Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) Operators

North End Connectors, an Aecon-led consortium comprised of Aecon, FCC Construcción, and Ghella, is delivering the Yonge North Subway Extension Advance Tunnel project for Infrastructure Ontario and Metrolinx. YNSE Labour Co, the labour arm, are looking for four (4) Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) Operators to join our team immediately in support of the Yonge North Subway Extension Advance Tunnel project.

In this role, the Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) Operator will be required to work from (1) the project office, located at 5650 Yonge Street, 18th floor, Toronto ON  M2M 4G3; (2) the site office, located at 17 Ruggles Avenue, Thornhill ON L3T 3S4; and (3) at various tunnel construction sites. The language of work for the position is English.

The Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) Operator role will be responsible for the safe and efficient operation of an Earth Pressure Balance Machine (EPBM), maintaining precise tunnel alignment while advancing excavation. The role involves operating and controlling the TBM from the control room, continuously steering the machine, balancing face pressure, and adjusting operating parameters to suit ground conditions. The TBM Operator will work closely with the Tunnel Foremen, mechanics, electricians, and survey teams to support consistent tunneling progress while ensuring compliance with safety, quality, and environmental requirements.. Specifically, the main responsibilities of the position include:

• Operating and controlling the TBM to advance the tunnel, including steering to maintain alignment using guidance systems and real-time control room data, and managing thrust, cutterhead rotation, articulation, and advance rate
• Controlling and adjusting EPB functions such as face pressure, screw conveyor operation, and soil conditioning systems to maintain ground stability and optimizing excavation performance under varying conditions
• Monitoring machine parameters including torque, penetration rate, chamber pressure, and conveyor performance, making real-time adjustments to maintain efficient and continuous operation
• Coordinating segment erection activities from the control room, ensuring proper ring build sequence, segment placement, and alignment to support ongoing tunnel advancement
• Overseeing muck evacuation through the screw conveyor and conveyor systems, ensuring consistent removal of excavated material with minimal disruption to operations
• Conducting pre-start and end-of-shift checks on mechanical, hydraulic, electrical, and safety systems, and performing basic servicing such as lubrication and system checks to maintain operational readiness
• Identifying abnormal equipment conditions such as unusual vibrations, temperatures, or sounds, and communicating issues promptly while working with maintenance teams to support repairs and preventive maintenance
• Following underground safety procedures including lockout/tagout and confined space requirements, and participating in safety meetings, hazard assessments, and incident reporting
• Maintaining accurate records of machine performance, advance rates, and downtime, and providing clear communication during shift handovers and daily reporting

You must have the following qualifications:

• Extensive experience operating EPBM in soft ground / mixed face conditions (or equivalent combination of TBM operations with EPB exposure)
• Ability to maintain line and grade on curved and compound alignments
• Knowledge of EPB fundamentals: face pressure control, soil conditioning (foam/polymer), screw conveyor dynamics, ring build processes, and grout systems
• Familiarity with TBM guidance systems (e.g., VMT or equivalent) and SCADA/HMI interfaces

• Ability to work in underground, confined, hot/cold, humid, and noisy conditions

• Availability to work shifts, and rotations and weekends

This is a full-time unionized position of 40 hours/week for the duration of the project, which is expected to be completed in 2035. Weekly working hours may vary based on project needs. Overtime is available. The individiuals will receive a wage according to the Collective Agreement (Local 183’s Wage Article 4 – Tunnel Work, Group 5), which is $57.09/hour, plus vacation pay of $5.71/hr, plus $19.55/hr for contributions to benefits and funds, for a total wage package of $82.35/hour. Overtime pay will be provided as detailed in the collective agreement.

The benefits for this position are: dental, medical and similar benefits; long-term care benefits; welfare; retiree benefits; and pension. Other benefits might apply. For more information when applying to the position, please request a copy of the “Collective Agreement between The Heavy Construction Association of Toronto and Labourers’ International Union of North America Local 183”

Other additional benefits: relocation package which may include flights to Canada along with yearly flights to your country of residence.

Applications can be emailed to careers@neconnectors.ca using the subject line of the application reference number “Local 183 WD-TBMO”. Please provide your resume and cover letter upon submission of the application.

AI Disclosure: We may use artificial intelligence tools to assist with scheduling interviews and managing screening times. We do not use AI to evaluate applicants or make decisions during the interview process. All candidate assessments and hiring decisions are made by our recruitment and leadership teams.