Mechanical Startup Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

Mechanical Startup Engineer

Location: Brownsville, TX

Work Arrangement: 100% Onsite – No Telework Offered

 

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Mechanical Startup Engineer with hands-on experience leading pre-commissioning, commissioning, startup, testing, and initial operation of complex process systems. The successful candidate will have broad multidisciplinary knowledge across mechanical, electrical, instrumentation, controls, and operations and will be capable of leading field execution from mechanical completion through integrated system operation and turnover to Operations.

 

This is a hands-on field position. The ideal candidate will have direct experience planning and executing testing activities, supervising craft personnel, developing detailed commissioning and startup plans, coordinating multiple work fronts, establishing temporary testing requirements, managing system isolations, and completing the technical documentation required for safe and successful startup.

 

Key Capabilities

• Directly plan and execute pre-commissioning, commissioning, startup, testing, and initial operation activities in the field.
• Lead systems from mechanical completion through integrated operation, performance testing, and turnover to Operations.
• Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of process systems rather than focusing solely on individual mechanical equipment.
• Understand the interactions between mechanical, electrical, instrumentation, controls, and process systems required for safe startup and operation.
• Evaluate the impact of system changes, deficiencies, equipment issues, and schedule delays on commissioning execution and overall plant readiness.
• Independently develop and execute detailed Level 5 commissioning and startup plans.
• Identify prerequisites, system interfaces, risks, contingencies, and recovery strategies before field execution.
• Proactively identify construction deficiencies, turnover gaps, equipment issues, and operational constraints and develop effective mitigation plans.
• Directly supervise craft personnel performing testing, startup, and operational activities.
• Coordinate multiple work fronts safely and efficiently during dynamic commissioning activities.
• Demonstrate strong field leadership and the ability to make sound technical decisions under changing conditions.
• Define temporary commissioning infrastructure, including piping, hoses, filtration systems, jumpers, utilities, chemical cleaning systems, and other temporary facilities required for testing.
• Understand the cost, schedule, and logistical implications associated with temporary commissioning infrastructure.
• Understand electrical power systems, motor control schemes, protection systems, and equipment energization requirements.
• Understand instrumentation, control logic, interlocks, permissives, trips, and operator interfaces required for startup and equipment protection.
• Work effectively across mechanical, electrical, instrumentation, controls, process, and Operations disciplines.

 

Project Overview

RGLNG is a natural gas liquefaction and export terminal located on approximately 984 acres along the Brownsville Ship Channel. The first phase of the project includes three liquefaction trains, two storage tanks, and one marine berth. At full buildout, the five-train facility is expected to have a production capacity of approximately 27 million tonnes per annum (MTPA).

 

Position Summary

The CSU Mechanical Systems Engineer will be assigned specific mechanical systems and will have full responsibility for their commissioning. The role requires close coordination with Electrical, Instrumentation, Controls, Process, and Operations personnel to complete testing from the component level through integrated facility operation.

• Typical commissioning activities may include, but are not limited to:
• Flushing and cleaning piping systems.
• Conducting vessel closeout inspections.
• Running and testing driven equipment, including pumps, compressors, fans, and other rotating equipment.
• Performing vibration testing and equipment condition checks.
• Testing prime movers, including diesel engines and turbines.
• Inspecting and setting safety/relief valves.
• Testing heat exchangers.
• Performing in-service testing (IST).
• Testing system logic, including interlocks, trips, and permissives.
• Supporting Electrical, Instrumentation, Controls, and Operations teams during integrated commissioning.
• Completing system testing and documentation required for safe startup and turnover.

 

Responsibilities

• Commissioning & Startup
• Provide technical guidance and field support to Construction disciplines performing pre-commissioning activities.
• Assess and verify the integrity and readiness of assigned mechanical systems throughout installation, commissioning, and startup.
• Conduct inspections and provide construction support as required to maximize system reliability and availability.
• Plan, schedule, execute, and coordinate detailed CSU activities, including safety and execution reviews.
• Complete commissioning and startup testing in accordance with STCPs, SWPPs, project procedures, supplier requirements, applicable codes, and other approved procedures.
• Develop additional test procedures when required.
• Complete test records, data sheets, checklists, and other documentation necessary to fully document commissioning activities.
• Ensure mechanical systems are tested in accordance with supplier requirements, applicable codes, and project specifications.
• Support the transition of systems from mechanical completion through commissioning, integrated operation, and final turnover.

 

Safety & Compliance

• Provide ES&H leadership for personnel assigned to the work area.
• Ensure Company and applicable local, state, federal, and industry safety requirements, codes, standards, and procedures are followed.
• Actively participate in project safety programs and promote a strong field safety culture.
• Review planned work for safe execution and ensure appropriate controls are in place before testing and startup activities begin.

 

Leadership & Coordination

• Provide technical direction and assign work to Commissioning & Startup technicians, craft personnel, and other project personnel performing specific assignments.
• Direct and supervise craft activities associated with testing, startup, and operational readiness.
• Coordinate activities among Project Engineering, Construction, specialty groups, clients, vendors, and Operations.
• Coordinate with supplier Technical Assistants to complete commissioning of vendor-supplied equipment.
• Monitor supplier Technical Assistant activities to ensure appropriate use of contracted hours and prevent unnecessary charges related to vendor-caused issues.
• Plan and control Technical Assistant activities to remain within approved purchase order budgets.
• Monitor subcontractor activities to ensure compliance with project specifications, procedures, quality requirements, and schedules.
• Turnover, Documentation & Deficiency Management
• Participate in Construction and Client system turnover walkdowns.
• Initiate, track, and close punch-list items within assigned areas of responsibility.
• Prepare FCRs, NCRs, DRs, and other documentation as required to record as-built conditions and resolve deficiencies.
• Maintain accurate commissioning records and ensure required documentation is complete and traceable.
• Evaluate deficiencies and system changes for their potential impact on commissioning, startup, schedule, and plant readiness.

Materials, Spares & Equipment

• Ensure permanent plant materials are properly stored in accordance with specifications and project requirements.
• Prepare and maintain mechanical commissioning and startup spares.
• Monitor commissioning and startup spare usage in the field.
• Prepare Field Material Requisitions for permanent plant materials required to maintain productive CSU activities.
• Support equipment and system readiness by ensuring required materials, temporary facilities, tools, and resources are available before execution.

 

Qualifications & Skills

Basic Qualifications

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

 

Required Qualifications

• Significant hands-on experience with pre-commissioning and commissioning of large rotating equipment, including:
• Centrifugal and reciprocating compressors
• Multistage pumps
• Diesel engines
• Gas turbines
• Steam turbines
• Direct heavy industrial construction experience in a supervisory capacity consistent with the work being performed, preferably within a lump-sum turnkey (LSTK) project environment.
• Demonstrated experience in mechanical commissioning, startup, testing, and operations.
• Strong understanding of engineering systems and their application to startup and plant operations.
• Broad knowledge of industry and regulatory standards applicable to startup, maintenance, operations, and testing.
• Strong leadership and communication skills, with the ability to motivate personnel and communicate execution plans clearly and effectively.
• Demonstrated ability to supervise craft personnel performing testing, startup, and operational activities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, Visio, PowerPoint, and other relevant project applications.
• Familiarity with project systems such as Aconex and SetRoute.
• Understanding of project workflows encompassing design, estimating, construction administration, coordination, and fabrication.

 

Preferred Qualifications

• Extensive commissioning, startup, operations, maintenance, and testing experience with mechanical and piping systems and components in Oil & Gas processing facilities.
• Familiarity with applicable Company work processes, including Standard Work Process Procedures.
• Experience with Company standard applications and project tools, including:

o SetRoute

o Unifier

o Aconex

o DSCS

o PTR

o Agile

o Navisworks

o Other applicable automation and project management tools

• Strong supervisory experience, including the ability to lead teams, manage changing priorities, and implement change effectively.

 

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• Must be willing to work a flexible schedule as project requirements dictate, including night shifts, split shifts, weekends, or extended work hours.
• This is a field-based position requiring frequent inspections and extensive movement throughout an active construction site.

o Must be physically capable of:

o Walking extensively throughout the project site.

o Climbing ladders and scaffolding.

o Working from elevated platforms.

o Walking and working on uneven surfaces.

o Working in small or confined spaces.

o Performing occasional lifting.

o Safely entering and exiting the project site and work areas.

• Must be able to wear and properly use all required personal protective equipment (PPE), including harnesses, life vests, lift equipment, and other task-specific PPE.
• Must comply with all site-specific safety, access, and environmental requirements.