Responsible for soil analysis, TBM-specific soil conditioning, and the water cycle
Overview
In this position, you will study the soil we encounter and use these insights to help find the best parameters for the Soil Conditioning System (SCS). You will also work with/advise the mechanical design engineers on their design choices for parts affected by the soil. Furthermore, you will learn about and be responsible for the water cycle.
This position is ideal for someone who would like to apply the knowledge they have collected throughout their studies, learn to work in a project group, and gain experience with testing processes and workshop tools.
The following requirements outline the optimal parameters we seek for this position. However, all of them can be learned or extended throughout your experience within the team. We encourage you to submit your application even if you don’t think you meet all the criteria. Your reliability, commitment, and passion for innovation are the most valuable traits we look for.
Duties & Responsibilities:
- Learn about soil conditioning and help find the best parameters for the SCS
- Support the mechanical design team with calculations and thorough analysis reports
- Contribute to designing and optimizing the water cycle
- Work with third-party stakeholders to find innovative solutions for the erosion subsystem
- Provide weekly updates to the team lead through slide decks and reports
- Attend weekly meetings and working sessions
- Actively contribute to building the association’s culture
Qualifications & Skills:
- Communication and organizational skills
- High availability, commitment to the association’s cause
- Aptitude and self-initiative for rapid decision-making and problem-solving
- Nurture a passion for tunneling and scientific research
- Able to maintain calm when faced with difficulties
- Attention to detail
- Aptitude and self-initiative for rapid decision-making and problem-solving
- Knowledgeable in Geotechnics (Tunneling and soil mechanics) and Hydraulics
- Bonus Points if experienced or willing to learn geotechnical application software for FEM Analysis (i.e., Abaqus and Plaxis)
- Ready to get hands-on in the field and work with different equipment
- You took the courses: Geologie, Hydraulik, Bodenmechanik, and preferably also Fels- und Untertagbau, Bodenmechanik, or similar
- Studying Civil Engineering (or equivalent background)
- Working professionally with industry partners and being willing to adhere to the team’s standards
- Fluent in English
Benefits
- You will meet several other skilled and highly motivated individuals and build long-lasting relationships that can endure outside of the association
- You will learn about TBM soil conditioning systems, get some experience in soil analysis, apply your field-specific knowledge, work with various tools and equipment, and get the opportunity to extend your contribution to a research thesis during or internship for your studies
- You will get the opportunity to meet and exchange with experts from various industries
- You will get the chance to participate in Elon Musk’s competition, the Not-A-Boring-Competition, in the spring of 2025 and exchange with engineers from The Boring Company
Workload
The expected workload is estimated to be around 8 to 12 hours per week, with approximately one or two hours dedicated to meetings and the rest to individual or group work. Depending on the week, you will either attend the team’s working session for around three to five hours or dedicate time at your discretion to designing.
Workplaces
We provide an office and workplace in Zürich at ETH’s Student Project House (SPH) and EMPA in Dübendorf. From day one, you can work independently and take responsibility for your duties and deliverables. During weekly meetings and team working sessions, you must physically attend at SPH or justify your absence to your team lead.
Application
Apply to the team by sending an email to apply@swisslooptunneling.ch or by filling out the form on our website https://swisslooptunneling.ch/join-us/ containing the following information:
- Your CV
- Motivation for applying and position of interest
Please note that SLT is a voluntary research organization and does not offer any paid employment.