2025 University Graduate (U.S.) - Startup 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. 

Overview:

Startup & Operating Services helps maintain Bechtel’s position as a leader in the engineering and construction industry. We provide startup, commissioning, training, operations, and equipment maintenance for customers worldwide in a variety of heavy industries.

This is an entry-level Startup position with Bechtel Corporation, a Global leader in Engineering and Construction. Bechtel is predominately engaged in large, heavy industrial and infrastructure projects, with project sizes ranging from fifty million to several billion dollars. Bechtel’s projects are generally regarded as ‘Mega-Projects’ – changing the face of the planet and contributing positively to people across the world. Bechtel currently has more than 49,000 employees on a wide range of projects in nearly 60 countries. Bechtel prides itself on its diverse competencies in Construction, Engineering, Procurement, Project Management, Safety and Technology. Bechtel is a family-owned company, and the value of family is carried through the company. Bechtel first began construction in 1898.

The total number of hires and start dates are subject to workload and business conditions. Locations will vary based on project needs, and may include Houston, Texas or Reston, Virginia, along with various project sites.

Job Summary:

Bechtel’s Startup & Operating Services is strategically positioned for rapid deployment in the global market. The variety of startup and operating activities at Bechtel requires detail-oriented, flexible, and motivated individuals with problem solving and troubleshooting skills, and the determination to meet individual and team challenges.

Working in Startup & Operation Services, you’ll use the state-of-the-art methods and resources to help continually improve our ability to test, commission, operate, and maintain facilities safely and cost effectively.

In this role, you will assist with equipment and system operation in accordance with the process design. You will support a variety of activities including, but not limited to startup, work orders, shift reports, inventory, sampling and analysis, electrical and mechanical systems, control room panel operation, and system cleaning. You will help identify and resolve issues to ensure units are operating as designed.  

Typical Activities

• Mechanical equipment setup and testing (pumps, turbines, and compressors).
• Electrical distribution system testing and energization.
• Instrument installation, calibration, and testing.
• Control system logic and operator interface validation and testing.
• Startup system scoping, scheduling, work planning, and test procedure development.
• Plan operation and equipment maintenance.
• System/process tuning and performance demonstration.
• Classified work on government projects.

Major Responsibilities:

General Job Duties

• Entry-level Startup Engineers perform assignments that develop startup work knowledge and abilities through the application of developed techniques, standards, guidelines, procedures, and criteria.
• Exercises limited, but increasing judgement, in performing assigned tasks.
• Using prescribed methods, performs specific and limited portions of the broader assignment of an experienced Startup Engineer. Performs startup assistance at the jobsite as directed.
• Receive technical and administrative supervision from a Startup Engineer or Startup Supervisor.
• May receive technical direction or on the job instructions from a Startup Engineer or Senior Startup Engineer.

Essential Job Duties

• Compiles, evaluates the correlates data for procedures and system files. 
• Provides input to and/or reviews Startup test procedures.
• Provides input to and/or reviews Engineering, Operations, project deliverables, and assists in project design and model reviews as pertains to plan operability and Startup.
• Performs field consulting services as required.
• Directs component and system commissioning and testing under close supervision.
• Directs maintenance under close supervision.
• Conducts walk-down of systems in conjunction with construction, prior to system turnover from construction, under close supervision.
• Performs calculations and simple preliminary analyses to evaluate test results.
• Assists in project design reviews and project operations manual preparation.
• Coordinates assigned work with other technical personnel as directed.

Education and Experience Requirements:

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical (including Electronics and Computer Engineering), Mechanical, Chemical, Marine, Industrial, Nuclear Engineering, or Engineering Technology, from an accredited college or university within the past 12 months or the next 12 months.
• Familiarity with basic design of electrical and controls systems, mechanical process systems and process controls.
• Technical knowledge of startup, commissioning, operations, or maintenance.
• Basic knowledge of engineering systems and applications of startup and commissioning methods.
• Basic skills in oral and written communication and software packages.
• Must be able to complete a pre-employment drug screen, physical (if located at the construction site), and background check.
• Must have the right to work and remain in the United States.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Electrical (including Electronics and Computer Engineering), Mechanical, Chemical, Marine, Industrial, Nuclear Engineering, or Engineering Technology, from an accredited college or university.
• Familiarity with basic operations and/or maintenance practices associated with oil, gas, petrochemical, power, or offshore facilities.
• Intermediate knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Due to the nature of some positions, US citizenship maybe required.
• Ability to obtain a Department of Defense, Department of Energy, or project site clearance, depending on assignment.
• Must be willing to relocate to project or jobsite.
• Previous Startup internship or co-op.

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.

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.