Engineer IV – Tunnels

Mott MacDonald

. Coordinate and execute geo-structural design of underground excavations, including tunnels and shafts, for major infrastructure projects .

Posted 10/8/2026full-timeChicago • Illinois • United StatesJuniorMid-Level💰 $122,845 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in geo-structural design for underground excavations, including the application of soil and rock mechanics, structural analysis, and the preparation of technical documentation. Proficient in using geotechnical software and CAD tools to support the design and analysis of tunnels and shafts.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Geo-Structural DesignGeotechnical AnalysisProfessional Engineer (PE) LicensePlaxis 2D/3D SoftwareConstruction Drawing Preparation

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Soil MechanicsRock MechanicsShoring System DesignReinforced Concrete DesignSteel Element DesignStructural AnalysisSettlement AnalysisNumerical ModelingEngineering CalculationsTechnical Specification Preparation

Soft Skills

CollaborationCommunicationProject Support

Tools & Technologies

CAD SoftwareMathcadSAP2000RS2

Certifications & Qualifications

Master’s Degree in Civil EngineeringBachelor’s Degree in Civil EngineeringProfessional Engineer (PE) License in Illinois

Industry Keywords

Underground ExcavationsTunnelsShaftsGeotechnical ExplorationACI CodesAISC Codes

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Coordinate and execute geo-structural design of underground excavations, including tunnels and shafts, for major infrastructure projects
Evaluate geotechnical field and laboratory data
Estimate soil and rock geotechnical design parameters
Conduct engineering calculations and numerical modeling analyses
Design temporary and permanent support systems for tunnels and shafts
Support development of geotechnical exploration programs
Support preparation of construction drawings, design reports, technical memoranda, and technical specifications for underground construction
Review contractor shop drawings, submittals, and work plans during construction
Collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams to deliver comprehensive underground engineering solutions
Attend technical workshops and provide general project support through 20% domestic travel

Requirements

What you’ll need

Master’s degree in Civil Engineering or a related field plus two years of experience as a Tunnel Engineer or in a related occupation involving design of underground excavations, or a Bachelor’s degree and six years of experience
Applicants must hold a Professional Engineer (PE) license in the State of Illinois
Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the US
Two years in each of the following, with experience allowed to be gained concurrently:
Applying soil and rock mechanics to process field and laboratory test data and determine geotechnical parameters for underground excavation design
Designing shoring systems and temporary support systems for circular and rectangular excavations in soil and rock
Designing reinforced concrete structures following ACI codes and standards
Designing steel elements for braced excavations following AISC Codes and Standards
Structural analysis and design of tunnels or other underground structures using Plaxis 2D, Plaxis 3D, RS2, Mathcad, and SAP2000
Preparing construction drawings, drafting, and editing using CAD software
Settlement analysis for tunnel and shaft excavations using closed form solutions and geotechnical software

Benefits

Comp & perks

Medical, dental, and vision coverage
FSA and HSA accounts
Company-paid life insurance
Short-term and long-term disability coverage
Competitive 401(k) plan with company matching
Paid time off
Paid holidays
Caregiver leave
Employee referral bonuses
Professional registration and membership reimbursements
Tuition assistance
Partial telecommuting permitted