Tunnel Superintendent

FCC Construction Inc.•New York, NY

6d•$190,000 - $230,000•Onsite

About The Position

FCC Construcción is seeking a Tunnel Superintendent for its team assigned to the MTA’s Second Avenue Subway Project in New York, NY. The position requires daily presence in the office and/or on construction sites and supports the project’s $2 billion design-build contract for Phase 2, which includes two tunnels enabling the development of two new subway stations. The Second Avenue Subway expansion will extend the Q Line from 96th Street into East Harlem and add three ADA-accessible stations at 106th, 116th, and 125th Streets. Reporting to the Tunnel General Manager, the Tunnel Superintendent leads daily tunneling operations across TBM, SEM, or conventional excavation zones. The role oversees excavation, ground support, waterproofing, and final lining, ensuring work is safe, efficient, compliant with design specifications, and delivered to schedule and budget. The Superintendent coordinates crews, subcontractors, surveyors, engineers, and support personnel in challenging underground conditions. This field-based position requires direct supervision of mined tunnel excavation and TBM operations, including installation of support systems and segmental lining, shotcrete application, grouting, and monitoring of instrumentation. The role also requires responding promptly to ground loss, water inflow, instability, or other changing field conditions; maintaining thorough records; and ensuring compliance with the Tunnel Work Plan and safety requirements. Work takes place primarily at active underground construction sites, with occasional office-based work for document review, reporting, and project coordination.

Requirements

At least 15 years of progressive tunnel construction experience, including at least 10 years in a superintendent or senior supervisory role.
At least 10 years of mined tunnel construction experience using shotcrete and/or rock bolt support in similar ground conditions.
At least 10 years of experience executing pressurized-face TBM tunnels in variable rock, soil, or mixed-face conditions with segmental lining.
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 ability to lead large field crews in high-risk, confined underground environments.
OSHA 30 or equivalent construction safety certification.
Ability to read and interpret complex tunnel design drawings, specifications, and submittals.
Familiarity with quality assurance processes, inspection protocols, and environmental compliance.
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 rotating shifts, including nights and weekends, in confined underground spaces with exposure to dust, noise, and vibration.
Strong written and verbal communication skills and ability to maintain clear, organized records.
Basic understanding of instrumentation monitoring systems and tunnel safety systems, such as gas detection and ventilation monitoring.
Problem-solving ability to respond to real-time field conditions and make decisions under pressure.
Ability to stand, walk, and climb for extended periods; navigate uneven ground, scaffolding, and ladders; and work around heavy tunneling equipment.
Ability to use required personal protective equipment 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.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, mining engineering, or construction management; equivalent field experience is also accepted.

Responsibilities

Supervise and coordinate field activities involving tunnel excavation, initial support, waterproofing, and final lining.
Manage daily construction operations using TBM, SEM, or conventional tunneling methods in accordance with project requirements.
Direct crews and subcontractors performing mucking, ventilation setup, ring installation, shotcrete application, rock bolting, and membrane installation.
Monitor ground conditions and coordinate with geotechnical personnel to adapt excavation and support methods as needed.
Enforce safety protocols and lead 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 daily reports, shift logs, and quantity tracking, and enter progress data into project management systems.
Coordinate with survey, quality control, and engineering teams to verify alignment, tolerances, and compliance with design drawings.
Help resolve constructability issues, field clashes, and deviations from design.
Participate in shift handovers, workforce allocation planning, and schedule coordination with other project areas.
Ensure timely installation and backfilling of instrumentation required by the monitoring program.
Work with the Tunnel Construction Manager and Tunnel General Manager on productivity goals, staffing needs, and corrective actions.
Oversee tunnel safety systems, including ventilation, gas detection, and emergency egress routes.
Direct the excavation and support of mined tunnel excavations and be physically present in the tunnel during each shift.
Execute mined tunnel excavation, initial support installation, shotcrete application, and grouting operations to meet safety, quality, and schedule requirements.
Implement remedial or contingency measures 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 are approached or exceeded, or when ground loss, instability, or water inflow occurs or appears likely.
Keep thorough records 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 related work in real time.
Coordinate with engineering teams to evaluate instrumentation data and ensure timely remedial measures when needed.