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

Bechtel Corporation; United States; Hybrid; USD 81,372 - 97,656; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision plans

Discretionary bonuses

401(k) plan with matching

Job summary

Bechtel Corporation is seeking an entry-level Startup Engineer to assist with equipment and system operations across various work locations in the USA. The role emphasizes problem solving and troubleshooting, requiring a recent Bachelor’s degree in Engineering.

The successful candidate will perform essential functions related to mechanical and electrical systems, work on startup processes, and engage in field consulting services. Comprehensive benefits include medical plans, paid leave, and a 401(k). Bechtel promotes a diverse and inclusive environment for all employees.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree within the past 12 months in related engineering fields.
• Familiarity with basic design of electrical and control systems.
• Basic skills in oral and written communication and software packages.
• Must pass pre-employment drug screening and background check.

Responsibilities

• Perform assignments that develop startup work knowledge under supervision.
• Assist with equipment and system operation.
• Compile and evaluate data for procedures and system files.
• Conduct walk-down of systems before turnover from construction.

Skills

Problem-solving skills

Communication skills

Technical knowledge of startup and commissioning

Basic knowledge of engineering systems

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft PowerPoint

Job description

Requisition ID: 287914

Relocation Authorized: National - Single

Telework Type: Full-Time Office/Project

Work Location: Various Work Locations USA

Salary Range: $81,372 - $97,656 annually (Determined by function, education, experience, and qualifications of the applicant. A 15% salary uplift is provided on top of base salary for positions that are worked in New York City or San Francisco, which is subject to change depending on market conditions.)

Overview

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.

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

• 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.

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, U.S. 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

Bechtel offers a comprehensive benefits program that includes medical, dental, and vision plans, optional disability and supplemental insurance, paid time off, paid holidays, paid parental leave, discretionary bonuses, and a 401(k) plan with matching and profit‑sharing components.

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.

EEO Statement

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]