Job description
Learn about the role, responsibilities and what the employer is looking for.
Consultant Tunnelling Engineer - Exeter, Devon
Rate: From £400 per day (CIS)
Location: Exeter, Devon
Engagement: Consultancy / Contract
Sector: Tunnelling, Trenchless Technology and Energy Infrastructure
We are seeking an experienced Consultant Tunnelling Engineer to provide independent technical advice and specialist engineering expertise on a major energy infrastructure project in Exeter.
This is an excellent opportunity for an established tunnelling professional to contribute to the early planning, construction methodology assessment and contractor selection stages of a significant underground infrastructure scheme.
The Project
The client is currently assessing several construction methodologies, including:
Approximately 750m of thrust bore tunnelling.
Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD).
HDD installations beneath watercourses.
Deep shaft construction and associated temporary works.
Underground district heating infrastructure.
Key Responsibilities
The successful consultant will be responsible for:
Providing independent technical advice and engineering guidance.
Reviewing contractor scopes of work, proposed methodologies and budgetary quotations.
Assessing the feasibility and suitability of proposed tunnelling and trenchless construction methods.
Identifying potential engineering challenges, technical omissions and construction risks.
Advising on shaft construction, temporary works and complex underground installations.
Recommending practical solutions to minimise cost variations, technical issues and programme delays.
Supporting the client during early-stage project planning and contractor selection.
Candidate Requirements
We are interested in hearing from experienced professionals with a strong background in one or more of the following:
Tunnelling, microtunnelling and thrust boring.
Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) and trenchless technology.
Deep shaft construction and temporary works.
Major underground civil engineering and energy infrastructure projects.
Technical assurance, contractor proposal reviews and client-side engineering consultancy.
Candidates should have the technical expertise and practical experience to critically assess contractor proposals, identify potential risks and provide commercially aware engineering recommendations.
Rate and Engagement
Day rate from £400 per day via CIS, depending on experience and suitability.
This is a consultancy-focused opportunity rather than a traditional site management role. The emphasis is on specialist technical knowledge, independent engineering advice and supporting informed project decisions.
Interested?
If you are an experienced tunnelling engineer or independent consultant interested in discussing this opportunity, we would welcome a confidential conversation.
Contact: Andrew Williams
Telephone: 07584 110 160
Email: Andrew.williams@search.co.uk
Search is an equal opportunities recruiter and we welcome applications from all suitably skilled or qualified applicants, regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/beliefs, sexual orientation or age