Principal Engineer - Mechanical
Bechtel
Reston, VA · Posted October 26, 2026
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Where Reston, VA ranks
Where Reston, VA placed in our monthly rankings, month by month. Each month stays online at its own address.
November 2026
- #1Best cities for operations pay after cost of living$177k · of 41
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Rankings about engineering jobs
- Best cities for software and engineering jobs #1 San Francisco (3,412 openings)
- Best cities for engineering pay after cost of living #1 San Mateo ($216k)
- Most requested AI skills in engineering jobs #1 AI tools in daily work (6.1%)
- AI tools named most often in engineering jobs #1 Claude (1.7%)
- Employers with the most engineering jobs #1 Amazon (2,992 roles)
How AI is used in this kind of work
AI use among mechanical engineers is little observed so far. Measured exposure for mechanical engineers: 8% (little observed).
Share of this job’s tasks that AI is already used for at work, from real usage. It is not a forecast of job loss, and a low number means no use seen yet. Source: Anthropic Economic Index.
About the job
Requisition ID: 297604
Relocation Authorized: National - Family
Telework Type: Part-Time Telework
Work Location: Reston, VA
Salary Range: $159,700- $231,000 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:
Several combined cycle power projects are currently planned to be developed and executed by Bechtel over the next 5-10 years. During the development phase of these projects, teams will be organized to support multiple projects concurrently.
Following project award, dedicated project teams will be formed and the Principal Engineer Mechanical will have functional oversight for the combined cycle power projects
Job Summary:
The Principal Engineer - Mechanical will support the development and execution of combined cycle power projects in the mechanical discipline. In this role, you will utilize individual technical knowledge to interpret, organize, execute, and coordinate the engineering technical aspects for complex power projects. You will participate in project planning, proposal review, and will own the engineering elements of capital estimates. Your technical guidance and recommendations will ensure engineering aspects meet project requirements and remain within scope and budget.
In this role, you will be responsible for establishing the technical investigations and client interviews, to determine work scope and cost estimates for a project’s mechanical aspects. You will have oversight of design, development, modification, evaluation, and constructability reviews of mechanical systems and equipment. Your technical expertise will ensure the unique and complex requirements of a combined cycle power project’s mechanical aspects are met.
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:
Development and review of system P&IDs for combined cycle power projects
Plans and conducts independent scope of work and technical specifications for mechanical equipment and systems on combined cycle power projects
Oversight of the design, development, modification, and evaluation of mechanical components and processes utilizing relevant Engineering Department Procedures
Reviews design documents, supplier drawings and data, material specifications, drawings, change orders, and bid summaries for the project to which assigned
Reviews the sizing and selection of mechanical equipment for combined cycle power projects
Reviews complex mechanical engineering deliverables, such as system/equipment sizing calculations, specifications, and material requisitions
Interviews client personnel to determine their needs, develops scope for cost estimates for services, and participates in proposal preparation and presentation
Prepares or oversees the preparation of discipline estimates and work plans in accordance with project scope, schedule, and budget, and supports implementation and assists with performance reporting
Education and Experience Requirements:
Requires a bachelor's or master's degree (or international equivalent) in Mechanical Engineering or closely related field and 13-15 years of relevant experience
Must have at least 10 years prior experience working on mechanical system design for combined cycle fossil power plants
Required Knowledge and Skills:
Ability to perform power plant mechanical system design including sizing calculations and P&ID development for main steam, feedwater, condensate, fuel gas, and auxiliary steam systems
Experience with sizing and specification of mechanical power plant equipment including cooling towers, condensate and feedwater pumps, steam surface condensers, plate and frame heat exchangers, air compressors, auxiliary boilers, etc.
Working knowledge of mechanical design codes and standards including ASME, HEI, CTI, HI, etc.
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