Responsible for soil characterization, ground modelling, and tunnel-soil interaction.
Overview
As a Geotechnical Engineer, you will characterize the ground our new-generation Micro Tunnel Boring Machine (MTBM) — successor to the award-winning Groundhog Gamma — will dig through, and translate that knowledge into design parameters for the rest of the team. You’ll work on soil classification, ground modelling, and machine-soil interaction so we can predict and control how the MTBM behaves during excavation.
The following requirements outline the optimal profile for this position. All of them can be learned or extended throughout your experience within the team — we encourage you to apply even if you don’t meet every criterion. Your reliability, commitment, and passion for innovation are the traits we value most.
Duties & Responsibilities
- Characterize test-track and target soils through lab tests, literature, and consultation with partners.
- Build and maintain ground models that feed into design choices for the cutterhead, drive, and steering.
- Estimate excavation loads, advance rates, and steering behavior for different ground conditions.
- Liaise with the mechanical, materials, and testing teams to translate soil knowledge into design parameters.
- Support on-site preparation and testing campaigns.
- Document assumptions, test results, and recommendations for the rest of the team.
- Attend weekly meetings and working sessions and contribute to the association’s culture.
Qualifications & Skills
- Background or interest in geotechnical, civil, mining, or environmental engineering — or earth sciences.
- Curiosity about soil mechanics, tunneling, or rock mechanics; coursework helpful but not required.
- Basic data-analysis skills (Excel, Python, MATLAB, or similar).
- Exposure to soil-testing methods or geotechnical software (Plaxis, GeoStudio, etc.) is a plus.
- Strong communication and organizational skills; attention to detail.
- Self-initiative and willingness to work hands-on at the test site.
- Passion for tunneling and applied research.
Benefits
- Meet skilled, highly motivated people and build long-lasting relationships beyond the association.
- Sharpen technical and decision-making skills on a real machine; option to integrate your contribution into a semester or research thesis.
- Exchange with experts from research and industry across the project’s partner network.
Workload
Expected workload is around 10–12 hours per week, with approximately one to two hours of meetings and the rest individual or group work. You will attend the team’s working session on the weekly meeting day for around three to five hours. The remaining time is at your discretion.
Workplaces
We provide offices and workspaces in Zürich at ETH’s Student Project House (SPH) and 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 Empa or justify your absence to your team lead.
Application
Apply by sending an email to apply@swisslooptunneling.ch or by filling out the form on our website https://swisslooptunneling.ch/join-us/ with the following:
- Your CV
- Motivation for applying and position of interest
Application deadline is the 7th of June 2026!
Please note that SLT is a voluntary research organization and does not offer any paid employment.