Startup Engineer

First Point Group; Brownsville (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

First Point Group is seeking a Mechanical Startup Engineer in Brownsville, TX. The role focuses on leading the commissioning and startup of complex industrial process systems, from pre-commissioning through integrated operations and turnover to Operations.

The ideal candidate brings hands-on experience in mechanical, electrical, instrumentation, controls, and process systems, with capability to develop and execute detailed commissioning and startup plans and to coordinate multiple teams,

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering required.
• Minimum 4 years of relevant experience; or 8 years in lieu of degree.
• Experience leading field commissioning and startup of complex process facilities.
• Strong knowledge of mechanical, electrical, instrumentation, controls, and process interactions.

Responsibilities

• Plan, coordinate, and execute all required testing from component verification through fully integrated system operation.
• Develop and execute detailed commissioning and startup plans.
• Lead commissioning technicians and craft personnel.
• Coordinate across engineering, construction, commissioning, vendors, and operations.
• Ensure safety and regulatory compliance during commissioning activities.

Skills

Field leadership

Commissioning planning

Startup execution

Cross-functional coordination

Troubleshooting

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

4+ years relevant experience

8 years equivalent experience in lieu of degree

Tools

Aconex

Setroute

Unifier

DSCS

Navisworks

MS Office

Job description

Great new opportunity in Brownsville, TX for a Mechanical Startup Engineer!

Mechanical Startup Engineer

Contract Duration: 12 months+ (contract)

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Mechanical Startup Engineer with demonstrated hands-on expertise leading the commissioning and startup of complex industrial process systems. The ideal candidate has personally planned and executed pre-commissioning, commissioning, startup, testing, and initial operations—not simply managed contractors or observed field activities.

This role requires a highly technical professional with broad multidisciplinary knowledge of mechanical, electrical, instrumentation, controls, and process systems. The successful candidate will be responsible for the safe and efficient transition of assigned systems from mechanical completion through commissioning, integrated operations, and final turnover to Operations.

What We're Looking For

The ideal candidate will have:

• Proven experience leading and performing field commissioning and startup activities for complex process facilities.
• Demonstrated success bringing systems from mechanical completion through integrated operation and final turnover.
• Comprehensive understanding of complete process systems rather than individual mechanical equipment.
• Working knowledge of mechanical, electrical, instrumentation, controls, and process interactions required for safe startup and reliable operation.
• Experience independently developing and executing detailed (Level 5) commissioning and startup plans.
• Ability to identify prerequisites, interfaces, risks, contingencies, and recovery plans before field execution.
• Strong troubleshooting skills with the ability to anticipate construction deficiencies, turnover gaps, equipment issues, and operational constraints while proactively developing mitigation strategies.
• Experience directing startup craft personnel and coordinating multiple work fronts during dynamic commissioning activities.
• Strong field leadership and sound technical decision-making skills.
• Knowledge of temporary commissioning systems including piping, hoses, filtration, jumpers, utilities, chemical cleaning systems, and other temporary infrastructure.
• Understanding of the cost, schedule, and logistics associated with temporary commissioning installations.
• Knowledge of electrical power distribution, motor control systems, equipment protection, and energization requirements.
• Understanding of instrumentation, control logic, interlocks, permissives, trips, and operator interfaces used during startup.
• Ability to work effectively across engineering, construction, commissioning, vendors, and operations teams.

Position Summary

The Mechanical Startup Engineer will be assigned responsibility for designated plant systems throughout the commissioning and startup process. Working closely with electrical, instrumentation, controls, operations, construction, and engineering teams, this individual will plan, coordinate, and execute all required testing from component verification through fully integrated system operation.

Typical commissioning activities include:

• Mechanical completion verification
• Piping flushing and cleaning
• Vessel closeout inspections
• Startup and run-in of rotating equipment, including vibration testing
• Commissioning of pumps, compressors, fans, diesel engines, steam and gas turbines
• Safety valve inspection and setting
• Instrument loop checks and Integrated System Tests (ISTs)
• Logic testing, including interlocks, trips, and permissives
• Support of electrical, instrumentation, controls, and operations teams during integrated commissioning

Key Responsibilities

• Provide technical guidance to construction teams performing pre-commissioning activities.
• Verify the integrity and readiness of mechanical systems during installation, commissioning, and startup.
• Promote and enforce Environmental, Safety & Health (ES&H) requirements throughout commissioning activities.
• Execute commissioning procedures in accordance with STCPs, SWPPs, project procedures, and site-specific work instructions.
• Complete all required test documentation, records, and data sheets.
• Ensure compliance with company standards, regulatory requirements, and applicable safety codes.
• Provide technical leadership to commissioning technicians, craft personnel, and subcontractors.
• Coordinate activities between engineering, construction, operations, specialty groups, clients, suppliers, and vendors.
• Prepare and manage Field Change Requests (FCRs), Non-Conformance Reports (NCRs), and Deficiency Reports (DRs).
• Develop, schedule, and coordinate commissioning and startup activities while maintaining safety and execution quality.
• Coordinate supplier Technical Assistants during vendor equipment commissioning while effectively managing technical assistance budgets and schedules.
• Verify permanent materials are stored and maintained in accordance with project requirements.
• Perform mechanical system testing in accordance with supplier recommendations and applicable codes.
• Participate in construction and client turnover walkdowns and manage punch list completion.
• Manage commissioning spare parts and prepare Field Material Requisitions as required.
• Monitor subcontractor performance to ensure compliance with project specifications and schedules.

Required Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering with a minimum of 4 years of relevant experience, or
• 8 years of equivalent industrial commissioning/startup experience in lieu of a degree.

Preferred Experience & Technical Qualifications

• Extensive experience commissioning large rotating equipment including:
• Centrifugal and reciprocating compressors
• Multistage pumps
• Gas and steam turbines
• Heavy industrial construction experience in a direct-hire supervisory environment, preferably on EPC or lump-sum turnkey projects.
• Strong knowledge of commissioning, startup, maintenance, and operations of mechanical systems within oil & gas, LNG, petrochemical, or similar process facilities.
• Broad understanding of engineering systems, startup methodologies, operational readiness, and testing requirements.
• Knowledge of industry standards, codes, and regulatory requirements related to commissioning and startup.
• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills with the ability to motivate teams and coordinate multiple stakeholders.
• Experience supervising craft personnel during testing, startup, and operational activities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, Visio, and PowerPoint.
• Experience with commissioning software and project management tools such as Aconex, Setroute, Unifier, DSCS, PTR, Agile, and Navisworks is preferred.
• Understanding of project execution from engineering and procurement through construction, commissioning, and turnover.

Additional Information

This position requires schedule flexibility and may include night shift, split shift, weekends, or extended work hours based on project needs.

The role is field-based and requires the ability to:

• Walk extensively throughout an active construction site.
• Climb ladders, scaffolding, and elevated platforms.
• Work on uneven terrain and in confined spaces.
• Lift and carry materials as required.
• Enter and exit construction work areas safely.
• Wear all required personal protective equipment (PPE), including fall protection, life vests, and other task-specific safety equipment.