrategyAs part of Jacobs' Americas Region Tunnel Leadership Team, provide overall technical leadership to a portfolio of tunnel and underground infrastructure projects, and establish strategies for developing technical expertise within Jacobs' tunneling team, ensuring that Jacobs remains at the forefront of industry trends and standards.

Project/Design ManagementTake on Project or Design Manager roles and oversee the planning, design, and execution of large-scale tunnel and underground infrastructure projects, ensuring they are completed on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards.

Technical ExpertiseProvide expert guidance on complex engineering challenges, including geotechnical analysis, structural design, and construction methodologies. This expert guidance will be provided across a portfolio of tunneling projects.

Team DevelopmentMentor and develop a team of tunnel engineers, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Provide Support to Business Growth & Stakeholder EngagementCollaborate with clients, government agencies, and industry partners to build strong relationships and secure new business opportunities. Provide technical support and differentiation to Jacobs' Sales teams when pursuing large and complex tunneling projects.

Quality AssuranceEnsure all projects comply with safety regulations, environmental standards, and quality control procedures.

Research and DevelopmentStay abreast of the latest advancements in tunnel engineering and integrate new technologies and best practices into projects. You will be recognized as a tunneling subject matter expert within Jacobs, and will provide support to global tunnel market growth and technical development strategies, working with both National and Global Tunnel leadership personnel.

Here's what you'll need

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Civil Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, or a related field. Professional Engineer (PE) license required
• Minimum of 20 years of experience in tunnel engineering, with at least 5 years in a leadership role in a major tunnel project within the US
• Extensive knowledge of planning, design and construction of tunnel and underground infrastructure projects, including TBM, NATM, and cut-and-cover methods of construction. Good understanding for engineering software such as AutoCAD, PLAXIS and/or SAP 2000and other software utilized by the team.
• Strong leadership and team management abilities, with a proven track record of leading successful projects and teams. Experience establishing and implementing strategies, mentoring staff and providing technical input as a subject matter expert across a portfolio of projects, in addition to leading large projects
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present complex technical information to diverse audiences. The ability to collaborate and work as part of an inclusive leadership team
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to make sound decisions under pressure
• A forward-thinking mindset with a passion for innovation and continuous improvement

Benefits

• Our health and welfare benefits are designed to invest in you, and in the things you care about.
• Your health.
• Your well-being.
• Your security.
• Your future.
• Employees have access to medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance, a 401(k) plan, and the ability to purchase company stock at a discount.
• Eligible employees may also enroll in a deferred compensation plan or the Executive Deferral Plan.
• Jacobs has an unlimited U.S. Personalized Paid Time Off (PPTO) policy for full-time salaried/exempt employees, seven paid holidays, and caregiver leave.
• And certain roles may be eligible for additional rewards, including merit increases, performance discretionary bonus, and stock.

The base salary range for this position is $225,000.00 to $275,000.00. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

Job posted on August 04, 2026. This position will be open for at least 3 days.

Qualified applicants with criminal histories will be considered for employment

We value collaboration and believe that in-person interactions are crucial for both our culture and client delivery. We empower employees with our hybrid working policy, allowing them to split their work week between Jacobs offices/projects and remote locations enabling them to deliver their best work.

Your application experience is important to us, and we're keen to adapt to make every interaction even better. If you require further support or reasonable adjustments with regards to the recruitment process (for example, you require the application form in a different format), please contact the team via Careers Support.