HLW Sr. Startup Engineer, Electrical
Bechtel· startup· Engineering & Construction· Oct 26, 2026 · 2d ago
Richland, Washington
In office
Full-time
Senior
$105K–$160K
8+ years exp
Job description
Requisition ID: 300508
• Relocation Authorized: National - Family
• Telework Type: Full-Time Office/Project
• Work Location: Richland, WA
• Salary Range: $105,000 - $160,200 annually (salary range is based on market data; final salary offered is determined by education, experience, and qualifications of the applicant.)
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 .
Project Overview:
Bechtel is designing, constructing and commissioning the world’s largest radioactive waste treatment plant for the U.S. Department of Energy at the Hanford Site in southeastern Washington state. The Hanford Tank Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant will use vitrification technology to process and solidify 56 million gallons (210 million liters) of radioactive and chemical waste stored at the Hanford site, which is a byproduct of plutonium production during World War II and the Cold War era.
The project is the largest undertaking of its kind and one of DOE’s most technically challenging cleanup projects. Its construction spans 65 acres (26 hectares) with four major nuclear facilities – Pretreatment, Low-Activity Waste Vitrification, High-Level Waste Vitrification and Analytical Laboratory – as well as operations and maintenance buildings, utilities, other support facilities
Job Summary:
Plans and conducts work requiring judgment in the evaluation, selection, application, adaptation, and modification of standard techniques, guidelines, procedures, and criteria. Devises new approaches to startup or testing. Plans and coordinates independent work requiring judgment and experience in the application and substantial adaptation of startup techniques. Devises new approaches to startup problems. Provides startup or testing direction to subordinate startup engineers, engineers, technicians, crafts or others as assigned for specific projects or tasks. Requires experience and demonstrated skill in handling work at grade level and a broad knowledge of precedents in the industry. Principle responsibilities include but are not limited to the following: Develops and evaluates plans and criteria within a discipline or specialty for a variety of project activities. Interprets new or special regulations, codes, standards, criteria, and performance data relating to the specialty. Provides technical advice and counsel on specific assignments. Provides input and participates in special technical educational and training programs as directed. Performs field consulting services as required. Performs special projects as assigned. Applies specialized knowledge of startup methods to the solution of specific problems. Provides the resolution of technical questions arising in the area of specialty. Uses advanced startup engineering techniques and the modification and extension of theories, precepts, and practices of related sciences and disciplines. Reviews engineering design to ensure components are safe, testable, maintainable, and operable.
This position is a full-time role located in the Richland, Washington project office, and works a 9/80 schedule, offering every other Friday off. #LI-EH1
Major Responsibilities:
The Electrical Test Lead has responsibilities within the following areas:
Safety/Quality
• Ensuring that Startup testing is conducted in a safe, reliable, and efficient manner in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, DOE Orders, WTP contract, project requirements and policies, the AB, and technical requirements.
• Performs trending and assessments as directed.
• Ensure personnel are adequately trained and qualified to perform assigned work, taking into consideration the hazards and risks associated with the work.
Planning/Performance
• Authorship and maintenance of Startup and Commissioning functional processes and procedures.
• Ensuing efficient and effective trending and assessments of startup programs and processes.
• If utilized, manage and integrate startup support subcontractor(s).
• Supporting Plant Operations efforts to verify and validate operations procedures and maintenance procedures during performance of testing to extent practical.
• Review Engineering document to ensure successful facility startup.
• Performance of plant walk downs, and component and system testing.
• Authorizes all work on accepted systems.
• Provides input and participates in special technical educational and training programs as directed.
Reports
• Provides pertinent information from the Startup and Commissioning program to project and functional.
• Perform periodic assessments of programs and equipment turnovers, including implementing corrective actions as necessary.
• Supports project estimates and updates.
• Provides pertinent information from the Startup program to Plant Operations.
• Keeps Startup management informed of progress on defined scope.
Project Support
• Support of the Startup and Commissioning Manager as needed.
Accountabilities:
• To the Project Startup & Commissioning Manager:
• To perform safe, cost-effective and compliant testing.
• For personal safety and quality performance.
• To ensure that project plans and procedures are edited efficiently.
• To ensure that training is complete, and work is executed properly.
• For execution of Startup activities within the defined budgetary scope, cost, and schedule constraints.
Authorities:
• Authorized to suspend any activity which is deemed to be unsafe or in violation of approved procedures or programs. Independently communicate conditions within this area of responsibility that may potentially impact safety or quality.
• Support the day-to-day priorities for Startup and Commissioning.
• Support Startup and Commissioning programs to ensure the facility Testing is per procedures and guidelines.
• To work within the framework of the work breakdown structure (WBS).
Education and Experience Requirements:
• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited university in Engineering or related field and 8-10 years related experience in startup; in lieu of a formal degree, high school diploma/GED and 12-14 years of related experience to include Startup, Engineering, nuclear power facility experience, or similar. A minimum of 3 years of experience in startup required.
Required Knowledge and Skills:
• Must be authorized to work and remain in the United States without Bechtel visa sponsorship now or in the future.
• Must be able to complete and pass a pre-employment drug screen, physical (if located at the construction site), and background check which includes verification of employment and education.
• Must be able to obtain a Department of Energy badge for access to the Hanford Site. (Even if teleworking, must still be able to comply with security requirements to obtain a badge.)
• Non-U.S. citizens from countries identified by the Department of Energy as posing heightened security concerns—including sensitive countries, state sponsors of terrorism, countries of risk, and other designated countries –are subject to additional security requirements that limit site access.
• Must be physically able to conduct field inspections and participate in project walk-downs which may require the following activities: extensive walking in and around a construction site, climbing ladders, climbing scaffolding, using fall protection and other personal protective equipment (PPE), walking on elevated platforms, walking on uneven surfaces, and maneuvering around very small and/or confined spaces.
• Previous experience and knowledge of Bechtel Startup procedures, programs, and processes.
• Possess the right to work and remain in the US without sponsorship.
• In-depth knowledge in the areas of Startup and Commissioning and knowledge of principles and practices related to sound operation.
• Knowledge of industry and DOE regulatory standards, and design criteria.
• Previous experience as a Bechtel Startup (Commissioning) Engineer scheduling and performing system checkout and operation.
• Working knowledge in Earned Value Management System (EVMS)
• Working knowledge of an NQA-1 test program and processes involved.
• Have previous commercial nuclear or Department of Energy experience.
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 acesstmt@bechtel.com
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