Welding Engineer

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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 lead, implement, and maintain global construction field welding programs and provide specialized welding engineering support. You will manage, inspect, and monitor the welding test lab, the rod room, the weld heat treatment program, and the laboratory quality plan. Your technical advice will help ensure defects, behaviors, and other issues are rectified prior to final inspection. #LI-NP1

Major Responsibilities:

• Supports the Project Field Engineer and the Lead Field Welding engineer in implementing the site welding program on small projects  
• Implements and maintains Bechtel Field Welding program for all welding operations.  
• Provides technical assistance to field superintendents and crafts.  
• Ensures that all supervision and craft personnel involved in welding operations are educated and aware of applicable code and project requirements.  

Additional Requirements for Post Weld Heat Treatment Coordinator 

• Coordinates work activities of subcontractor and direct-hire pre/ PWHT personnel.  
• Possesses working knowledge of Bechtel's corporate pre/PWHT procedure (PHT-2) and other welding procedures / standards.  
• Supports the crafts in meeting cost and schedules. 

Additional Requirements for Welding Automation 

• Reviews site Welding, PWHT and NDE subcontractor documentation of daily work for technical accuracy 
• Performs Visual and other examination methods in accordance with project developed procedures and standards. 
• Implements Design Automation deliverables 

Education and Experience Requirements:

• Typically requires bachelor's degree (or international equivalent) and 2-3 years of relevant experience or 6-8 years of relevant work experience.

Required Knowledge and Skills:

• A minimum 5 years of experience in direct hire welding and NDE on Bechtel projects.
•  NDE Certs including VT, PT, and MT.
• Knowledge of AWS, API, NFPA, AWWA, ASTM and ASNT codes, specifications, and standards.
• Heavy industrial direct hire construction experience commensurate with the type of work to be undertaken.
• Advanced knowledge and/or certifications in SMAW / GTAW / GMAW / FCAW.
• Intermediate understanding of Preheat/Post weld heat treatment of equipment and consumables.
•  Knowledge of engineering and construction methods and processes customarily acquired over time through specialized instruction or practical experience.
• Demonstrated ability to motivate team members effectively & positively in a collaborative team environment.
• Demonstrated ability to problem-solve in high pressure situations.
• Experience on an LNG construction site along the U.S. Gulf Coast.
• Strong technical background and knowledge of all phases of LNG welding applications and methods, and non-destructive examination relating to LNG construction activities.
• Understanding of applicable Bechtel work processes including Standard Work Process Procedures.
• Advanced knowledge of Piping Design Drawings/Specifications and Teamwork’s/WITS.
• Must be certifiable by written examination to Bechtel's nondestructive examination requirements as NDE Level II Visual Examination.
• Knowledge and understanding of Bechtel's SWPP 4MP-T81-03701 Welding Program, 03708 Pre/Post Weld Heat Treatment and 03705 Welding & NDE Documentation.
• Familiarity with Bechtel Standard Applications (BSAPs) including Unifier, Aconex, DSCS, PTR, Agile, Navisworks, WITs, Teamwork’s, Arc Stryker, Pipe Fighter, and other automation tools which are used on Bechtel projects.

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.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.