PE Global is recruiting for a Tunnelling Specialist on behalf of our public sector client. This is an initial 24-month contract role based in Dublin.
Hybrid role – Onsite 3-days per week.
Position Description
The Tunnelling Specialist will support Engineering and Major Projects (EMP) in managing technical engagement during the formal Pre‑Development and Early Engagement (PDEE) process for proposed tunnelling works associated with future Networks infrastructure. The role provides focused tunnelling expertise to help assess and respond to early‑stage proposals, ensuring that technical, operational and delivery requirements are clearly represented.
Working within the PDEE framework, the specialist will review and interrogate tunnelling documentation, including feasibility reports, route assessments, construction methodologies and programme assumptions. The role involves coordinating and consolidating feedback from multiple EMP teams, including HV Linear Assets Delivery, Networks Project Delivery, and Civil & Environmental Engineering, with particular emphasis on the Geotechnical function. The specialist will help align internal stakeholders around technical positions, identify risks and constraints, and highlight organisational readiness actions required for first major tunnelling project. This will include identifying information gaps, resourcing implications, and areas requiring further investigation or technical assurance.
Key Responsibilities
Interrogate tunnelling documentation, assessing feasibility, constructability, methodologies and programme assumptions.
Provide clear technical feedback to ensure engineering, operational and delivery requirements are reflected in early‑stage proposals.
Coordinate input from EMP stakeholders (HV Linear Assets Delivery, Networks Project Delivery, Civil & Environmental/Geotechnical) to form a consistent position.
Identify risks, constraints and information gaps in submissions and recommend areas requiring further investigation or assurance.
Evaluate technical and delivery impacts of proposed tunnelling works on infrastructure and future project interfaces.
Support EMP in building organisational readiness for delivering first tunnelling project, including highlighting resourcing, capability and procedural needs.
Develop practical recommendations for preparing to deliver large‑scale tunnelling projects, including potential future programmes.
Prepare concise reports and briefings summarising review findings and stakeholder input to support internal decision‑making.
Knowledge, Skills and Experience
Essential
Extensive tunnelling and/or geotechnical engineering experience across multiple phases of project development and delivery.
Strong understanding of soil and rock mechanics, ground behaviour, and site investigation methodologies.
In‑depth knowledge of modern tunnelling techniques, including Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs), cut‑and‑cover construction, and micro‑tunnelling systems.
Proficiency in dewatering, grouting, and waterproofing technologies and their application in complex ground conditions.
Ability to implement, analyse, and interpret ground movement and structural monitoring systems.
Skilled in reviewing, evaluating, and constructively challenging third‑party tunnelling methodologies, proposals, and programme documentation.
Excellent coordination, communication, and stakeholder engagement capabilities.
Proven ability to work collaboratively within dynamic, multi‑disciplinary project environments.
Strong strategic awareness, with the ability to identify readiness requirements, risks, and gaps in emerging project proposals.
A minimum of 10 years’ experience in tunnelling projects, ideally within the utilities or broader infrastructure sectors.
Desirable
Deep knowledge of underground safety regulations.
Experience in the Identification of geohazards (faults, water inflows, settlement risk).
Knowledge of Shaft sinking and underpinning methods.
Extensive experience in the assessment of ground behaviour under excavation.
Experience working in client or utility‑side interfaces or structured review processes.
Multi-disciplinary teams project leadership experience.
Familiarity with Irish regulatory and consent processes, including planning, environmental and geotechnical reporting requirements.
Qualifications
Essential
Level 8 Engineering Degree (or equivalent qualification).
Chartered Engineer status with Engineers Ireland or an equivalent internationally recognised professional engineering body.
Base Location
Dublin
Interested candidates should submit an updated CV.
Please click the link below to apply, call Paul Wheatley on 083 094 0199 or alternatively send an up‑to‑date CV to paul.wheatley@peglobal.net
***Please note our client cannot assist with any visa sponsorship and candidates must have the correct visa to live and work in Ireland***
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