Construction Manager / Resident Engineer Tunneling & Underground
Job Description
Job Description
Position Overview
The Construction Manager / Resident Engineer (CM/RE) – Tunneling & Underground is responsible for overseeing the construction, inspection, and contract administration of complex underground and tunneling infrastructure projects. This role serves as the Owner’s on-site representative, ensuring work is performed safely, in compliance with contract documents, and in accordance with schedule, budget, and quality requirements.
The ideal candidate brings extensive hands-on experience in bored tunnels, TBM operations, SEM/NATM, cut-and-cover, shafts, and underground structures, with a strong background managing contractors, coordinating multidisciplinary teams, and interfacing with public agencies and stakeholders.
Key Responsibilities
Construction Oversight & Field Management
- Act as the Owner’s on-site Construction Manager / Resident Engineer for tunneling and underground works
- Oversee contractor means and methods for tunnel excavation, support of excavation, lining, shafts, and underground structures
- Monitor daily construction activities to ensure compliance with plans, specifications, permits, and safety requirements
- Coordinate field staff, inspectors, and specialty consultants
Contract Administration
- Review and respond to RFIs, submittals, shop drawings, and construction work plans
- Evaluate change orders, time impacts, and cost proposals
- Track contractor progress, productivity, and compliance with contract milestones
- Prepare daily field reports, weekly progress updates, and monthly construction reports
Schedule & Cost Control
- Monitor project schedules and identify risks to critical path activities
- Coordinate recovery plans for delays and unforeseen conditions
- Review contractor pay applications, quantities, and earned value
- Support budget tracking and forecasting in coordination with Owner and CM leadership
Quality Assurance / Quality Control
- Ensure work complies with QA/QC plans, specifications, and industry standards
- Coordinate inspections, testing, and acceptance of tunnel works
- Address non-conforming work and verify corrective actions
Safety & Risk Management
- Enforce compliance with OSHA, project safety plans, and tunneling-specific safety requirements
- Participate in safety audits, incident investigations, and risk mitigation planning
- Ensure proper implementation of confined space, ventilation, and emergency response procedures
Stakeholder Coordination
- Serve as primary point of contact between the Owner, contractors, designers, utilities, and regulatory agencies
- Participate in progress meetings, coordination meetings, and public agency briefings
- Support interface management with adjacent contracts and active facilities
Required Qualifications
- Minimum 10 years of direct experience in tunneling and underground construction
- Proven experience serving as Construction Manager, Resident Engineer, or Senior Field Engineer on major tunnel projects
- Demonstrated experience with:
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- TBM tunneling
- SEM/NATM methods
- Cut-and-cover construction
- Shafts, adits, and underground structures
- Strong knowledge of heavy civil construction contracts, specifications, and drawings
- Ability to interpret geotechnical reports, construction schedules, and cost data
Preferred Qualifications & Certifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or related field
- Professional Engineer (PE) license (NY and/or NJ preferred)
- CCM (Certified Construction Manager) or PMP preferred
- OSHA 30
- Confined Space Entry / Underground Construction Safety training
Key Skills & Competencies
- Deep understanding of tunneling construction means and methods
- Strong field leadership and decision-making ability
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Proven ability to manage contractors and resolve field issues
- Experience working on large, public-sector infrastructure programs
Work Environment
- Field-based role requiring regular presence in tunnels, shafts, and active construction zones
- Ability to work night shifts, weekends, and extended hours as required
- Must be able to navigate confined spaces and wear required PPE
Why This Role
This role is critical to the successful delivery of high-profile tunneling and underground infrastructure projects in the NJ/NY region. The CM/RE ensures safe execution, contract compliance, and quality delivery of some of the most technically challenging construction work in the industry.
Company DescriptionEPC developed a reputation for providing exceptional client services on major infrastructure projects throughout the United States with our dedication to achieving our clients interests with quality and cost-efficiency.
Company Description
EPC developed a reputation for providing exceptional client services on major infrastructure projects throughout the United States with our dedication to achieving our clients interests with quality and cost-efficiency.