Associate Director, Ground Engineering & Tunnelling

Job Description

We are currently recruiting for an Associate Director - Ground Engineering & Tunnelling to join our busy and expanding experienced team. The team provides assessment, concept, feasibility, preliminary and detailed designs on a wide range of Projects, either as standalone commissions or as part of multidisciplinary major projects around the world. You may have the opportunity to work on some of the most iconic Transportation, Water and Energy projects, being part of a diverse and multicultural team. It can be a great opportunity for a mid-level profile that wants to boost his/her professional technical career on the ground engineering.

Responsibilities of the role includes:

• Applies broad and highly specialized knowledge, known for technical expertise
• Demonstrates robust knowledge across multiple Civil Engineering disciplines and possesses overall business acumen
• Designing, planning and coordination of geotechnical designs for geotechnical infrastructure.
• Provides specialized technical inputs to studies and design for the geotechnical team
• Be an internal subject matter expert on technical solutions and processes of geotechnical engineering
• Carries out complex or novel assignments requiring the development of new or improved techniques and procedures for geotechnical problems
• Performs various management, leadership, and people accountability responsibilities for the Ground Engineering group
• Has full responsibility for interpreting, organizing, executing and coordinating technical assignments
• Serves as a lead engineer on mid- to large geotechnical projects. Responsible for a variety of engineering tasks in the initial planning, design and modification phase of projects
• Highly skilled in negotiation techniques and consensus building
• Accountable for the overall results of a project or process, including goal setting, team leadership and adherence to budget and schedule
• Impact on projects and business results, managing stakeholders’ expectations
• Facilitates broad dialogue and may provide guidance across functions, geographies and business lines, and with external stakeholders
• Manages group of engineers and/or technicians, coordinating activities of the ground engineering and tunneling team
• Persuades others to consider various options and uses influence to drive matters to conclusion
• Works autonomously and receives guidance on novel, complex or sensitive situations.
• Actively seeks to grow knowledge across multiple disciplines and promotes latest trends as opportunities for the business
• Works collaboratively with direct reports and other teams
• Participates in interdisciplinary review of project deliverables
• Performs peer reviews and shares knowledge through internal technical presentations and standards development
• Performs technical quality reviews including documentation in project record in accordance with policies and procedures
• Serves as Lead Verified on projects confirming that the technical approach satisfies the client scope of services and expectations
• Engages with project technical teams within geotechnical engineering to confirm project approach and review deliverables

itional Information

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering or Engineering Geology from a recognized University
• Master´s degree, with emphasis in geotechnical engineering, from a recognized University
• Proven track record of working on ground engineering designs (+10 years) for Building, Transportation, Water and/or Energy Projects
• Must be resourceful, highly organized, professional with attention to detail and people
• Knowledge of local and international American and European regulations
• Proven commitment with Quality Control Policy and Quality Management Systems
• Advanced command of English, both written and spoken.

Preferred Qualifications

• Actively participates in professional and industry organizations as a board member and industry event organizer or speaker
• Externally recognized as a local or regional expert in one or more elements of geotechnical engineering
• US and/or Australia Professional Engineer license will be considered favorably
• Background in underground works associated with water and electrical projects would be considered as positive
• Experience working with Common Data Environment platforms (e.g., BIM 360, ACC)

Additional Information

• Relocation assistance is not available for this position.
• Sponsorship for Colombia work authorisation is not available for this position, now or in the future.

At AECOM, we are committed to maintaining a secure and trustworthy recruitment process and take any fraudulent hiring activity seriously. To support this commitment, all newly hired employees are required to attend an in-person Day 1 onboarding at an AECOM office location as a condition of employment.

About AECOM 

AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status, AECOM benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absences, voluntary benefits, perks, flexible work options, well-being resources, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, service recognition awards, retirement savings plan, and employee stock purchase plan. 

AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients’ complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle – from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025. Learn more at aecom.com. 

What makes AECOM a great place to work 

You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects - both in your local community and on a global scale - that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cutting-edge technology and a network of experts, you’ll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award-winning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills, helping you build the career you’ve always envisioned. Here, you’ll find a welcoming workplace built on respect, collaboration and community - where you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity. 

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.