Underground Construction Manager (Major Subway & Underground Infrastructure Project – New York [...]

Protecnium; New York (NY); On-site; USD 180,000 - 250,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

22 vacation days

5 sick days (100% salary)

Flight allowance

Hotel accommodation

Company laptop

Company phone

Private medical insurance 50%

Job summary

Protecnium is seeking an Underground Construction Manager for a major subway and underground infrastructure project in the New York metropolitan area. On-site position with an estimated two-year duration and continuity opportunities on future projects.

The role requires planning and directing conventional underground excavation activities, site supervision of station caverns, tunnels, and ground-support systems, and coordination across multiple interfaces.

Qualifications

• Engineering degree or equivalent technical qualification.
• 15+ years of professional experience in underground construction.
• Strong leadership and coordination skills for large, unionized teams.
• Expertise in drill-and-blast and SEM excavation techniques.
• Experience planning excavation sequences, manpower, and logistics.
• Ability to interpret geological data and adapt methods to conditions.
• Proven track record on major subway or cavern projects in NY/NE.
• Fluent English; C1 level or higher.

Responsibilities

• Plan, coordinate, and manage conventional underground excavation works.
• Oversee drill-and-blast and SEM operations and staged excavation.
• Coordinate interfaces between excavation, TBM, shafts, and structures.
• Supervise subcontractors and unionized labor with safety and quality focus.
• Review work plans, sequences, and construction methodologies.
• Plan manpower, equipment, ventilation, mucking, and logistics.
• Monitor production and ground behavior; adapt operations as needed.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Geotechnical interpretation

Union labor management

Safety compliance

Communication

Education

Engineering degree

Job description

Protecnium is an international firm specializing in engineering and technical services (www.protecnium.com/en). We are currently looking for an Underground Construction Manager to join our team for a major subway and underground infrastructure project in the New York metropolitan area, USA (on-site position).

• Project: Major Subway Tunnel and Underground Infrastructure Works.
• Estimated duration of the position: 2 years.
• In general, when the project ends, we try to place the employee in other projects to give him/her continuity.

Summary

The Underground Construction Manager will be responsible for planning, coordinating, and managing conventional underground excavation works associated with station caverns, mined tunnels, shafts, and related underground structures. The role will oversee drill-and-blast activities, Sequential Excavation Method (SEM) operations, staged excavation sequences, muck removal, scaling, shotcrete application, and the installation of temporary and permanent ground-support systems.

Main Responsibilities

• Plan, coordinate, and manage conventional underground excavation activities.
• Oversee construction activities involving station caverns, mined tunnels, shafts, and related underground structures.
• Manage drill-and-blast and Sequential Excavation Method (SEM) operations.
• Coordinate staged excavation sequences, muck removal, scaling, and shotcrete application.
• Oversee the installation of temporary and permanent ground-support systems.
• Review excavation sequences, work plans, and construction methodologies.
• Plan manpower, equipment, ventilation, mucking, and underground logistics.
• Monitor production performance and ground behavior, adapting operations when required.
• Coordinate interfaces between conventional excavation, TBM, shaft, and structural activities.
• Supervise subcontractors and unionized workforces, ensuring compliance with safety, quality, schedule, and technical requirements.
• Working Hours: Monday to Friday – 10 hours per day, including a 1-hour lunch break.

Requirements

• Engineering degree or equivalent technical qualification.
• Minimum of 15 years of professional experience.
• Significant management experience in conventionally mined tunnels, large underground caverns, or underground station structures.
• Strong knowledge of drill-and-blast excavation and Sequential Excavation Method (SEM) techniques.
• Experience with staged excavation, temporary ground support, shotcrete, rock bolts or anchors, steel ribs, and related underground support systems.
• Ability to interpret geological and geotechnical information and adapt excavation methods to actual ground conditions.
• Experience planning underground construction sequences, manpower, equipment, ventilation, mucking, and logistics.
• Previous experience managing unionized labor, preferably on major construction projects in New York or the northeastern United States.
• Experience on major subway, railway, cavern, or mining projects is strongly preferred.
• Excellent leadership, coordination, planning, and problem-solving skills.
• English level: C1 (Advanced).

Benefits

• Working for an international company currently expanding.
• 22 paid vacation days + 5 working days of sick leave (100% salary).
• Travel: Round-trip flight at the beginning and end of the project if necessary.
• Hotel: 15 days of accommodation if necessary.
• Company laptop provided.
• Company phone provided.
• Private medical insurance: 50% covered by the company.

The description and conditions indicated here are intended to describe the general nature of the work performed by employees but do not constitute a complete list of responsibilities, duties, and general competencies required by the staff. Additionally, they do not establish an employment contract and are subject to modifications as required by the employer.

At Protecnium, we are committed to upholding the highest standards of equality, diversity, and inclusion throughout our recruitment processes. We welcome applications from talented professionals of all backgrounds, regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.

To ensure fairness and accessibility, we also provide reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process. Candidates requiring support are encouraged to let us know at the earliest opportunity.