Job Overview & Organization Mission

Direct mechanical maintenance, cutterhead tooling inspections, and ring build operations for large-diameter Tunnel Boring Machines (TBM) at John Holland.

John Holland’s Major Tunnels division is seeking an experienced TBM Operations & Mechanical Engineer for our underground transport projects in Melbourne. You will be the technical lead for dual slurry/EPB Tunnel Boring Machines, managing cutterhead wear assessments, tail skin grouting parameters, bentonite slurry separation plants, and segmental concrete lining installations.

As a key member of the team at John Holland in Melbourne, VIC, you will play a central role in driving excellence, upholding top-tier Australian industry standards, and contributing directly to the strategic milestones of one of the nation’s premier employers.

Key Duties & Core Responsibilities

In this critical role, your operational duties and key performance responsibilities will encompass:

• Supervise 24/7: Supervise 24/7 TBM excavation parameters including thrust cylinder pressure, cutterhead torque, and advance rates.
• Manage cutterhead: Manage cutterhead interventions under hyperbaric compressed air conditions to replace disc cutters and rippers.
• Monitor annular: Monitor annular grout injection volumes, bi-component grout gel times, and ring deformation convergence surveys.
• Troubleshoot complex: Troubleshoot complex hydraulic drive systems, variable frequency drives (VFD), and screw conveyor extraction systems.
• Coordinate TBM: Coordinate TBM disassembly, transport logistics, and re-launch procedures at shaft launch boxes.

Required Qualifications, Licenses & Experience

To be successful in this position at John Holland, candidates are expected to satisfy the following essential selection criteria:

• Mandatory Qualification: Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mining Engineering or Mechatronics.
• Relevant Experience: Minimum 5+ Years of verified industry experience in Australia or recognized overseas equivalence.
• 5+ years of hands-on experience in mechanized tunneling with Earth Pressure Balance (EPB) or Slurry TBMs.
• Degree in Mechanical, Mechatronics, or Mining Engineering.
• Deep understanding of high-pressure industrial hydraulics, heavy mechanical drives, and lubrication systems.
• Willingness to participate in site shift rotations during continuous tunneling drives.

Core Competencies & Key Technical Proficiencies

The successful applicant will possess demonstrated capabilities across the following domain skill sets:

Salary, Compensation & Employee Benefits

At John Holland, we understand that our people drive our achievements. An outstanding remuneration and wellbeing package is provided in line with Australian benchmarks:

• Competitive Remuneration: AU$150,000 – AU$180,000 per year + standard Australian Superannuation (11.5%).
• High salary ($150,000 – $180,000) + underground site allowances + superannuation.
• West Melbourne tunnel compound location with state-of-the-art tunneling technology.
• Work alongside world-renowned underground engineering specialists on landmark nation-building projects.
• Leave Entitlements: 4 weeks annual leave (with 17.5% annual leave loading where applicable) plus 10 days paid personal/carer’s leave.
• Flexible Work: Progressive work-life balance options with supportive corporate culture and leadership development pathways.

About the Employer: John Holland

John Holland is a recognized tunneling pioneer in Australia, boring complex underground rail and road networks.

John Holland is deeply committed to building diverse, equitable, and culturally inclusive work environments. We proudly celebrate diversity and welcome applications from all qualified individuals including First Nations Australians, people with disabilities, and candidates from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

Application Process & Next Steps

Applications for this position are currently open and being reviewed on a rolling basis. Suitable candidates are encouraged to apply as early as possible before the published closing date.

Please prepare an updated Curriculum Vitae (CV) and a tailored Cover Letter highlighting your relevant experience against the key selection criteria outlined above.

To proceed with your application, click the Apply on Employer Site button to access the official John Holland careers gateway.