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Entry Level Tunnel Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

THIS IS AN ENTRY LEVEL POSITION. Traylor Bros., Inc. (TBI) is one of the most respected and sought ... Mechanical Engineering, Mining Engineering, Underground Tunneling and Construction Engineering • ...

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Entry Level Tunnel Engineer information

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$30K

$69.4K

$118K

How much do entry level tunnel engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level tunnel engineer in the United States is $69,362.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51,500.00 and $78,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Tunnel Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Tunnel Engineer, you need a bachelor’s degree in civil or geotechnical engineering, strong analytical skills, and a foundational understanding of structural mechanics and geology. Familiarity with industry-standard design software such as AutoCAD, PLAXIS, and geotechnical modeling tools, as well as knowledge of relevant engineering codes, is typically required. Effective communication, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities set outstanding candidates apart in collaborative and dynamic project environments. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring safe, efficient tunnel designs and successful project execution in complex underground construction settings.

What does an entry level tunnel engineer do?

An entry level tunnel engineer assists in the planning, design, and construction of tunnels for transportation, utilities, or infrastructure projects. They typically work under the supervision of experienced engineers, performing tasks such as preparing technical drawings, conducting site inspections, analyzing geotechnical data, and ensuring safety standards are met. Their responsibilities may also include assisting with project documentation, using computer-aided design (CAD) software, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams. This role offers valuable hands-on experience and exposure to various tunneling methods and construction technologies.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level tunnel engineers during the early stages of their careers?

Entry level tunnel engineers often encounter challenges such as adapting to the complex technical requirements of underground construction, learning to interpret geotechnical data, and understanding tunneling methods like TBM or NATM. Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams—including geologists, surveyors, and senior engineers—is essential, which can be overwhelming initially. Managing time effectively between fieldwork and office tasks, and staying compliant with safety protocols, are also key challenges. However, strong mentorship and structured onboarding programs offered by most engineering firms can help new engineers transition smoothly.

What is the difference between Entry Level Tunnel Engineer vs Junior Civil Engineer?

AspectEntry Level Tunnel EngineerJunior Civil Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Civil Engineering or related field, some internshipsBachelor's in Civil Engineering, internship experience often preferred
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, underground tunnel projects, engineering firmsConstruction sites, infrastructure projects, consulting firms
Employer & Industry UsageMining, transportation, infrastructure companiesPublic works departments, engineering consulting firms
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding entry-level roles in tunnel projectsComparing entry-level civil engineering roles in infrastructure

Entry Level Tunnel Engineers and Junior Civil Engineers often share similar educational backgrounds and work environments, especially in construction and infrastructure projects. However, Tunnel Engineers focus specifically on underground tunnel projects, requiring specialized knowledge of tunneling methods, while Civil Engineers have a broader scope across various infrastructure projects. Both roles are suitable for recent graduates seeking to start their careers in civil and tunnel engineering fields.

More about Entry Level Tunnel Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Entry Level Tunnel Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Entry Level Tunnel Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Tunnel Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Tunnel Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Entry Level Tunnel Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Entry Level Tunnel Engineer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Tunnel Engineer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 90% In-person, and 10% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $69,362 per year, or $33.3 per hour.
Field Engineer - Heavy Civil - Kiewit Foundations Co 2026

Field Engineer - Heavy Civil - Kiewit Foundations Co 2026

Kiewit Corporation

Baltimore, MD • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 22 days ago


Kiewit Corporation rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 133 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

20th of 78 rated construction


Job description

 Requisition ID: 179183 

Job Level: Entry Level 

Home District/Group: Kiewit Foundations Co 

Department: Field Operations 

Market: Transportation 

Employment Type: Full Time 

Position Overview

Our mission is to make a difference and we offer opportunities for you to make one too through our construction operations. Whether we're boring tunnels through mountains, turning rivers into energy or building bridges that connect communities, we depend on our passionate, skilled, and safety-minded construction professionals to get it done right. 
As a Field/Office Engineer, you bring your big ideas, commitment to top quality, and an unwavering work ethic. In return, we offer huge career and travel opportunities and the satisfaction of building the next big thing from the ground up. There's a reason Kiewit attracts the best: we build the biggest, most exciting projects.

District Overview

The Kiewit Foundations Co. team self performs complex geotechnical projects across North America. We deliver creative, cost-efficient solutions that are responsive to each project's specific site conditions. We utilize value engineering and constructability reviews, and our depth of expertise to offer constructible solutions that optimize budget and schedule. We perform these operations with our fleet of specialty equipment and the management resources of one of the top builders in the country.
We are looking for hands-on, engineers excited to be both in the field and office supporting project and estimating work. We are looking for people pursuing one of the following college majors:  Civil, Mining, Mechanical, & Geotechnical Engineering, and Construction Management related degrees. These Entry Level Engineers will be required to perform engineering work in connection with a wide range of underground and foundations projects that range in size, difficulty, and duration.  Entry Level Engineers will be involved in the district estimating unit at various points in a career, which involves quantity takeoffs, time studies, cost estimating, participating in estimate reviews and bid close-out.

Location

Kiewit is a company that goes where the work is, which means a career with us can take you and your family to exciting parts of North America - and maybe even beyond. Kiewit Foundations conducts its operations primarily through Kiewit Infrastructure Company, a subsidiary of Kiewit Corporation. Headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska, we construct both deep underground and foundation projects across the U.S. and Canada related to transportation, water/wastewater, power, mining, and telecommunications to name a few. These projects are happening in large cities and small towns, so you have a chance to experience it all!

Responsibilities

Field Engineering: 

  • Assist in interpretation of drawings and specifications for field crews and craft supervision 
  • Perform quantity calculations by taking measurements and determining percentage of completed/installed materials and work 
  • Assist in the preparation of work plans and work packages 
  • Assist in field surveying and work layout support including elevation, control points, and compilation of as-built data 
  • Assist in compiling, processing, and confirming daily labor timesheets 
  • Assist in the preparation of Job Hazard Analysis (JHA's) 
  • Assist in providing solutions related to underground tunneling and construction operations
  • Participate in jobsite safety reviews, toolbox meetings, mass safety meetings, and safety training 
  • Order and schedule material deliveries 
  • Plan, schedule, and coordinate work groups on the jobsite 
  • Supervise field operations 

Office Engineering: 

  • Perform material takeoffs from drawings, specifications, and other contract documents 
  • Perform basic engineering calculations and technical drafting to support field operations 
  • Assist engineers to gather and prepare data for submittal or transmittal to the customer, vendors, subcontractors, governmental agencies, and internal use 
  • Participate in the preparation of purchase orders and subcontracts, performing minor solicitations and purchasing as requested 
  • Schedule maintenance and performing updates as directed by others 
  • Assist in the maintenance of basic project recordkeeping and correspondence functions including daily reports, photographs, requests for information (RFIs), and memorandums 
  • Enter data into the job cost system and participate in reviewing cost reports with jobsite management 
  • Assist in generating change orders and as-built data to be reviewed by the Project Manager 
  • Provide field support and supervise subcontractor operations 

Estimating: 

  • Assist in reviewing and analyzing historical data relative to the project, incorporating various productions and costs appropriate in preparation of a bid 
  • Complete a plan and specification review for an assigned project, assessing the risk areas and bringing them to the attention of the Senior Estimator 
  • Complete material and quantity takeoffs according to bid documents 
Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in a construction-related field of engineering, examples are civil engineering, mining, mechanical, geotechnical, construction management
  • Previous experience in construction or mining is preferred
  • Must have a strong desire to work in the underground construction industry
  • Be willing to fully participate in job assignments at the job site, district office or department to which assigned
  • Must be willing to travel and relocate throughout career as we operate on a national scale, not a regional one
  • Have the ability to read and interpret construction drawings and specifications
  • Strong work ethic - willing to do what it takes to get the job done
  • Have the ability to work independently as well as part of a team
  • Good working knowledge and experience with both Excel and Word
  • Good written and verbal communication skills
  • Reliable transportation to and from work
  • Must have a valid Driver's license
  • Critical thinking skills necessary with the ability to plan ahead and conceptualize

Other common names for this role: Office Engineer, Project Engineer, Field Engineer, Engineer 1

#LI-SS2

Other Requirements:
    Regular, reliable attendance
    Work productively and meet deadlines timely
    Communicate and interact effectively and professionally with supervisors, employees, and others individually or in a team environment
    Perform work safely and effectively. Understand and follow oral and written instructions, including warning signs, equipment use, and other policies.
    Work during normal operating hours to organize and complete work within given deadlines. Work overtime and weekends as required.
    May work at various different locations and conditions may vary

Base Compensation: $81,500 - $91,500
(Actual compensation is subject to variation due to such factors as education, experience, skillset, and/or location)

We offer our fulltime staff employees a comprehensive benefits package that's among the best in our industry, including top-tier medical, dental and vision plans covering eligible employees and dependents, voluntary wellness and employee assistance programs, life insurance, disability, retirement plans with matching, and generous paid time off.

We believe in equal opportunity in employment practices without discrimination and comply with all laws regarding human rights in the provinces where we operate.


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About Kiewit

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Kiewit Infrastructure Engineering's Design-Build team is driving clients to turn to Kiewit during all stages of design-build projects. Through our integrated design and construction approach, our multi-disciplinary team works together to improve schedule, control costs and minimize risk. Our construction-focused engineers work collaboratively with our estimators and builders to design solutions that are innovative, constructible, and designed with a focus on safety. Clients benefit from the proven processes and tools used by Kiewit to minimize project risk. We are an in-house resource that supports projects throughout the company. Our staff shares experiences gained, innovative concepts, and best practices for all projects that we support.

Industry

Construction materials wholesalers

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Omaha, NE, US

Year founded

1884