Job Information
Burns & McDonnell Senior Startup & Commissioning Engineer - Water/Wastewater (Multiple Locations) in Springdale, Arkansas
Description The Senior Startup & Commissioning Engineer will lead the planning and execution of startup and commissioning activities for water and wastewater treatment facilities. This role is responsible for bridging design and construction into successful plant operations, ensuring systems, unit processes and the overall facility is tested, optimized, and fully functional in accordance with design intent, contract documents and client expectations.
This position requires a hands-on leader with demonstrated experience commissioning treatment processes in the field, working directly with operators, and troubleshooting complex process, mechanical, and controls systems.
Lead development of commissioning and startup strategies, including plans, schedules, and sequencing aligned with construction completion
Develop initial plans and activities for startup and commissioning during the pre-construction phase of the project and advance these activities as the project evolves and is detailed.
Execute and oversee field-based startup and commissioning activities
Coordinate closely with design engineers, vendors, construction teams, integrators, and client staff to ensure system readiness
Lead knowledge transfer to the Owner’s operations team and guide and assess their readiness to take over the facility upon completion of startup and commissioning.
Work directly with plant operators during startup to train, troubleshoot, and transition systems into stable operation
Identify and resolve issues across process, mechanical, electrical, and SCADA/control systems
Interpret and apply P&IDs, control narratives, and design documents to support commissioning and troubleshooting
Lead or support process optimization efforts to achieve required performance metrics (e.g., effluent quality, capacity, reliability)
Develop and manage commissioning documentation, including test plans, reports, punch lists, and turnover packages
Support construction through pre-functional inspections and readiness assessments
Provide input during design phases to improve commissioning outcomes and operability of systems
Promote a strong safety culture during all field activities
Candidates should clearly demonstrate specific project experience where they personally led or executed startup and commissioning activities for treatment systems, including description of processes commissioned and role during startup.
Qualifications
Bachelor Degree in Chemical Engineering or related degree from an ABET accredited program and 7 years process engineering experience required. Experience in design-build or EPC project delivery preferred.
Bachelor Degree in Chemical or related Engineering Technology from an ABET accredited program and successful completion of Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam and 7 years process engineering experience required. Experience in design-build or EPC project delivery preferred.
Master Degree in Chemical Engineering and 6 years process engineering experience required. Experience in design-build or EPC project delivery preferred.
10 years of experience in municipal water and/or wastewater treatment preferred. Background in plate operations, construction, or system integration preferred.
Direct, hands-on experience leading or executing startup and commissioning of treatment facilities (not solely design or oversight) preferred.
Expert knowledge in standard engineering techniques and procedures. Strong knowledge of process design codes (ASME, ANSI, API, PIP, NACE).
Demonstrated experience with multiple treatment processes such as:
Biological treatment (activated sludge, MBR, etc.)
Filtration systems
Disinfection (UV, chlorination)
Solids handling and dewatering
Working knowledge of controls/SCADA systems, instrumentation, and control logic
Proven ability to troubleshoot and resolve issues in live startup environments
Experience working directly with plant operations staff during startup and turnover
Experience leading startup teams or commissioning phases on large or complex projects
Ability to read and interpret P&IDs, electrical one-lines, and control narratives
Strong computer skills (e.g. Microsoft Office Suite).
Familiarity with commissioning software/tools and structured commissioning programs.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Experience with leading the discipline design for large projects and delegating work tasks to team members. Ability to lead execution of work and resolve issues in a team environment.
Demonstrated critical thinking skills, ability to work methodically and analytically in a quantitative problem-solving environment.
Strong attention to detail, facilitation, team building, collaboration, organization and problem-solving skills.
Ability to perform quality reviews for detailed engineering documents and specifications.
Willingness to travel for project assignments.
Professional Engineer (PE) License preferred
This job posting will remain open a minimum of 72 hours and on an ongoing basis until filled.
EEO/Disabled/Veterans
Job Chemical Engineering
Primary Location US-TX-Dallas
Other Locations US-OK-Oklahoma City, US-AR-Springdale, US-TX-Austin, US-TX-Fort Worth, US-TX-Houston
Schedule: Full-time
Travel: Yes, 25 % of the Time
Req ID: 261509
Job Hire Type Experienced #LI-LS #WTR