Tunneling Engineering Intern (Available Summer 2027)

Arup; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 30,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Profit Share

Flexible working

Job summary

Arup in Los Angeles seeks a skilled geotechnical engineer to perform empirical, numerical, and analytical analyses for tunnel and shaft designs across multiple methods. You will prepare technical memos, interpret geotechnical data, and contribute to Basis of Design reports.

You will work with Plaxis, FLAC, RocScience, and SAP/GSA, conducting site mapping and rock mass assessments, while collaborating in multidisciplinary teams on large transportation projects.

Qualifications

• Pursuing a Masters or PhD in Underground Construction/Tunneling, Civil (geotechnical focus), Geotechnical, Structural, Geological, or Mining Engineering.
• Sound knowledge of civil engineering fundamentals, soil and rock mechanics, and tunneling methods.
• Proficient in developing code and common coding languages.
• Proficient in geotechnical engineering analysis software preferred.

Responsibilities

• Carry out empirical, analytical, and numerical analyses for tunnel and shaft design.
• Interpret and organize design results into project documentation.
• Characterize and classify ground conditions for different tunneling methods.
• Communicate design work through sketches of support types and sequencing.

Skills

Geotechnical software

Coding languages

Civil engineering fundamentals

Tunneling methods knowledge

Education

Masters/PhD in Underground Construction or Geotechnical Engineering

Tools

Plaxis 2D/3D

FLAC/FLAC3D

UDEC/3DEC

RocScience

FracMan

SAP

GSA

Job description

The Opportunity

• Carry out empirical, analytical, and numerical analyses for purposes of tunnel and shaft design (initial support and final lining) for various tunnel construction methods such as drill and blast, sequential excavation method, or TBM.
• Interpret and organize design results into project documentation such as Technical Memos Geotechnical Data, Interpretive, or Baseline Reports, or Basis of Design reports
• Characterize and classify ground conditions for different tunnelling methods based on geotechnical information.
• Communicate design work through Preparation of drawing sketches indicating support types, geometry, construction sequencing, and instrumentation.
• Use tunnel design software such as Plaxis 2D/3D, FLAC/FLAC3D, UDEC/3DEC,RocScience, orFracMan.
• Undertake geological mapping and rock mass classification on site.
• Apply rock and soil mechanics skills to assess likely failure modes and develop ground support schemes.
• Undertake linear and non-linear structural analysis of shotcrete and concrete tunnel linings based on Code requirements using first principles or structural design software packages (SAP, GSA).
• Make use of automation and established workflows to follow best practice. Develop workflows and ideas for automation where none exist.
• Work in multidisciplinary teams for delivery oflarge scaleinfrastructure projects for transportation, water/wastewater, or mining.

Is this role right for you?

• Pursuing Masters or PhD in Underground Construction/Tunneling, Civil (with a geotechnical focus), Geotechnical, Structural, Geological, or Mining Engineering
• Sound knowledge of civil engineering fundamentals, soil and rock mechanics, and tunneling methods
• Good time-management habits, ability to multi-task, ability to sustain focus on long tasks
• Ability to communicate thoughts and ideas in an accessible way – distill design tasks and solutions into concise text and presentation slides
• Attitude of taking initiative, enthusiasm, eagerness to learn, teamwork, creativity.
• Proficient in developing code and common coding languages
• Proficient in geotechnical engineering analysis software preferred

Alongside your degree, we look for the following core attributes;

• Candidate must be eligible to work in the United States without the need for employer sponsored work authorization now or in the future.
• Changemakers: A passion for sustainable development and creating a better world is key.
• Innovative minds: We’re looking for critical thinkers who embrace new ideas and challenge the status quo.
• Growth seekers: You have a growth mindset, always eager to learn and explore new ways of working.
• Adaptable adventurers: You’re ready to take on any challenge that comes your way.

Please note, in the event of high applicant volume, this role may be closed ahead of the advertised closing date. Early application is recommended.

Advert Closing Date: 12th November 2026

Please note, in the event of high applicant volume, this role may be closed ahead of the advertised closing date. Early application is recommended.

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 permanent members to share in the results of our collective efforts.
We take an approach to flexible working that supports the diversity and wellbeing of our members.

Los Angeles Hiring Range – Hiring Range - The good faith base salary hiring range for this job if performed in Los Angeles is $22.00 to $43.50 per hour. This range is commensurate with experience, educational background, and skill level. Benefits are not included in the base salary. Please note hiring ranges for candidates performing work outside of Los Angeles will differ.

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 your recruiter to let us know if you need any assistance or reasonable adjustments throughout your interview process, and/or to perform the essential functions of the role. We will do everything we can to support you.

Arup acknowledges that our Los Angeles office is situated on the traditional territories of the Chumash, and Gabriele(i)no Tongva or Kizh.

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