Senior Tunnel Construction Engineer

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Job Description

The Senior Tunnel Construction Engineer is responsible for overseeing the delivery of bored tunnels and underground cavern and adit works within the TTT programme.

The role provides technical leadership, construction oversight, and contractor governance across the full lifecycle of underground works, including TBM excavation, cavern construction, breakthrough, TBM decommissioning, and site demobilization.

Working within the PMC/client team, the role ensures that all underground construction activities are delivered in accordance with NEOM standards for safety, quality, sustainability, and digital delivery, while maintaining alignment with programme, cost, and operational objectives.

What You'll Be Doing

• Construction Oversight – Tunnels & Caverns, Oversee execution of TBM tunnelling works (hard rock), including assembly, launch, production, and breakthrough.
• Monitor construction of large underground caverns and associated structures using SEM/NATM or drill & blast methods.
• Ensure underground works (tunnels, shafts, caverns, cross passages) are delivered in line with: NEOM codes
• Provide field-based technical support to resolve construction and interface issues. TBM Decommissioning & Worksite Demobilization
• Oversee TBM breakthrough, reception, and recovery operations, ensuring readiness of shafts/open cut and controlled extraction.
• Review and monitor contractor execution of: TBM dismantling strategies (in-shaft or in-tunnel)
• Lifting studies and heavy transport operations
• Supervise removal, logistics, and disposition (reuse, refurbishment, or disposal) of TBM components.
• Ensure safe decommissioning of all temporary construction systems, including:
• Slurry treatment and muck handling facilities
• Oversee closure works (grouting, sealing, structural completion) at all TBM interfaces.
• Ensure site restoration, environmental compliance, and demobilization are completed in accordance with NEOM requirements.
• Ensure full QA/QC close-out and as-built documentation for underground assets. Construction Planning & Controls
• Review and validate contractor construction programmes (Level 3/4), including TBM drives and cavern sequencing.
• Ensure alignment between: Construction sequencing, Logistics (muck handling, segment supply), Downstream fit-out and system installation, Monitor progress and productivity (TBM advance rates, cavern cycles) and drive recovery actions where required. Geotechnical & Ground Risk Management
• Ensure application of GBR/GDR requirements throughout construction and final works. Oversee implementation and performance of ground support systems.
• Support management of differing ground conditions (DGC) and associated contractual implications.
• Contractor & Interface Management
• Act as the PMC focal point for tunnelling and cavern contractors.
• Review and provide technical input on contractor submissions, including:
• Method statements
• TBM recovery and decommissioning plans
• Health, Safety & Environment (HSE)
• Ensure full compliance with NEOM HSE requirements and Life-Saving Rules.
• Oversee high-risk underground activities including:
• TBM breakthrough and cutterhead extraction
• Confined space works
• Heavy lifting operations
• . Quality & Assurance
• Ensure compliance with NEOM quality standards, IFC designs, and international codes (KSA, EN, BS, ITA).
• Oversee inspection and testing of:
• Segmental linings
  
  
  

What Required Skills You'll Bring

• Bachelors’ degree (or equivalent) in Civil, Mining, or Tunnelling Engineering.
• Minimum 15 years’ experience in construction of bored tunnels and underground cavern works.
• TBM tunnelling (EPB, slurry, or hard rock)
• Cavern construction (SEM/NATM or drill & blast)
• TBM breakthrough and decommissioning
• Experience on major infrastructure or mega-projects (metro, hydropower, mountain tunnels, or similar).
• Prior experience in PMC, EPC, or client-side roles preferred.
  
  
  

What Desired Skills You'll Bring

• Advanced knowledge of: TBM operations, recovery, and dismantling.
• Underground logistics and heavy lifting operations
• Ground control and support systems
• Strong understanding of: Construction risk and contract interfaces, Temporary works and demobilization processes. Environmental compliance in large-scale projects
• Familiarity with: ITA guidelines, Saudi Arabia Codes, Eurocodes / EN standards
• NEOM or equivalent giga-project requirements
• Strong leadership, coordination, and stakeholder management skills.
• Safe and efficient delivery of underground works
• Effective management of TBM lifecycle (launch → operation → recovery → demobilization)
• Integration of tunnels and caverns into operational infrastructure
• Strong contractor performance and interface coordination
• Full compliance with NEOM standards and project objectives
  
  
  

Parsons equally employs representation at all job levels no matter the race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age, disability or genetic information.

We truly invest and care about our employee’s wellbeing and provide endless growth opportunities as the sky is the limit, so aim for the stars! Imagine next and join the Parsons quest—APPLY TODAY!

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