Ground Engineer - Tunnelling

Job Requirements

At Quest Global, it’s not just what we do but how and why we do it that makes us different. With over 25 years as an engineering services provider, we believe in the power of doing things differently to make the impossible possible. Our people are driven by the desire to make the world a better place—to make a positive difference that contributes to a brighter future. We bring together technologies and industries, alongside the contributions of diverse individuals who are empowered by an intentional workplace culture, to solve problems better and faster.

We are known for our extraordinary people who make the impossible possible every day. Questians are driven by hunger, humility, and aspiration. We believe that our company culture is the key to our ability to make a true difference in every industry we reach. Our teams regularly invest time and dedicated effort into internal culture work, ensuring that all voices are heard.

We wholeheartedly believe in the diversity of thought that comes with fostering a culture rooted in respect, where everyone belongs, is valued, and feels inspired to share their ideas. We know embracing our unique differences makes us better, and that solving the worlds hardest engineering problems requires diverse ideas, perspectives, and backgrounds. We shine the brightest when we tap into the many dimensions that thrive across over 21,000 difference-makers in our workplace.

Job Description

Unified Job Description – Ground Engineering / Tunnelling

(Engineer / Lead Engineer / Expert)

Role Summary

The Ground & Tunnel Engineer will support or lead the design, assessment, and substantiation of tunnels, shafts, underground structures, and deep excavations within multidisciplinary engineering environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Structural and geotechnical analysis, modelling, and calculations for tunnels, shafts, underground structures, and excavation works.

• Preparation and review of technical reports, specifications, design documentation, and substantiation.

• Assessment of ground–structure interaction, excavation stability, tunnel linings, settlement, and construction‑stage behaviour.

• Evaluation of tunnel construction methods and feasibility.

• Coordination with geotechnical, civil, structural, construction, safety, and systems engineering teams.

• Participation in or leadership of design reviews, assurance activities, and resolution of technical queries.

• Management of scope of work and third‑party technical inputs (Lead/Expert levels).

• Delivery oversight of technical work packages and validation of engineering solutions (Lead/Expert levels).

• Mentoring junior engineers and supporting continuous improvement.

Work Experience

Experience Levels

Engineer

• Degree‑qualified; working toward Chartered status or equivalent competence.

• Experience in tunnelling or underground works within regulated sectors.

• Familiar with numerical modelling tools (e.g., FLAC, PLAXIS) and geotechnical design principles.

Lead Engineer/Engineering manager

• Chartered or equivalent senior experience.

• Leads tunnelling design packages and coordinates multidisciplinary interfaces.

• Strong capability in tunnel alignment development, excavation support systems, lining design, and underground structures.

• Oversees delivery of technical work packages and engages with reviewers and stakeholders.

Expert / SME

• Chartered with extensive experience in rock mechanics, geotechnical engineering, or underground works.

• Provides specialist advice, independent technical reviews, and expert judgement on complex underground structures.

• Experienced in rock mass stability, advanced soil/rock modelling, and geotechnical risk management.

• Supports regulatory engagement and construction‑stage problem solving.

Skills Required

• Tunnelling Design — design of tunnels, shafts, linings, excavation support, and underground structures.

• Geotechnical Engineering — soil/rock behaviour, ground movements, stability, and construction methodologies.

• Numerical Modelling — experience with FLAC, PLAXIS, or similar tools for soil‑structure interaction.

• Structural Analysis — assessment of underground structural elements and lining systems.

• Ground–Structure Interaction — understanding of settlement, deformation, and excavation behaviour.

• Construction Methods — feasibility of bored, sprayed, and cut‑and‑cover tunnelling techniques.

• Technical Documentation — preparation and review of reports, specifications, and substantiation.

• Engineering Codes — Eurocodes, BS EN, ITA guidance, ASCE; familiarity with American codes desirable.

• Multidisciplinary Coordination — working with civil, structural, geotechnical, construction, safety, and systems teams.

• Technical Assurance — design reviews, independent checks, and safety justification.

• Risk Management — identification and mitigation of geotechnical and construction risks.

• Stakeholder Engagement — communication with reviewers, regulators, and project teams.

• Leadership — leading work packages, mentoring engineers, and managing interfaces (Lead/Expert levels).

• Advanced Rock Mechanics — stability assessments, constitutive models, and underground excavation behaviour (Expert level).