TBM Mechanical Staff

The HRBT Expansion project is looking for new team members to join Hampton Roads Connector Partners (HRCP).

The Hampton Roads Connector Partners JV (HRCP) consisting of VINCI Construction, Dragados USA and Flatiron has been selected to construct the $3.8BN Design Build project – the largest civil construction contract ever awarded by the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT).

The project scope across a 9 mile section of the I-64 will include: a new 3.5-mile bridge-tunnel crossing that will accommodate a total of 8 lanes of capacity across the water, replacement of the existing marine approach bridges and the addition of a third lane on I-64 in each direction. The twin 45’ diameter 1.5-mile tunnels will be bored by TBM, creating the second largest TBM tunnel opening for a TBM in North America. The project is expected to continue to the end of 2025.

The HRBT tunnel boring machine is a mobile plant 425 feet long and 45 feet in diameter, equipped with recent technology (variable density) allowing it to excavate in difficult geologies. The operator carries out a permanent control of the progress of the machine, from the cockpit he regulates the pressure parameters in the excavation chamber, the pressure of the thrust cylinders, the speed of rotation of the cutting wheel and its step, the injection of 27,5 cubic yards every 6,5 feet of a two-component mortar into the annular void and follows the planned route in a 3D environment. The use of the Variable density adds to all this, the management of additional parameters which are, adjustment of the flow rates in the drilling fluid network (up to 13,200 US gpm) 3000 m3 / h, the distribution of this flow between the excavation chamber and fluidization box, and the speed and pressure in the extraction screw of the excavated materials.

The TBM Operator will work jointly with a team of electricians, automation engineers, specialized mechanics, hydraulic engineers and topographers. it is also in contact with the surface and the operator of the drilling fluid treatment plant with which it determines the rheological adjustments required per the geologies crossed.

The candidate must know how to appreciate many parameters in mechanics, electricity, automation, but also in civil engineering, they must also consider the geological nature of the ground.

This position is a key position on tunnel sites, which is why the candidate must know how to manage a certain stress, identify incidents and breakdowns. This role is at the center of the tunnel boring machine's communication, the candidate must know how to receive and transmit the right information to the right person, in short, it is the responsibility to find the ideal understanding between the machine, the people and the ground to be digged.

The complexity of operating a machine of this diameter (45 feet), as example pressure difference between the top of the excavation chamber and the bottom is 1.4 bar (20.3 psi, and this under the ocean, in difficult geology, and in the immediate vicinity of two other tunnels open to traffic, it is in its ability to have the right reflex if an unexpected situation arises, or to be able to give the right diagnosis if there is a technical problem, that the experience of the operators can here really make the difference and ensure the safety of the employees who work on the construction, as well as the good completion of the work.

Responsibilities:

• Tends pumps, compressors, and generators to provide power for tools, machinery, and equipment
• Lubricates, cleans, and repairs machinery, equipment, and tools
• • Mount/Dismantle any type of diesel / fuel engines.
  • Mount/Dismantle any type of bearings / rods.
  • Mount/Dismantle any type of water/slurry/hydraulic pumps.
  • Welding knowledge, such as TIG, MIG, shield welding.
  • Knowledge and use of hydraulic hose crimping machine.
  • Lathe / drill / CNC knowledge.
  • Diagnostic of failures and abilities to perform maintenance, improve performance and general services in equipment, such us:
    • Excavators.
    • Locomotives.
    • Generators / compressors
    • Forklifts.
    • Cranes. (Gantry crane, tower crane, mobile crane..)
    • Batching/ grouting plants.
    • Water treatment plants / Water purifiers.
    • Dewatering systems.
    • Slurry plants / Conveyor belts
    • Fans.
    • Drills / Jumbos (Tamrocks, Atlas Copco) / / Robojets
    • Safety and emergency equipment.
    • Cars/Trucks.
    • Negotiating difficult decisions with colleagues, senior management, and third parties. Delivering results on time, within the stated budget, and to the highest specification.
    • On-the go trouble-solver capacities.
• Knowledge of company safety policies and procedures to comply with company, local, state, and/or federal laws
• Proven knowledge in determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job
• Communicate effectively with coworkers, supervisors, and engineers
• Other Tasks as needed

*The candidate will be required to wear personal protective equipment such as helmets, gloves, coveralls, glasses, goggles, respirators and safety shoes continuously for the duration of the work shift (day/night). Work is performed in underground conditions (tunnel) in areas where potentially harmful physical and chemical agents are present (e.g. fumes, noise, dust, heat, ionizing and non-ionizing radiation and chemicals). You will be required to participate in medical surveillance programs.

Physical Demands:

• Ability to coordinate two or more limbs while sitting, standing, or lying down
• Ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine to exact position
• Occasional bending, stooping, twisting, crawling, kneeling
• Occasional climbing of ladders
• Occasional lifting up to 50 pounds from ground to waist level
• Occasional repetitive use of powered and non-powered hand tools
• Occasional repetitive use of vibrating hand tools
• Constant repetitive hand, forearm, foot, and leg activities
• Constant sitting
• Repetitive movement of arms, legs, and torso together when the whole body is in motion
• Work in environmental extremes of heat and cold dependent upon job location
• Frequent work in dusty environments
• Frequent work in areas of excessive noise
• Work variable hours including overtime hours as needed

Work Requirements

• Must be 18 years in age or older
• Must pass drug screen
• 5 years’ experience in TBM-EPB-Slurry preferred
• 2 TBM projects previous experience preferred
• Must be eligible to obtain VDOT Clearance
• Strongly prefer candidates with High School Diploma
• Must have experience in Mircosoft Suite
• Must be able to communicate with others to convey information effectively
• Must be able to work outside with exposure to all weather conditions (75% of shift is spent outside)
• Must be able to stand for prolonged periods of time Must be able to work in a fast paced environment
• Must demonstrate attention to details
• Must be knowledgeable of safety procedures and practices

Benefits:

• Comprehensive compensation package
• Health Insurance/Dental Insurance/Vision Insurance
• Employer Paid Life Insurance and AD&D
• Wellness benefits & Employee Assistance Program
• Paid Holidays
• Paid Time Off

This job description describes the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise; employment in this job is an “at will” employment relationship.

HRCP and affiliates are an Equal Opportunity Employer