2027 Student Internship (U.S.) - Commissioning & Startup Engineer

Bechtel Corporation; United States; On-site; USD 34,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

Bechtel’s Startup & Operating Services offers a 10‑week summer internship across various US locations, designed to turn classroom knowledge into practical project experience.

Interns join a structured program with hands-on assignments, professional development, and exposure to Bechtel's global business. Eligible students gain skills through mentorship, networking, and real project work in startup and operating services.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a listed engineering field from an accredited college or university.
• 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.

Responsibilities

• Perform startup work knowledge development through application of defined techniques and criteria.
• Demonstrate increasing judgement in assigned tasks.
• Perform portions of larger startup engineer assignments under guidance.
• Provide startup assistance at the jobsite as directed.
• Receive supervision from a Startup Engineer or Startup Supervisor.
• May receive technical direction from a Startup Engineer or Senior Startup Engineer.

Skills

MS Word

MS Excel

MS PowerPoint

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering

Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering

Bachelor’s degree in Marine Engineering

Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering

Bachelor’s degree in Nuclear Engineering

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering Technology

Job description

• Relocation Authorized: Limited (e.g. Development Assignment)
• Telework Type: Full-Time Office/Project
• Work Location: Various Work Locations USA
• Hourly Range: $24.53 - $28.67 (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.)

Requisition ID: 297673

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.

Program Overview

Bechtel's U.S. Summer Internship Program provides students with an opportunity to gain meaningful, hands‑on experience while working alongside industry professionals on projects and initiatives that impact communities around the world. The program is a structured 10-week summer experience, typically held from mid-June through mid-August, designed to help students translate classroom learning into practical application through challenging assignments, professional development activities, and exposure to Bechtel's global business.

Interns are treated as valuable members of the team and are assigned work that contributes directly to business objectives. Throughout the internship, participants are encouraged to build technical and professional skills, expand their industry knowledge, and develop relationships with leaders and peers across the organization.

The internship experience combines real project work, professional development programming, networking opportunities, executive speaker sessions, mentorship, and end‑of‑program presentations to help students gain a deeper understanding of their chosen career path while exploring future opportunities with Bechtel.

Work Location & Assignments

Opportunities are available across Bechtel's Global Business Units (GBU) and functional organizations. Final assignment location, business unit placement, and specific responsibilities will be determined based on business needs, candidate qualifications, and organizational priorities.

Assignments may be located in a project field environment, regional office, or corporate office setting depending on business needs. Successful candidates should be flexible and willing to work in a variety of locations and environments in support of Bechtel's projects and business operations. This may include opportunities at construction sites, project execution offices, or functional and corporate service organizations.

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.

Major Responsibilities

• Startup Engineer interns 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.

Education and Experience Requirements

• Rising junior or senior enrolled in a 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.
• 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.

Required Knowledge and Skills

• 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.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.

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].