Underground Structures Expert Full Time

SYSTRA is one of the world’s leading engineering and consultancy groups specialising in public transport and sustainable mobility. With over 10,300 employees, SYSTRA’s mission is to design safe and sustainable transport solutions to bring people together, develop social inclusion and facilitate access to employment, education and leisure throughout the world.

For 65 years, the Group has been working alongside cities and regions to contribute to their development by creating, improving and modernising their infrastructure and transport systems, throughout the life cycle of their projects. SYSTRA is involved from the earliest stages of design through to the testing, deployment and maintenance phases. The company provides all its services in over 80 countries worldwide and generates 74% of its turnover internationally. With its new services, SYSTRA supports its clients and partners in their digital, ecological and energy transition, in order to invent the mobility of tomorrow.

Context

The Underground Structures Expert will provide specialist knowledge and technical leadership in the planning, design, and construction of underground structures (such as tunnels, underground stations, shafts, and related infrastructure) for the High-Speed Rail (HSR) project. As part of the augmentation services team, the expert contributes to multidisciplinary coordination, delivers technical assurance, and ensures all works comply with project, safety, and regulatory requirements.

Missions/Main Duties

• Provide expert input into the planning, design, and construction of bored and cut-and-cover tunnels, underground stations, portals, shafts, and ancillary facilities.
• Review and validate engineering designs, calculations, drawings, specifications, and BIM models for underground works to ensure compliance with HSR technical standards, codes, and best practices.
• Liaise with geotechnical, structural, architectural, MEP, systems, and construction teams to ensure integrated solutions and effective interface management.
• Identify, assess, and mitigate technical and construction risks, including ground movement, water ingress, settlement, and fire/life safety considerations.
• Provide specialist advice during construction, including overseeing technical queries, supporting site inspections, reviewing contractor methodologies, and assisting with troubleshooting complex challenges.
• Ensure underground works adhere to all applicable regulations, client standards, quality and safety requirements.
• Promote the adoption of innovative design and construction methods, new materials, and digital engineering tools to optimize delivery.
• Engage with client representatives, contractors, authorities, and third parties regarding technical and regulatory matters.
• Prepare, review, and maintain technical reports, risk registers, meeting minutes, and progress documentation for the underground structures scope.

Profile/Skills

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum 15 years of experience with design, construction, and/or project management of underground structures, preferably in large rail or transportation projects.
• Professional Engineer (PE or equivalent) registration preferred.
• Deep knowledge of tunneling methods (TBM, NATM/SEM, cut-and-cover), ground improvement, waterproofing techniques, and construction logistics.
• Familiarity with relevant local and international codes and standards for underground construction, as well as
• HSR-specific requirements.
• Proficiency with engineering analysis and design software (e.g., PLAXIS, MIDAS, GeoStudio, or equivalent) and BIM tools.
• Demonstrated experience coordinating multidisciplinary infrastructure projects.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills; ability to work in multicultural, multidisciplinary teams.
• Experience on high-speed rail, metro, or major infrastructure projects involving complex underground works.
• Knowledge of digital project delivery, asset information management, and construction monitoring systems.
• Understanding of health and safety requirements specific to underground construction environments.
• Preferably with UAE or GCC experience.

Systra is an equal opportunities company; this position is open to all applicants.