2027 University Hire (U.S.) - Startup Engineer

Bechtel Global Corporation; Reston (VA); On-site; USD 83,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision plans

PTO 160 hours annually

9 paid holidays

Parental leave

401K with matching

Job summary

Bechtel University Hire Program seeks recent graduates to join as full-time engineers across Bechtel's Global Business Units in the USA. You will gain hands-on experience in startup, commissioning, operations, and maintenance on major infrastructure projects.

You will learn under supervision, develop technical and professional skills, and contribute to project design, testing, and operations manuals, with opportunities to relocate to project sites.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Chemical, Marine, Industrial, Nuclear Engineering, or Eng Tech.
• Eligible for the University Hire Program within 12 months of graduation.
• Familiarity with basic design of electrical, controls, and mechanical systems.
• Technical knowledge of startup, commissioning, operations, or maintenance.
• Proficient in basic engineering software and communications.

Responsibilities

• Assist with startup work knowledge and abilities through established techniques and guidelines.
• Participate in startup activities and field assignments as directed.
• Receive supervision from senior engineers and perform tasks with increasing judgement.
• Support engineering, operations, and project deliverables during startup.

Skills

Strong problem-solving

Learning agility

Collaboration

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree (Electrical/Mech/Chem/Marine/Industrial/Nuclear Eng or Eng Tech)

Master's degree (preferred)

Tools

Microsoft Word

Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

• Requisition ID: 297398
• Relocation Authorized: National - Single
• Telework Type: Full-Time Office/Project
• Work Location: Various Work Locations USA
• Salary Range: $83,004 - $99,612 annually (salary range is based on market data; final salary offered is determined by 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.).

Program Overview

At Bechtel, our University Hire Program is designed to attract, develop, and retain high‑potential recent graduates who will help shape the future of our business. University Hires join Bechtel as full‑time employees and contribute to meaningful projects, operational initiatives, and corporate functions that support some of the world's most complex infrastructure, engineering, and construction programs.

As a University Hire, you will gain hands‑on experience while collaborating with experienced professionals across disciplines. You will apply your academic knowledge to real‑world business challenges, develop technical and professional skills, and participate in learning and development opportunities designed to accelerate your career growth.

Successful candidates demonstrate strong problem‑solving abilities, learning agility, collaboration skills, and a commitment to delivering high‑quality results in a dynamic and team‑oriented environment. The program provides exposure to Bechtel's culture, values, and business operations while helping participants build a foundation for long‑term career success.

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

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.

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.

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.
• Eligible for the University Hire Program (typically hired within 12 months of graduation).
• 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 offshorefacilities.
• Intermediate knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Due to the nature of some positions, US citizenship maybe 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

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.

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.

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]