Microtunnelling Engineer / Manager

Joseph Gallagher Limited; East London; Remote; ZAR 1 049 000 - 1 633 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading civil engineering firm is seeking a Microtunnelling Engineer/Manager to oversee operations and ensure project compliance. The role requires extensive experience in microtunnelling, along with strong problem-solving skills and the ability to lead a team. Applicants must hold a full UK driving license and be prepared for travel. This position presents an exciting opportunity to work on significant projects in the UK while ensuring technical excellence and safety.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in microtunnelling and pipejacking in the UK or similar environments.
• Strong knowledge of trenchless technology principles.
• Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and manage microtunnelling operations from pre‑construction through to completion.
• Provide on‑site technical leadership.
• Identify and resolve technical and operational issues.

Skills

Microtunnelling experience

Problem-solving skills

Attention to detail

Team coordination

Education

Degree or HNC/HND in Civil Engineering

Tools

Iseki microtunnel boring machines

Herrenknecht microtunnel boring machines

Job description

Job Title: Microtunnelling Engineer / Manager

Location

UK-wide (Flexible to travel)

Start Date

Immediate

Contract Type

Full-time / Contract (depending on candidate availability)

3>About the Role

We are seeking a highly experienced and technically proficient Microtunnelling Engineer/Manager to support the delivery of trenchless installation works across multiple UK sites. This role requires a deep understanding of microtunnelling and pipe jacking methodologies, strong problem‑solving skills, and a commitment to technical excellence.

The successful candidate will play a key role in the planning, execution, and management of microtunnelling operations, including both preparatory and live site activities. Flexibility to travel and work on various project locations across the UK is essential.

Applicants must have the current legal right to work in the UK.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee and manage microtunnelling operations from pre‑construction through to completion.
• Provide on‑site technical leadership
• Coordinate with project managers, designers, to ensure works are executed to specification and programme.
• Identify and resolve technical and operational issues proactively.
• Ensure strict compliance with health, safety, quality, and environmental standards.
• Produce and review daily tunnelling records, shift reports, and as‑built documentation.
• Support the development of junior engineers and operatives.
• Contribute to method statements, risk assessments, and project documentation.

Requirements

• Proven experience in microtunnelling and pipejacking in the UK or similar environments.
• Strong knowledge of trenchless technology principles, particularly shaft construction, lubrication systems, and slurry separation processes.
• Hands‑on experience with both Iseki and Herrenknecht microtunnel boring machines (MTBMs) is highly advantageous.
• Excellent problem‑solving ability and technical decision‑making under pressure.
• High attention to detail, with the ability to maintain accurate records and reporting.
• Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel and stay away as required.
• Must have the current right to work in the UK.

Desirable

• Degree or HNC/HND in Civil Engineering or related field (not essential if experience is extensive).
• CSCS / SMSTS / Tunnel Safety Training Scheme (TSTS) or equivalent certifications.

Company Background

The Joseph Gallagher Group is a family owned Civil Engineering business that delivers expertise whilst putting client satisfaction at the core of the business. Built on a personal reputation for honesty and quality, we understand the actions we take affect the communities and environments we operate in.

LIFE Culture

We're promoting a culture change within the industry and demonstrating initiatives to dramatically improve Health, Safety and Wellbeing. In 2014, we launched our award‑winning cultural safety programme (LIFE) which is deeply embedded into the company’s DNA and core values.

Disability Confident Committed

We are a disability confident employer and we're committed to providing equal opportunities in employment. All individuals will be treated in a fair and equal manner and in accordance with the law regardless of gender, marital status, race, religion, colour, age, disability or sexual orientation.

Reasonable Adjustments

We want to make our recruitment processes accessible to everyone, so if there is any way that we can support you to enable you to be the best you can, please contact the HR team at [e-mail].

About us

We are one of the UK's leading civil engineering and tunnelling contractors, offering a wide range of construction and specialist services.