HLW Lead Construction Automation Engineer

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Project Overview:

Bechtel is designing, constructing, and commissioning the world’s largest radioactive waste treatment plant for the U.S. Department of Energy at the Hanford Site in southeastern Washington State. The Hanford Tank Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant will use vitrification technology to process and solidify 56 million gallons (210 million liters) of radioactive and chemical waste stored at the Hanford site, which is a byproduct of plutonium production during World War II and the Cold War era.

The project is the largest undertaking of its kind and one of DOE’s most technically challenging cleanup projects. Its construction spans 65 acres (26 hectares) with four major nuclear facilities – Pretreatment, Low-Activity Waste Vitrification, High-Level Waste Vitrification and Analytical Laboratory – as well as operations and maintenance buildings, utilities, other support facilities.

The Waste Treatment Completion Company (WTCC) is a limited liability corporation created by Bechtel National Inc. (BNI) and Amentum. WTCC is a subcontractor to BNI, the prime contractor, to deliver the construction, turnover, startup, and commissioning activities for the WTP project. 

This position is located at the Construction Site (22 miles north of Richland) and works a 4 x 10 schedule, M-Th, 6:30 am to 5:00 pm (day shift) or 5:30 pm to 4:00 am (night shift). Extended work weeks and/or extended hours may be required or authorized to support the construction schedule.     

Job Summary:

The Lead Construction Automation professional plays a pivotal role by driving the integration of digital and automation technologies to enhance execution efficiency, safety and standardization across the project. This position is responsible for driving the successful integration of digital and automation technologies across Bechtel’s construction projects. Assigned within the Construction organization, this role leads the planning, deployment, and optimization of Bechtel Standard Applications to ensure they are implemented effectively and support project execution strategies.

The position is accountable for engaging project management teams and subject matter experts to ensure timely, consistent, and high-quality deployment of standard digital tools across projects. The Lead Construction Automation professional ensures that software and automation solutions align with Bechtel’s established work processes, meet operational and performance requirements, and contribute to improving safety, quality, productivity, and predictability. This position is responsible for driving the adoption, integration and optimization of construction automation technologies – both hardware (like robotics, drones, and automated equipment) and software (like BIM, , and AI-driven project management tools)—across construction projects or an organization.

In addition to standard tool deployment, the role is responsible for identifying and implementing innovative concepts, work processes, and emerging technologies that advance Bechtel’s strategic goals—lowering project costs, reducing schedules, and enhancing construction efficiency. This includes leveraging automation, data analytics, and digital construction techniques to optimize project delivery and ensure continuous improvement across the construction organization. #LI-CL1

Major Responsibilities:

Automation Implementation:

Implement construction automation tools in accordance with the project automation plan.

Coordinate with project automation support teams to ensure all applications comply with BSAP standards.

Lead the deployment of new automation platforms and innovative digital solutions supporting real-time field management and logistics.

System Administration & Customization:

Perform SQL and Oracle database administration related to construction applications.

Customize and configure automation tools such as Power BI, SSRS, Book Builder, Model Builder, and Synchro 4D to meet project reporting and analysis requirements.

Design, develop, and maintain workflows, forms, and templates for automation tools.

Software Quality & Release Management:

Prepare test plans, migration plans, job aids, and new release forms for all construction automation tools before deployment.

Maintain Software Quality Assurance (SQA) documentation and ensure compliance with corporate standards.

Training & Support:

Coordinate with IT to set up user accounts and ensure role-based access to automation tools.

Provide application training, user support, and troubleshooting throughout construction and commissioning.

Serve as the Construction Automation Superuser during construction, commissioning, and turnover phases.

Data, Reporting & Analytics:

Manage output data, prepare construction reports, and develop automation dashboards for disciplines and management.

Generate performance curves, metrics, and trend analyses to support data-driven decisions by the Project Field Engineer (PFE) and Site Manager (SM).

Integrate Advanced Work Packaging (AWP) data into field execution tools (e.g., xFighter Suite and Hexagon iConstruct).

Facilitate data flow through construction, turnover, and commissioning tools.

Coordination & Continuous Improvement:

Collaborate across integrated project teams, contractors, and third parties to ensure smooth automation adoption.

Collect and review user feedback to drive continuous improvement in automation tools and workflows.

Input and maintain automation-related information within project plans and procedures.

Produce regular status reports summarizing deployment progress, tool performance, and innovation initiatives.

Education and Experience Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Construction related discipline from an accredited university with 10-13 years of experience, in lieu of a degree 14-17  years of relevant work experience.
• Must be authorized to work and remain in the United States without Bechtel visa sponsorship now or in the future.
• Must be able to complete and pass a pre-employment drug screen, physical (if located at the construction site), 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. (Even if teleworking, must still be able to comply with security requirements to obtain a badge.)
• Non-U.S. citizens from countries identified by the Department of Energy as posing heightened security concerns—including sensitive countries, state sponsors of terrorism, countries of risk, and other designated countries –are subject to additional security requirements that limit site access.
• 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:

Required Knowledge and Skills:

In-depth knowledge in the areas of and knowledge of principles and practices related to software automation.

Good knowledge of related construction and engineering practices and the economics involved.

Excellent computer skills

Excellent oral and written communication skills with experience preparing and presenting test procedures and reports

Qualifications & Skills

Basic Qualifications:

Must be able to obtain a site security badge for access to the worksite

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

Strong background in construction execution work processes, supported by engineering design modeling and digital systems.

Hands-on experience with construction automation, BIM tools, databases, and data analytics platforms.

Proven ability to lead cross-functional initiatives and manage the rollout of complex digital systems.

Strong problem-solving, communication, and coordination skills across global project teams.

Forward-thinking mindset with an interest in digital transformation, innovation, and future integration with tools Digital Supply Chain Systems (DSCS).

Minimum Qualifications:

A self-starter, highly motivated, requiring little supervision, and able to work well in a team environment.

Experience in digital delivery of Engineering, Procurement, and Construction Projects, and management of Project Information in a digital delivery environment.

Experience customizing the Bechtel Standard Applications such as TEAMWorks®, SETROUTE®, WITS, Book Builder, Model Builder, Bechtel Production System (BPS) xFighter Suite, Construction Unifier, eTrack®, Smart Completions, BPS, Synchro 4D, and Navisworks to specific project requirements.

Experience integrating and extracting data from automation tools for use by project stakeholders Excellent oral and written communication, planning and organizational skills.

Able to take on additional responsibilities, maximize efficiency, manage priorities.

Sound knowledge base of environmental, safety and health compliance standards required on government projects.

Able to provide clear and precise verbal and written communications with project teams to ensure automation tools "talk" across interfaces Experience developing and customizing SQL, SSRS, and Power Bl reports and dashboards to support specific project needs.

Strong ability to read, understand and interpret structural/mechanical/electrical construction drawings.

 Strong understanding of change management and configuration control processes.

Preferred Qualifications:

Working knowledge of the Bechtel Nuclear Work Processes Procedures (NWPPs) and the related Bechtel Standard Application Programs (BSAPs).

Knowledge and experience of DOE, DOD and/or commercial nuclear construction projects.

Knowledge of Bechtel's "Zero Accidents" safety program.

Recent experience working in a Bechtel Construction Automation Role.

Recent experience in TEAMWorks®, Process Director, SSRS, Power Bl, Bechtel Production System (BPS) xFighter Suite, and other Bechtel BSAPs/Bechtel used COTS applications. Recent experience with SQA Documentation.

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

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