Tunnel Design Engineer

AECO; Chelmsford (MA); Hybrid; USD 125,000 - 225,000; Full time

Job summary

AECOM is seeking a highly skilled Tunnel Engineer to join our Americas tunneling practice in Chelmsford, MA. You will work on design of tunnels and underground structures using TBM and SEM, contributing to large infrastructure projects.

You will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, develop analysis, reports, and design packages. A PE license with 6+ years of experience is preferred, and the role offers hybrid work options on high-profile projects.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in geotechnical, structural, or tunnel engineering and 6+ years of related experience or demonstrated equivalency of experience and/or education
• Professional Engineer (PE) license

Responsibilities

• Design tunnels and underground structures using TBM (Tunnel Boring Machine) and SEM (Sequential Excavation Methods).
• Design SOE (Support of Excavation) systems for shafts, portals, cut-and-cover structures, and deep excavations.
• Develop, verify, and validate analytical, spreadsheet and manual design calculations.
• Apply commercial numerical modelling software to perform advanced analyses.
• Independently organize work plans, design tasks, and deliverables for underground infrastructure projects.

Skills

Tunnel engineering

Geotechnical engineering

Structural engineering

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in geotechnical/structural or tunnel engineering

Job description

• Legal Entity: AECOM Technical Services Inc
• Business Line: Geography OH
• Work Location Model: Hybrid
• Primary Location: US - Chelmsford, MA - 250 Apollo Dri
• Compensation: USD 125000 - USD 225000 - yearly

Company Description

Work with Us. Change the World.

At AECOM, we're delivering a better world. Whether improving your commute, keeping the lights on, providing access to clean water, or transforming skylines, our work helps people and communities thrive. We are the world's trusted infrastructure consulting firm, partnering with clients to solve the world’s most complex challenges and build legacies for future generations.

There has never been a better time to be at AECOM. With accelerating infrastructure investment worldwide, our services are in great demand. We invite you to bring your bold ideas and big dreams and become part of a global team of over 50,000 planners, designers, engineers, scientists, digital innovators, program and construction managers and other professionals delivering projects that create a positive and tangible impact around the world.

We're one global team driven by our common purpose to deliver a better world. Join us.

Job Description

AECOM is seeking a highly skilled and innovative Tunnel Engineer to join our growing Americas tunneling practice In Chelmsford, MA. This role is ideal for a technically strong, collaborative professional with hands-on experience in analysis and design of tunnel and underground infrastructure.

At AECOM, you will join a global team of 50,000+ professionals driven by a shared purpose: delivering a better world. Our work improves mobility, resilience, clean water access, and community connectivity.
The responsibilities of this position include, but are not limited to:

Key Responsibilities

• Design tunnels and underground structures using TBM (Tunnel Boring Machine) and SEM (Sequential Excavation Methods).
• Design SOE (Support of Excavation) systems for shafts, portals, cut-and-cover structures, and deep excavations.
• Develop, verify, and validate analytical, spreadsheet and manual design calculations.
• Apply commercial numerical modelling software to perform advanced analyses.
• Independently organize work plans, design tasks, and deliverables for underground infrastructure projects.
• Prepare design reports, technical specifications, and drawing packages, and assemble contract documents.
• Collaborate closely with colleagues from other disciplines, external partners, and clients to support successful project delivery.
• Provide expert guidance in soil mechanics, rock mechanics, and ground–structure interaction to multidisciplinary project teams on major transportation and water conveyance projects.
• Contribute to the development and continuous improvement of AECOM’s tunneling standards, tools, and best practices.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in geotechnical, structural, or tunnel engineering and 6+ years of related experience or demonstrated equivalency of experience and/or education
• Professional Engineer (PE) license

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in structural, geotechnical or tunnel engineering
• Experience with both large diameter (18 ft +) tunneling and trenchless technologies
• Multidisciplinary coordination experience on large underground infrastructure projects ($200+ million construction value)
• Client-facing skills and experience
• Experience with planning and implementing geotechnical investigation programs for tunnel and underground projects
• Proficiency in analytical and numerical analysis methods for tunnels and underground works
• Demonstrated experience in analysis and design of tunnels and underground structures
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Strong collaboration and coordination skills
• Ability to work independently and make informed technical decisions with minimal supervision

Additional Information

At AECOM, we are committed to maintaining a secure and trustworthy recruitment process and take any fraudulent hiring activity seriously. To support this commitment, all newly hired employees are required to attend an in-person Day 1 onboarding at an AECOM office location as a condition of employment.

About AECOM

AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status, AECOM benefits may include:

• medical
• dental
• vision
• life
• AD&D
• disability benefits
• paid time off
• leaves of absences
• voluntary benefits
• perks
• flexible work options
• well-being resources
• employee assistance program
• business travel insurance
• service recognition awards
• retirement savings plan
• employee stock purchase plan

AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients’ complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle – from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025. Learn more at aecom.com.

What makes AECOM a great place to work

You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects - both in your local community and on a global scale - that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cutting-edge technology and a network of experts, you’ll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award-winning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills, helping you build the career you’ve always envisioned. Here, you’ll find a welcoming workplace built on respect, collaboration and community—where you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.