Tunnel Safety Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Build Your Career at FCC Construcción

With 125 years of experience, the FCC Group's Infrastructure Division is present in 25 countries, and its activities cover all areas of engineering and construction. It is a leader in the execution of transport infrastructure, as well as in residential and non-residential construction. FCC Construcción is currently the fourth-largest construction company in Spain in terms of contract volume and ranks among the top 30 in the world, according to the international magazine ENR (Engineering News-Record).

Project Opportunity

We are looking for a Tunnel Superintendent to join our FCC Team assigned to the MTA’s Second Avenue Subway Project.

This position is based in New York, NY, and requires daily presence in the office and/or on construction sites.

The MTA’s Second Avenue Subway project is a $7.7B expansion that will extend the Q Line from 96th Street into East Harlem, adding three new ADA-accessible stations at 106th, 116th, and 125th Streets. This long-awaited project will restore rapid transit access to a community underserved for decades, ease overcrowding on the Lexington Avenue line, and cut commute times—delivering a transformative impact for East Harlem residents and the city as a whole.

This position will support the $2 billion design-build contract for Phase 2, which includes two tunnels that will enable the development of two new subway stations in New York. Led by Connect Plus Partners, a joint venture between FCC Construction and Halmar International, the project brings together extensive experience in large-scale infrastructure, complex tunneling, and urban transit construction.

Position Summary

Reports to: Tunnel General Manager

The Tunnel Superintendent is responsible for supervising daily tunneling operations, including excavation, ground support, waterproofing, and final lining, ensuring that all work is executed safely, efficiently, and in accordance with design specifications and the project schedule. This field-based leadership role involves direct coordination with crews, subcontractors, surveyors, engineers, and support personnel in challenging underground conditions. The Tunnel Superintendent is assigned to TBM, SEM, or conventional tunnel excavation zones and plays a central role in delivering high-quality tunnel works on schedule and within budget.

The Tunnel Superintendent’s key responsibilities are:

• Supervise and coordinate all field activities related to tunnel excavation, initial support, waterproofing, and final lining.
• Manage daily construction operations for TBM, SEM, or conventional tunneling methods, ensuring alignment with project requirements.
• Direct crews and subcontractors in tasks such as mucking, ventilation setup, ring installation, shotcrete application, rock bolting, and membrane installation.
• Monitor ground conditions and interface with geotechnical personnel to adapt excavation and support techniques as needed.
• Enforce strict adherence to safety protocols and lead daily toolbox talks, field briefings, and safety inspections.
• Coordinate site logistics for material handling, utility relocations, muck disposal, and equipment operations in confined tunnel environments.
• Maintain accurate daily reports, shift logs, and quantity tracking; input progress data into project management systems.
• Interface with survey, quality control, and engineering teams to verify work alignment, tolerances, and compliance with design drawings.
• Support resolution of constructability issues, field clashes, or deviations from the design.
• Participate in shift handovers, workforce allocation planning, and schedule coordination with other project areas.
• Ensure timely installation and backfilling of instrumentation as required by the monitoring program.
• Collaborate with the Tunnel Construction Manager and Tunnel General Manager to address productivity goals, staffing needs, and corrective actions.
• Oversee tunnel safety systems including ventilation, gas detection, and emergency egress routes.
• Provide direct supervision of the excavation and support of mined tunnel excavations.
• Be physically present in the tunnel during each shift to lead tunneling activities.
• Responsible for executing mined tunnel excavation, installation of initial support systems, shotcrete application, and grouting operations to ensure safety, quality, and timely completion.
• Implement remedial or contingency measures promptly when ground loss, water inflow, or instability occurs or is anticipated.
• Ensure compliance with the Tunnel Work Plan and initiate actions when ground movement Threshold Limit Values (TLVs) are approached or exceeded, and when ground loss or instability or water inflow occurs or appears likely to occur.
• Maintain thorough record keeping of tunneling activities and field conditions.
• Supervise TBM excavation, segmental lining installation, and annulus grouting, and monitor instrumentation data.
• Be physically present during each TBM operating shift and oversee all related activities in real time.
• Coordinate with engineering teams to evaluate instrumentation data and ensure timely implementation of remedial measures if needed.

Education and Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, mining engineering, or construction management is preferred, or equivalent field experience.
• Minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in tunnel construction, with at least 10 years in a superintendent or senior supervisory role.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in mined tunnel construction using shotcrete and/or rock bolt support in similar ground conditions.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience executing pressurized-face TBM tunnels in variable rock, soil, or mixed-face conditions with segmental lining.
• Must hold all licenses and permits required by local agencies or applicable authorities.
• Proven experience in TBM and/or SEM operations, including ground support installation, waterproofing, and lining systems.
• In-depth understanding of underground construction sequencing, cycle times, and productivity tracking.
• Demonstrated leadership in managing large field crews in high-risk, confined underground environments.
• OSHA 30 or equivalent construction safety certification is required.
• Ability to read and interpret complex tunnel design drawings, specifications, and submittals.
• Familiarity with quality assurance processes, inspection protocols, and environmental compliance.

Job Requirements

• Hands-on experience with pressurized-face TBM operations, segmental lining installation, SEM excavation, or conventional drill-and-blast tunneling.
• Familiarity with tunnel ground control measures, including grouting, dewatering, and pre-support techniques.
• Ability to work in rotating shifts (including nights and weekends) in confined, underground spaces with exposure to dust, noise, and vibration.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to maintain clear and organized records.
• Basic understanding of instrumentation monitoring systems and tunnel safety systems (e.g., gas detection, ventilation monitoring).
• Problem-solving mindset with the ability to respond to real-time field conditions and make decisions under pressure.

Physical Demands

• Work is primarily at active underground construction sites with exposure to confined spaces, dust, noise, vibration, and variable ground conditions.
• Must be able to stand, walk, and climb for extended periods; navigate uneven ground, scaffolding, and ladders; and work around heavy tunneling equipment.
• Requires regular use of personal protective equipment (PPE), including hard hats, safety boots, high-visibility clothing, and eye/ear protection as necessary.
• Ability to perform site inspections, monitor field activities, and respond quickly to safety or operational issues in physically demanding conditions.
• Flexibility to work extended hours, nights, weekends, and rotating shifts as project demands require.
• Occasional office-based work is required for reviewing documents, preparing reports, and coordinating with project management teams.

Work Environment

FCC is dedicated to creating an inclusive workplace where diversity is valued and respected. As an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer, we do not discriminate against any applicant for employment or employee because of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetics, creed, veteran status, military status, or any other characteristic protected under federal, state, or local laws.

Reasonable accommodations will be provided to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with applicable law. If you need a reasonable accommodation during the interview process, please contact our HR team.