2026 University Hire (U.S.) - Startup Engineer

Bechtel Global Corporation; Reston (VA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans

Generous paid time off (160 hours annually)

401K plan with matching and profit-sharing

Job summary

Bechtel Global Corporation is seeking an entry-level Startup Engineer to assist in diverse startup and operating activities. This role includes mechanical equipment setup, system testing, and performance evaluation. We're looking for detail-oriented candidates with problem-solving skills and a recent engineering degree in a related field.

The position offers a competitive total rewards package, including comprehensive healthcare benefits, generous paid time off, and opportunities for professional growth.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Chemical, or Engineering Technology within the past 12 months.
• Familiarity with electrical and controls systems design.
• Technical knowledge of startup, commissioning, and operations.

Responsibilities

• Assist with equipment and system operation according to process design.
• Perform mechanical equipment setup and testing.
• Compile and evaluate data for procedures and system files.

Skills

Problem solving

Troubleshooting skills

Communication

Flexibility

Education

Bachelor's degree in relevant engineering field

Basic design knowledge of electrical and controls systems

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft PowerPoint

Job description

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 may be 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 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.

At Bechtel, our employees enjoy a competitive total rewards package that includes comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans, along with optional disability and supplemental insurance options, generous paid time off (160 hours annually, accrued 6.16 hours per pay period), nine paid holidays, paid parental leave, discretionary bonuses, and a well‑designed 401K plan with matching and profit‑sharing components.

Equal Opportunity Employer

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 [e-mail].