Lead Electrical Commissioning Engineer

Requisition ID: 281065 

•  Relocation Authorized: National/International - Single 
• Telework Type: Full-Time Office/Project 
• Work Location: Houston, TX 

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Since 1898, we have helped customers complete more than 25,000 projects in 160 countries on all seven continents that have created jobs, grown economies, improved the resiliency of the world's infrastructure, increased access to energy, resources, and vital services, and made the world a safer, cleaner place. 

Differentiated by the quality of our people and our relentless drive to deliver the most successful outcomes, we align our capabilities to our customers' objectives to create a lasting positive impact. We serve the Infrastructure; Nuclear, Security & Environmental; Energy; Mining & Metals, and the Manufacturing and Technology markets. Our services span from initial planning and investment, through start-up and operations. 

Core to Bechtel is our Vision, Values and Commitments. They are what we believe, what customers can expect, and how we deliver. Learn more about our extraordinary teams building inspiring projects in our Impact Report. 

Project Overview:

Thacker Pass is critical to energy security in the United States. Situated on the largest known lithium deposit in the North America, the multi-billion-dollar mine and processing facilities will eventually produce more than 16 times the current U.S. yearly output of lithium.

The battery-quality lithium carbonate made at Thacker Pass will be enough to power 800,000 electric vehicles each year. As the EPCM contractor for Lithium Americas, Bechtel is responsible for managing and integrating the efforts of a team contractors engineering and building the facility. We are also managing procurement of about $1 Billion in goods and services.

The project is located in the high desert and wide-open spaces of north-central Nevada about 25 miles from the Oregon border, 1 hour northwest of Winnemucca, Nevada and 3 hours northeast of Reno. 

Thacker Pass is hiring. We will need a full spectrum of engineering, construction, project management, and business professionals plus support services to enable successful completion. During your off time, enjoy mountain air and abundant outdoor recreation in northern Nevada or Lake Tahoe; restaurants, shopping, and shows in Reno; or a little farther, northern California, Las Vegas, and Salt Lake City.

Join a diverse, global team making a difference, building a sustainable and responsible project that will deliver a critical material to the nation and economic benefits to the region. 

Job Summary:

In this role, you will be responsible for precommissioning and commissioning planning and activities. You will coordinate with project management, engineering, construction, and clients to leverage diverse technical team skills to integrate the startup plan. You will identify risks and trends, manage progress reporting, and proactively course correct to ensure goals, schedules, and requirements are met. #LI-NP1

Major Responsibilities:

• Reports to Bechtel Thacker Pass Commissioning and Operational Business Readiness Manager
• The Lead Electrical Startup Engineer has the overall responsibility for the electrical systems of Thacker Pass Project. This includes coordinating with other disciplines and organizations to prepare and execute a plan to complete all electrical testing
• activities including component level, system level and integrated facility level testing;
• Development of documentation for system testing and turnover including scoping of drawings and Setroute
• Development of Advanced Work Packages for Electrical Precommissioning and Commissioning testing activities during home office assignment
• Participating in development of the project startup manual, preparing system preoperational testing procedures and integrated system/unit test procedures and other similar required documents;
• Prepare, award and administer specialty subcontracts as required to support commissioning activities (i.e.: meter and relay calibration, etc.)
• Provide On the Job training of client personnel if required by the contract.
• Provide input to engineering on revisions required to system descriptions, vendor operating and maintenance manuals, etc. based on review of documents during development of the preoperational test procedures and executing of the commissioning to ensure all such documents are consistent.
• Prepare detailed startup plans for the project precommissioning and commissioning activities;
• Monitor and maintain the applicable precommissionng and commissioning schedule and budget accounts;
• Direct, conduct and participate in system turnover walkdowns, both Construction and Client turnovers, including development, tracking and resolution of punch list items related to electrical equipment.
• Work hours as required, including shiftwork, overtime, weekends and holidays as necessary to support the project program;
• Perform other duties as directed in support of project activities.

Education and Experience Requirements:

• Requires bachelor's degree (or international equivalent) and 10-13 years of relevant experience or 14-17 years of relevant work experience
• Minimum of 7 years prior experience in Precommissioning, Commissioning, Startup or facility Operations including at least 2 years in a supervisory or managerial position
• A thorough understanding of the physical processes associated with Mining and Extraction facilities and the associated process equipment (e.g., centrifuges, compressors, mixers, conveyers, pumps, etc.), and the control philosophies associated with these
• Minimum of 2 years' experience in Precommissioning, Commissioning or Process Operation of Mining and Extraction facilities a plus, not required
• Right to work and remain in the U.S. or for consideration as a sponsored visa candidate

Required Knowledge and Skills:

• Skilled in English oral and written communication.
• Knowledge of industry and regulatory standards, and design criteria pertinent to utility scale electrical systems such as ANSI/IEEE C50, IEEE C57, IEEE 115, NETA Guidelines, et to development of test plans and procedures
• Computer literate knowledge mandatory (Outlook, Excel, Word, etc.)
• Computer literate in Bechtel systems a plus (Setroute, Teamworks etc)
• Prior experience with Bechtel startup processes and procedures, plus managed/supervised startup activities on one or more large scale project(s).
• Must be able to read and understand/interpret electrical schematic, SLDs, wiring, instrument loops& mechanical PFD drawings
• Technical knowledge of startup, operation, maintenance, or testing and troubleshooting
• Knowledge of engineering systems and calculations, applications of both engineering and startup methods, and application of computers to engineering problems.
• Extensive knowledge of precedents in the startup and operations areas and a broad knowledge of principles and practices of related areas.
• Mining and Metals Project testing & commissioning experience a plus but not essential
• Relevant Substation project testing & commissioning experience a significant plus (Switchgear, Motor Control Centre's, Protection Relays and CT testing (Primary Injection, Secondary Injection), Electrical distribution.
• Responsible for review of project designs and make recommendation of changes to design so that projects are safe during entire startup operation
• Must be able to walk at least 3 miles per day over uneven ground, be able to climb and descend stair towers 100’ in height at least 6 times per shift, climb and descend ladders 25’ in height at least 6 times per shift, climb on and maneuver on temporary scaffolds in ambient conditions that may range from -10 F to 105 F to access project equipment.

Total Rewards/Benefits:

For decades, Bechtel has worked to inspire the next generation of engineers and beyond! Because our teams face some of the world's toughest challenges, we offer robust benefits to ensure our people thrive. Whether it is advancing careers, delivering programs to enhance our culture, or providing time to recharge, Bechtel has the benefits to build a legacy of sustainable growth. Learn more at bechtel.com/total-rewards.

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As a global company, Bechtel has long been home to a vibrant multitude of nationalities, cultures, ethnicities, and life experiences. This diversity has made us a more trusted partner, more effective problem solvers and innovators, and a more attractive destination for leading talent.

We are committed to being a company where every colleague feels that they belong-where colleagues feel part of "One Team," respected and rewarded for what they bring, supported in pursuing their goals, invested in our values and purpose, and treated equitably. Click here to learn more about the people who power our legacy.

Bechtel is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, national origin, disability, citizenship status (except as authorized by law), protected veteran status, genetic information, and any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. Applicants with a disability, who require a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, may e-mail their request to acesstmt@bechtel.com