Natrium, Piping Field Engineer

Extraordinary teams building inspiring projects:

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:

Bechtel is the licensing, engineering, procurement, and construction partner on TerraPower’s Natrium team. Selected by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) for its Advanced Reactor Demonstration Program, Natrium is participating in a DOE initiative to re-establish U.S. leadership in nuclear energy that provides matching funding to industry to design and build an operational advanced reactor. TerraPower, a leading advanced generation technology company founded by former Microsoft CEO Bill Gates, will be deploying its 345 MWe sodium fast reactor (SFR), called Natrium. The Natrium plant features an advanced, cost-competitive reactor design that is safer, simpler, easier, less costly to construct, less expensive to operate, and able to provide energy that is competitive with fossil fuels. It also features an innovative molten salt energy storage system designed to be complementary to solar and wind power by evening out the peaks and valleys in production when the sun is not shining, or the wind is not blowing. With the reactor and energy storage output combined, the plant can produce more than 500 MWe of power.

Job Summary:

The Piping Field Engineer is responsible for activities relating to construction engineering within the Piping/Mechanical discipline. This position will be responsible for a variety of construction tasks utilizing nuclear codes and standards related to pipe, equipment, and machinery installations. Responsibilities include the development of work plans, interpreting vendor installation drawings and manuals, coordinating materials, performing and documenting inspections, reporting progress, and resolving conflicts in design and construction related to the installation and testing of mechanical equipment and piping commodities. #LI-CL1

Major Responsibilities:

• Coordinate with engineering on constructability and design issues relating to mechanical equipment and related systems.
• Develop work plans, coordinate materials, perform and document inspections, report progress, and resolve conflicts in design and construction related to the installation and testing of piping/mechanical equipment and commodities.
• Provides field engineering support and assistance to superintendents, supporting personnel in meeting cost and time schedules, verifies materials, equipment, and quality, and assures results meet design requirements.
• Provide leadership in a team-based environment.
• Conduct the preparation of material take offs for field purchased piping material and equipment.
• Support field procurement in inspection and receipt of piping and pipe support materials.
• Review the preparation of construction drawings and schedules.
• Interface with survey team for laser scanning, as-building and general layout for equipment and piping installations
• Review specifications, procedures, inspection reports, delivery schedules, vendor manuals and technical data.
• Responsible for development of pressure test packages, performance, witnessing and documentation of test acceptance.
• Coordinate with Subcontractor work efforts and interfaces with client personnel as required.
• Interface with the Construction Automation group and Project Controls. Perform take offs from Issued-For-Construction drawings, provide input to the quantity tracking applications and report weekly installed quantities to Project Controls.
• Perform constructability reviews of engineering design, resolves issues with engineering and fabricator.
• Work within TEAMWorks to verify accurate data from engineering and suppliers.
• Take an active lead in promoting a safe work environment and be committed to Bechtel’s Zero Accident Program.
• Participate in and foster a work environment that is based upon openness, trust, communications, teamwork empowerment, innovation, and satisfaction.

Education and Experience Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction, or a related subject from an accredited university and 5-8 years of Field Engineering or related experience or, in lieu of a degree, 9-12 years of directly related experience.
• Must be authorized to work and remain in the United States without Bechtel visa sponsorship now or in the future.
• Must be physically able to conduct field inspections and participate in project walk-downs which may require the following activities: extensive walking in and around a construction site, climbing ladders, climbing scaffolding, using fall protection and other personal protective equipment (PPE), walking on elevated platforms, walking on uneven surfaces, and maneuvering around very small and/or confined spaces.

Required Knowledge and Skills:

• Working in a field construction environment interpreting specification, procedures, vendor drawings and installation instructions, and codes.
• Understanding piping P&ID’s, isometrics drawings, pipe support drawings (engineered specific and generic “cookbook”)
• Scoping, preparation, execution, and restoration of mechanical systems and equipment (motors, cranes, hoists, rails).
• Working closely with diverse construction disciplines, craftsmen, and oversight organizations.
• Must be able to complete and pass a pre-employment drug screen, physical, and background check which includes verification of employment and education. Must be able to obtain a Department of Energy badge for access to the Hanford Site.
• Experience with piping and pipe support installation and inspection and pressure testing of piping.
• Experience with installation of mechanical equipment, piping and pipe supports.
• Strong knowledge of ASME codes and ASTM material standards and codes
• Experience working with, overseeing, and administering subcontractors.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Possess Nuclear Construction knowledge preferred.
• Experience with, or working knowledge of, Advanced Work packaging (AWP) and associated applications, automation tools, and work practices.
• Knowledge of and experience working with Bechtel’s Standard Work Process Procedures (SWPPs) or Bechtel’s Nuclear Work Process Procedures (NWPPs).
• Experience with Bechtel’s Zero Accident Safety Program and familiar with current industry standards.

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.