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Tunnel Design Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

ASSISTANT DESIGN ENGINEER 1

Queens, NY · On-site

$90K - $100K/yr

... Tunnel Mechanical , and Electrical discipline sections. Each design section prepares design and ... IHD's Engineering Services includes the Quality Assurance, Laboratory Services, Specifications ...

Senior Staff Structural Engineer

Seattle, WA · On-site

$114K - $155K/yr

Specialising in tunnel design, we provide practical solutions to the most challenging underground ... We are seeking a skilled and motivated Structural Engineer with 2-5 years of experience to join our ...

OCS Design Engineer

Dallas, TX · On-site

$164K/yr

... tunnels, and water. Want to be part of the creation and construction of our cities? Then the ... Coordinate with other engineers for systems integration and design. * Prepare design reports.

OCS Design Engineer

Dallas, TX · On-site

$164K/yr

... tunnels, and water. Want to be part of the creation and construction of our cities? Then the ... Coordinate with other engineers for systems integration and design. * Prepare design reports.

OCS Design Engineer

Dallas, TX · On-site

$164K/yr

... tunnels, and water. Want to be part of the creation and construction of our cities? Then the ... Coordinate with other engineers for systems integration and design. * Prepare design reports.

OCS Design Engineer

Brooklyn, NY · Hybrid

$174K/yr

... tunnels, and water. Want to be part of the creation and construction of our cities? Then the ... Coordinate with other engineers for systems integration and design. * Prepare design reports.

OCS Design Engineer

Brooklyn, NY · Hybrid

$174K/yr

... tunnels, and water. Want to be part of the creation and construction of our cities? Then the ... Coordinate with other engineers for systems integration and design. * Prepare design reports.

OCS Design Engineer

Brooklyn, NY · On-site

$174K/yr

... tunnels, and water. Want to be part of the creation and construction of our cities? Then the ... Coordinate with other engineers for systems integration and design. * Prepare design reports.

OCS Design Engineer

Seattle, WA · On-site

$130K - $150K/yr

... tunnels, and water. Want to be part of the creation and construction of our cities? Then the ... Coordinate with other engineers for systems integration and design. * Prepare design reports.

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Tunnel Design Engineer information

See salary details

$22.5K

$90.9K

$165.5K

How much do tunnel design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for tunnel design engineer in the United States is $90,883.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $64,000.00 and $114,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by Tunnel Design Engineers during the design and construction phases?

Tunnel Design Engineers often encounter challenges such as managing complex geological conditions, ensuring structural safety under variable loads, and coordinating with multidisciplinary teams including geotechnical, structural, and construction professionals. Unexpected ground conditions or water ingress may require rapid design adaptations and innovative solutions. Effective communication and flexibility are essential, as design changes can impact project timelines and costs. Regular site visits and close collaboration with contractors help address issues proactively and keep the project on track.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Tunnel Design Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Tunnel Design Engineer, you need a solid background in civil or structural engineering, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree and professional licensure (such as a PE). Proficiency with design software like AutoCAD, PLAXIS, and BIM systems, as well as familiarity with geotechnical analysis tools, is essential. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help engineers manage complex projects and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams. These competencies ensure safe, efficient tunnel designs that meet regulatory standards and client requirements.

What are Tunnel Design Engineers?

Tunnel Design Engineers are specialized civil engineers who plan, design, and oversee the construction of tunnels for transportation, utilities, or other purposes. They analyze geological conditions, select appropriate construction methods, and ensure the structural stability and safety of tunnels. These engineers collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to address challenges such as water ingress, ventilation, and ground movement. Their work is critical in developing infrastructure like subways, highways, water supply systems, and underground passages.

What is the difference between Tunnel Design Engineer vs Civil Engineer?

AspectTunnel Design EngineerCivil Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Civil Engineering or related, possibly with specialization in tunnelingBachelor's or higher in Civil Engineering; licensure varies by region
Work EnvironmentDesign offices, tunneling sites, construction planningConstruction sites, infrastructure projects, urban development
Industry UsageSpecialized in underground infrastructure, tunneling projectsBroad industry applications including roads, bridges, buildings

While both roles require civil engineering fundamentals, a Tunnel Design Engineer specializes in underground and tunneling projects, focusing on design and planning specific to tunnels. Civil Engineers have a broader scope, working on various infrastructure projects. The Tunnel Design Engineer role is more niche, often requiring additional expertise in geotechnical and tunneling methods.

More about Tunnel Design Engineer jobs
What job categories do people searching Tunnel Design Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Tunnel Design Engineer jobs are:
Infographic showing various Tunnel Design Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $90,883 per year, or $43.7 per hour.
ASSISTANT DESIGN ENGINEER 1

ASSISTANT DESIGN ENGINEER 1

City of New York

Queens, NY • On-site

$90K - $100K/yr

Full-time

Posted 21 days ago


City Of New York rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 77 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

498th of 661 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Company Description
Job Description
The NYC Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) enriches the environment and protects public health for all New Yorkers by providing 1.1 billion gallons of high-quality drinking water, managing wastewater and storm water, and reducing air, noise, and hazardous materials pollution. DEP is the largest combined municipal water and wastewater utility in the country, with nearly 6,000 employees. DEP's water supply system is comprised of 19 reservoirs and 3 controlled lakes throughout the system's 2,000 square mile watershed that extends 125 miles north and west of the City.
The Bureau of Engineering Design & Construction (BEDC) currently has a portfolio of capital projects valued at $35B, and another $13.6B projected over the next 10-year commitment plan. The projects BEDC implements allows DEP as a whole to continue to operate and maintain an exemplary water supply system.
Our In-House Design (IHD) directorate provides design and engineering services to meet operations' needs in a manner consistent with BEDC's core values of safety, schedule, quality, and customer service. IHD supports projects from the capital project initiation process through preliminary design, design, procurement construction, and finally with the turnover to operations. IHD's Design Services division includes Architectural, Site Civil, Structural, Process Mechanical/HVAC, Tunnel Mechanical , and Electrical discipline sections. Each design section prepares design and construction documents including engineering plans and specifications for the construction of water supply, sewer, and wastewater treatment infrastructure. IHD projects are typically of the highest priority for the Agency. IHD's Engineering Services includes the Quality Assurance, Laboratory Services, Specifications/Standard Operating Procedures, Sustainability, and BIM/CADD sections. The Engineering Services division focuses on project's sustainability, resiliency, laboratory material testing, quality reviews and inspections, standardization of documents, project delivery standards and uses current BIM/CADD technology to streamline engineering design processes.
BEDC seeks to hire an Assistant Civil Engineers for IHD's Structural Section, located at our headquarters in Queens, NY. Under supervision of the Lead Design Engineer, the selected candidate will assist in the implementation of capital projects through the design phase by preparing engineering documents for water tunnels, wastewater treatment systems, and other large, complex facilities which are of the highest priority for the agency. Specific work areas in which the selected engineer will be engaged include, but are not limited to, preparing of plans, specifications and related calculations; conducting field visits; design services during construction (DSDC) including reviewing shop drawings, material approvals and requests for information; preparing change orders; conducting research; preparing proposals and reports; witness shop testing and commissioning of structural systems; development of project schedules; communicating and coordinating with other engineers and stakeholders; and documenting issues/resolutions in issues logs. The selected candidate may also review and/or oversee staff review of designs prepared by outsourced engineering firms for the same types of facilities. This position will also require traveling to job sites to perform site investigations and attend site meetings during design and construction phases of projects, as needed.
PREFERRED SKILLS
1.One (1) year of full-time, satisfactory experience in civil engineering work with emphasis on structural work.
2.A degree in structural engineering from an accredited college. Master's degree in structural engineering preferred.
3.Knowledge of structural engineering and the design of reinforced concrete and steel structures.
4.Proficient use of AutoCAD and Revit.
5.Experience designing using Finite Element Analysis (FEA) programs such as, but not limited to, STAAD Pro (Bentley), RAM Elements (Bentley), or SAFE (CSI).
6.Experience in the planning, layout and details of contract drawings; specifications; shop drawing review; and field inspections and investigations.
7.Experience in shaft and tunnel structural design and/or building /facility design.
8.Experience in the application of code requirements and preparation of technical reports and submitting formal design calculations.
9.Strong verbal and written communication skills.
10.Experience in use of Microsoft Office Applications such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
11.Preference will be given to candidates who have passed the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam.
12.This position may require operation of a motor vehicle to perform site visits, equipment testing, inspections, and to attend meetings with project stakeholders. Possession of a valid NYS Driver's License may be required for this job assignment.
ASSISTANT CIVIL ENGINEER - 20210
Qualifications
1. A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college in civil engineering and one year of full-time satisfactory experience in civil engineering work; or
2. A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college and a Master's degree from an accredited college in civil engineering.
Additional Information
The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.

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