Chief Electrical Technologist
Bechtel Corporation
You will be taken to the employer's application page. Listing expires September 5, 2026.
Job Description
Requisition ID
297139
Relocation Authorized
National - Family
Telework Type
Part-Time Telework
Work Location
Houston, TX
Company Overview
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.
Project Overview
The Bechtel Welding and Applied Technology Center is a world-class applied development facility focused on continuous project support along with research and development initiatives focused on construction materials, methods and advanced welding processes. The Testing Laboratory contains a machine shop, mechanical testing equipment, computed tomography radiography, optical microscopy, materials characterization and corrosion testing. Application of this equipment is to provide physical material testing in accordance with ASME, ASTM, API, and other applicable codes and standards.
Job Summary
The Chief Electrical Technologist will identify and implement constructability improvements to electrical engineering designs and on-site construction execution methods. Will initiate project site visits and receive feedback from project site Electrical Field Engineers and Electrical craft supervision to identify challenges in field execution. Will identify solutions which may include changes in electrical engineering design across all Business Units for constructability in design, identify installation improvements from emerging technology tools/robotics, continuously evaluate best electrical installation practice, and proactively provide business lines and project teams strategic electrical construction advantage. Will manage electrical engineering development projects and support the Bechtel Electrical Training Program through identification of upskilling training needed. Will advocate for operating and capital funding to ensure that Bechtel's Electrical Program remains on the leading edge of electrical design for constructability, installation technology, automated/robotic tools, and education programs to upskill electrical execution.
This position is designated as part-time telework per our global telework policy and will require at least three days of in-person attendance per week at the assigned office or project. Weekly in-person schedules will be determined by the individual and their supervisor, in consultation with functional or project leadership
Major Responsibilities
Supervision Received
The Chief Electrical Technologist reports to the Corporate Manager of Welding, within EPC Functions at Bechtel's Welding and Applied Technology Center.
Supervision Exercised
Interfaces with Bechtel's Project Sites, Electrical Engineering Functions, and the Electrical Training Program for improved field installation means and methods, incorporate lessons learned into engineering designs, and support targeted training.
Contacts
Interfaces with customers, academic institutions, suppliers, and industry advisory boards to resolve, train, and deploy improved constructability from design to installation, automation solutions, and effective training to highly complex electrical installation, terminations, and systems. Builds and maintains technical relationships with customer electrical technologists, electrical materials and equipment manufacturers to enhance collaboration, guide new product development and leverage Bechtel's global EPC execution for simplified electrical field execution.
Essential Job Duties
- Actively engage with Electrical Field Personnel to categorize electrical execution challenges and identify solutions that may include engineering design, work execution tools and craft training.
- Interface with Electrical Engineering Design Functions of each Bechtel Business Unit to improve electrical constructability in design, based on challenges from field construction and lessons learned.
- Identify new electrical installation tools and methods of construction which provide competitive advantage to Bechtel and differentiate us from our competitors.
- Lead electrical engineering installation initiatives to apply emerging technology solutions for projects and establish Bechtel as the global EPC electrical leader.
- Maintain technical relationships with customers, suppliers, electrical materials and equipment manufacturers to enhance collaboration, guide new product development, and leverage Bechtel's global EPC execution for simplified electrical field execution.
- Provide technical direction for the electrical training program and applied development of install tools and robotics through collaborative identification of key needs across GBUs, Bechtel's EPC Transformation Program, and Bechtel's Specialty Electrical Execution Group.
- Prepare technical presentations for management, electrical engineers, project teams, and clients.
- Develop, implement, and maintain a database of electrical installation best practices, electrical execution tools and robotic automation technology solutions to continuously update, inform, and educate construction personnel on available improvements to electrical execution methods
- Contribute to industry advisory committees, codes of construction, design handbooks and conferences
- Champion electrical initiatives that affect the organization's long term strategic goals and objectives
Education and Experience
What Most Electricians Job Listings Don't Tell You
General overview for this role type; specifics vary by employer.
Electrical work in Texas is licensed by the state. You begin as a registered apprentice, accumulate thousands of paid hours under a licensed electrician, and pass an exam to reach journeyman, then master. A posting that says electrician may want a specific tier, so check which license the role expects. Pay is hourly and climbs sharply with each license step. Service and low-voltage specialties sometimes add performance pay on top.
The work splits into residential, commercial, and industrial, and each feels different. Residential service means troubleshooting panels, outlets, and fixtures in occupied homes. Commercial and new construction lean on conduit bending, blueprint reading, and rough-in on a schedule. Safety is constant. You lock out circuits, test before you touch, and follow code to the letter because inspectors check the work. Demand in the Houston metro stays strong with new building, solar tie-ins, and EV charger installs, so skilled hands rarely sit idle.
What to Expect Day-to-Day
General overview for this role type; specifics vary by employer.
Most days open with a job packet or a service route. You review the scope, pull materials, and set up a safe work area. Service electricians spend the day diagnosing dead circuits, replacing breakers, adding outlets, and correcting wiring that failed an inspection. You test voltage, trace faults, and confirm every connection is tight and grounded.
On new construction the rhythm is different. You bend and run conduit, pull wire, mount boxes, and set panels to the plan. Rough-in has to pass inspection before walls close, so accuracy and code knowledge matter more than speed. You coordinate with other trades sharing the site and keep your runs clean. Documentation closes out the day. You mark panels, note circuits, and record what was installed. The job mixes physical work, careful measurement, and steady problem solving, and a single miss can mean a failed inspection or a callback.
What Electricians Jobs Pay in Houston
Based on Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data for Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX Metro Area (Electricians).
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX Metro Area. Median is about $28.45/hr.
Becoming a Licensed Electrician in Texas
Electrical work is licensed by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. You start as a registered apprentice and log thousands of paid hours under a licensed electrician. With enough documented hours you test for journeyman, and after more experience you sit for the master electrician exam. A master can hold or serve as the responsible party for a contractor license. Specialties like low-voltage and sign electrician have their own licenses. Every step ties to hours and a passing exam, so track your time from day one.
Career Ladder and Pay
- 1 Apprentice Electrician $47,237/yr
Register with the state and log paid hours under a licensed electrician.
- 2 Journeyman Electrician $59,176/yr
Pass the exam and wire installs and service with limited supervision.
- 3 Master Electrician $73,715/yr
Top tier. Design systems, pull permits, and oversee journeymen.
- 4 Estimator / Foreman $73,715/yr
Bid projects and lead crews on commercial and industrial jobs.
- 5 Electrical Contractor $84,469/yr
Hold the contractor license and run your own electrical business.
Licensing paths and timelines are general guidance for this trade in Texas. Confirm current requirements with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation or the relevant state agency.
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