Associate Director - Underground Structures

The Underground Structures Expert will play a pivotal role in the design, construction, and management of underground infrastructure for the UAE's high-speed rail network. This position requires expertise in tunneling, underground station design, and structural engineering in densely populated urban environments. The expert will ensure the integration of technical solutions that meet project requirements, safety standards, and environmental considerations. Design and Engineering: Lead the design and development of underground structures, including tunnels, underground stations, and intervention shafts. Develop solutions for tunnel boring machine (TBM) drives, launch and retrieval locations, and ventilation shafts. Ensure compliance with international standards such as AASHTO LRFD and Eurocodes. Construction Supervision: Oversee construction activities, ensuring adherence to design specifications and timelines. Manage contractor submissions and verify structural designs for bridges, culverts, and other underground elements. Safety and Risk Management: Implement fire and life safety strategies for underground rail infrastructure. Address challenges related to emergency egress, ventilation, and space constraints in urban areas. Stakeholder Collaboration: Coordinate with government agencies, military, and private stakeholders to address land availability and alignment challenges. Develop solutions to minimize the impact of construction on local communities and ecological habitats. Technical Leadership: Provide guidance on the selection of construction methodologies, such as cut-and-cover and mined tunneling. Leverage lessons learned from global high-speed rail projects to optimize design and construction processes. Technical Expertise: Extensive experience in tunneling methods such as TBM (Tunnel Boring Machine), and cut-and-cover techniques. Proficiency in structural analysis and design software, such as STAAD Pro, SAP2000, and AutoCAD Civil 3D. Knowledge of geotechnical engineering principles, including soil-structure interaction and ground improvement techniques. High-Speed Rail Knowledge: Involvement in previous high-speed rail projects, including station design, track alignment, and underground facilities. Familiarity with electrification systems, signaling, and rolling stock integration. Project Management: Experience managing large-scale infrastructure projects, including budget control, resource allocation, and risk mitigation. Coordination with multidisciplinary teams, including architects, engineers, and contractors. Regional Experience: Understanding of UAE-specific challenges, such as extreme heat, sand infiltration, and urban density constraints. Experience navigating regulatory frameworks and collaborating with local authorities. Safety and Environmental Standards: Implementation of fire and life safety measures for underground rail systems. Expertise in sustainable construction practices and minimizing environmental impact. 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 . 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. 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