Lead Mechanical CSU

Requisition ID: 284853 

•  Relocation Authorized: National/International - Single 
• Telework Type: Part-Time Telework 
• 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 the largest known lithium resource in the United States. Once complete, the mine and processing facilities will produce more lithium carbonate than any other facility in the United States by far – enough to power 1 million electric vehicles per 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.

Earth work began in 2023 and design and procurement of long-lead equipment is underway.

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.

Planned with sustainability and the environment in mind, the facility will use its excess process heat to generate electricity and will recycle process water up to seven times. Once the second phase of the project is complete, Thacker Pass will produce more than 16 times the current U.S. output of lithium.

Bechtel is proud to play a critical role in the U.S. transition to cleaner energy and offers the following opportunity on the Thacker Pass Project.

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 correct courses to ensure goals, schedules, and contract requirements are met. Reports to Bechtel Thacker Pass Project Commissioning and Operational Business Readiness Manager.

This position is designated as part-time telework per our global telework policy and will require at least three days of in-person attendance per week at the assigned office or project. Weekly in-person schedules will be determined by the individual and their supervisor, in consultation with functional or project leadership .#LI-SM2 

Major Responsibilities:

Specialization & Expertise

• The Lead Mechanical Engineer has the overall responsibility for the Mechanical systems of the Thacker Pass Project. This includes coordinating with other disciplines and organizations to prepare and execute a plan to complete all mechanical testing activities including component level, system level and integrated facility level testing.
• Provides knowledge and expertise in a particular discipline, subject matter, or specialized process required for CSU (e.g., chemical cleaning, steam & air blowing, process operations, HVAC systems and complex analytical instrumentation).
• Work Planning & Packaging 
• Analyzes assigned activities to determine the scope, time, and resource requirements 
• Plans and schedules CSU execution activities including sequence and resource requirements for assigned areas of responsibility typically including complex evolution across multiple disciplines and functions 

Turnover Coordination 

• Participates in Construction to CSU turnover walkdowns for assign areas of responsibility 
• Interfaces with the Field Engineer as required to support component/system turnover 

Material Mgmt. & Quantities 

• Initiates requisitions for field purchases and prepares quantity takeoffs of field purchased material and equipment 
• Tracks field purchases and other purchases required for CSU using procurement systems or other database programs as required 

Quality Control 

• Assists other Start Specialists in interpreting design information, specifications, codes, and regulatory requirements 
• Performs and/or monitors testing of equipment to assure conformance with specifications and compliance with test procedures, that work methods are undertaken safely and activities are supported to meet schedule and cost 

ES&H 

• Identifies and resolves/elevates ES&H issues in the field and is a visible 'walk the talk' leader in good ES&H practices 

Education and Experience Requirements:

• Requires a 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, Skills, and Abilities:

• Skilled in English oral and written communication.
• Computer literate knowledge mandatory (Outlook, Excel, Word, etc.)
• Computer literate in Bechtel systems a plus (Smart Completions, Teamwork’s 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, instrument loops & mechanical P & ID drawings.
• Knowledge of Chemical Cleaning, Air Blows, Steam Blows and process operations.
• Technical knowledge of startup, operation, maintenance, or testing and troubleshooting.
• Knowledge of engineering systems and calculations, applications of both engineering and startup methods.
• Extensive knowledge of precedents in the startup and operations areas and a broad knowledge of principles and practices of related areas.
• Plans, guides, or prepare project administrative and technical documents as required for startup, maintenance, operation, or testing.
• Testing, calibrating, installing, repairing, inspecting, and troubleshooting equipment and monitoring devices.
• Responsible for reviewing project designs and make recommendations of changes to design so that the project is safe during the entire startup operation.
• Interfaces with the Construction completions team to establish a common methodology in the completion’s effort.
• Participates in Construction to CSU turnover walkdowns for assign areas of responsibility, Interfaces with the Field Engineer as required to support component/system turnover and completes and/or verifies ITRs in a timely manner and ensures submittal into Smart Completions
• 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 employees 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 Total Rewards

Diverse teams build the extraordinary:

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