Tunnelling Specialist
Location: Dublin (Hybrid Working)
Contract Duration: 24 Months
Start Date: Q2 2026
Working Hours: Monday–Friday, 08:30–17:00
IR35 Status: Inside IR35 (for UK-based workers)
Spencer Ogden is seeking an experienced Tunnelling Specialist to support a major infrastructure programme within a leading Engineering & Major Projects division. This is a long-term contract opportunity focused on providing expert tunnelling and geotechnical oversight during early-stage project development and engagement phases.
This role will play a critical part in reviewing and challenging tunnelling proposals, ensuring technical robustness, constructability, risk identification, and organisational readiness for large-scale underground infrastructure delivery.
The Role
The Tunnelling Specialist will provide focused expertise during formal pre-development and early engagement processes for proposed tunnelling works associated with future infrastructure projects.
You will:
Review and interrogate tunnelling documentation including feasibility studies, route assessments, methodologies, and programme assumptions
Assess constructability, engineering feasibility, and delivery risk
Provide clear technical feedback to ensure operational and engineering requirements are reflected in early-stage proposals
Coordinate multi-disciplinary stakeholder input (engineering, delivery, civil, environmental, geotechnical)
Identify risks, constraints, and information gaps
Support organisational readiness for a first major tunnelling project
Develop practical recommendations for future tunnelling programme delivery
Prepare concise technical reports and briefing documents to support internal decision-making
You will report into senior delivery leadership and work closely with Project Managers, Designers, Team Leaders, and subject-matter experts.
Essential Experience & Skills
Minimum 10 years’ tunnelling experience, ideally within utilities or major infrastructure
Extensive experience across multiple project phases (feasibility through to delivery)
Strong knowledge of soil and rock mechanics and ground behaviour
Expertise in:
Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs)
Cut-and-cover construction
Micro-tunnelling systems
Experience with dewatering, grouting, and waterproofing in complex ground conditions
Ability to interpret and analyse ground movement and structural monitoring systems
Strong capability reviewing and constructively challenging third-party tunnelling proposals
Excellent stakeholder engagement and coordination skills
Strategic mindset with the ability to identify readiness requirements, risks, and delivery gaps
Desirable Experience
Knowledge of underground safety regulations
Geohazard identification (faults, inflows, settlement risk)
Shaft sinking and underpinning methods
Ground behaviour assessment under excavation
Experience working in structured client-side review environments
Multi-disciplinary leadership experience
Familiarity with Irish regulatory and consent processes
Qualifications
Level 8 Engineering Degree (or equivalent)
Chartered Engineer status with Engineers Ireland or an internationally recognised equivalent body
Location & Working Arrangement
The role is Dublin-based with hybrid working (minimum 2 days per week onsite, subject to review).
The primary office location is currently at Dublin Airport until March 2026, moving to Grand Canal Quay, Dublin 2 from April 2026.
Travel and accommodation expenses for attending the base office will not be reimbursed.
Pre-approved business travel expenses outside the normal place of work will be reimbursed via the contractor’s agency.
Health & Safety Requirements
All contractors must comply with applicable Health & Safety regulations.
Required:
Full PPE (including Arc-resistant where required)
Steel toe boots compliant with S3 EN ISO 20345
Valid SafePass
Manual handling certification
Unbranded hard hat and ear defenders will be provided where required. Safety boots, gloves, and eye protection are to be supplied by the contractor.
Equipment Requirements
The successful candidate must provide their own:
Mobile phone
Laptop
Reliable internet connection
If you are a senior tunnelling or geotechnical professional looking to play a key role in shaping a major underground infrastructure programme, we would welcome your application.
Please complete the form for this job application.
At Spencer Ogden, we are dedicated to promoting diversity, equity and inclusion throughout our recruitment process. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds and are committed to making any necessary adjustments to ensure you can present your best self. If you require additional time for assessments, alternative application methods, or access to interview questions in advance, please let us know. We are open to any requests or suggestions and continually seek innovative ways to assess talent. As global recruitment experts in sustainability, natural resources and infrastructure we are working with our clients and candidates to create careers to power a sustainable future. Our priority is to ensure you feel supported, respected, and secure throughout your experience with us. #LifeAtSO