20 Bechtel Interview Questions and Answers

Bechtel is one of the most respected engineering, construction, and project management companies in the world. With more than a century of experience, Bechtel has completed more than 25,000 projects in 160 countries on all seven continents.

Bechtel is known for its ability to take on complex projects in a wide range of industries, including oil and gas, mining and metals, transportation, power, and water.

When you’re interviewing for a job at Bechtel, you can expect to be asked a mix of general interview questions and company-specific interview questions.

To help you prepare, we’ve compiled a list of sample Bechtel interview questions and answers.

Bechtel Interview Process

The interview process at Bechtel can vary depending on the position you are applying for, but generally it is a two-step process. The first step is usually a phone screen with a recruiter, followed by an in-person interview with a panel of managers.

The phone screen typically lasts about 30 minutes and is mostly behavioral. The interviewer will ask questions about your experience and why you are interested in the position. They may also ask some technical questions to gauge your knowledge.

The in-person interview is usually about an hour long. It will consist of both behavioral and technical questions. The behavioral questions will be similar to those asked in the phone screen, but the technical questions will be more in-depth. You may be asked to solve problems or whiteboard algorithms.

Overall, the interview process is fairly standard. However, because Bechtel is such a large company, it can take several weeks to hear back about a decision.

1. What is your greatest strength?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your personality and how you would fit in with their company culture. When answering, think of a strength that is relevant to the job description or one that shows you have the potential to be successful in this role.

Example: “My greatest strength is my ability to work well under pressure. I am always prepared for any challenges that may come up during a project, which has helped me overcome many obstacles throughout my career. For example, when working on a construction site, I once had to solve an issue with a piece of equipment while also ensuring all workers were safe. I was able to do so by delegating tasks to other team members and communicating clearly.”

2. How would you describe the engineering industry in the last 5 years?

This question is a great way to see how much you know about the industry and what changes have occurred. It also gives you an opportunity to show your passion for engineering by sharing your thoughts on recent developments.

Example: “The engineering industry has changed quite a bit in the last 5 years, with more women entering the field than ever before. There are also many new technologies that make it easier to complete projects faster and more efficiently. I think these two things go hand-in-hand because having more female engineers means there’s more diversity of thought when it comes to problem solving, which can lead to better solutions.”

3. What do you think are the biggest challenges facing engineers today?

This question can help the interviewer get to know you as a person and how you view your role in the engineering field. Your answer can also show them what kind of challenges you’re most passionate about solving, which can be an indicator of whether or not you’d be a good fit for Bechtel.

Example: “I think one of the biggest challenges facing engineers today is that we don’t have enough diversity within our ranks. I believe this is important because it means we aren’t getting all perspectives on problems, which could lead to overlooking solutions. I’ve always been committed to increasing diversity in my career, so I would love to work at a company like Bechtel where there’s already a commitment to hiring more diverse candidates.”

4. Provide an example of a time when you had to solve a problem that was not straightforward. How did you approach the problem?

Bechtel is a large company that often works on complex projects. Your interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your problem-solving skills and how you approach challenges in the workplace. Use examples from previous jobs or describe a time when you faced a challenge at school.

Example: “At my last job, I was working with a team of engineers who were trying to solve a problem with one of our construction sites. The issue we were having was not straightforward, so we had to use several different approaches to try to find a solution. We eventually figured out what the problem was and fixed it.”

5. Describe a project where you had to manage multiple priorities at once, how did you prioritize?

Bechtel is a large company that often has multiple projects going on at once. An interviewer may ask this question to understand how you would manage your time and responsibilities if hired. Use examples from previous work experience or describe the steps you would take to prioritize in a new situation.

Example: “In my current role, I have been managing several projects at once. One of these projects was a client who wanted us to build a bridge while also making it aesthetically pleasing. The client had specific requirements for the aesthetics but needed the project completed within a certain budget. In this case, I first met with the client to discuss their needs and expectations. Then, I gathered all the information we needed to start building the bridge.”

6. Tell me about yourself.

This question is a common one in interviews. It gives you the opportunity to share your background and experiences with the interviewer. When answering this question, it can be helpful to include information that relates to your career goals or how you would fit into Bechtel’s culture.

Example: “I grew up in California where I attended Cal Poly San Luis Obispo for my undergraduate degree. After graduation, I moved to Colorado where I worked as an engineer at a construction company. There, I learned about Bechtel and decided to apply here because of its reputation for being a great place to work. I’m excited to join the team and continue learning more about engineering.”

7. Why should we hire you?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your qualifications and how you can benefit their company. Before your interview, make a list of reasons why you are the best candidate for the job. Think about what skills you have that will help you succeed in this role. You can also mention any personal qualities that may be beneficial to Bechtel.

Example: “I am an extremely hard worker who is always willing to take on new challenges. I am confident that my communication skills and problem-solving abilities would allow me to excel in this position. I am also very organized and detail-oriented, which makes me a great fit for this role. I understand that working at Bechtel means being part of a team. I am committed to helping others succeed and providing them with support when they need it.”

8. If hired, what would be your approach to designing software for an assembly line?

This question is an opportunity to show your technical skills and knowledge of the industry. Your answer should include a specific example of how you would design software for assembly lines, including what steps you would take and why you would choose those steps.

Example: “I would first analyze the current system in place at the client’s facility. I would then create a list of all the necessary features that need to be included in the new software. After this, I would develop a prototype of the software and test it with employees on the assembly line. Once I receive feedback from employees, I would make any necessary changes to the software before implementing it.”

9. What are some specific things that make Bechtel stand out compared to other companies in the engineering and construction industry?

This question is your chance to show the interviewer that you have done some research on Bechtel and understand what makes it unique. You can use this opportunity to highlight any of Bechtel’s core values, its history or its reputation in the industry.

Example: “Bechtel has a long history of innovation and leadership in the engineering and construction industry. It was one of the first companies to implement lean management practices, which helped it reduce costs while maintaining quality. The company also pioneered many technological advancements in the field, including the development of the world’s largest tunnel-boring machine. These innovations make Bechtel stand out from other companies.”

10. What makes your work meaningful to you?

Bechtel is a large company that works on many projects. The interviewer wants to know what motivates you and why you enjoy working for Bechtel. Your answer should show the interviewer your passion for engineering and construction work.

Example: “I love being able to use my skills as an engineer to help people. I find it rewarding to see how our projects improve communities, make life easier for people and create jobs. It’s also very satisfying to be part of a team that can solve complex problems. I feel like we’re making a real difference in the world.”

11. Have you worked with any of our subcontractors or vendors before?

Bechtel often works with subcontractors and vendors to complete projects. The company wants employees who can work well with these partners, so they ask this question to see if you have any experience working with them in the past. If you do, share a specific example of how you worked together successfully.

Example: “I’ve worked with many different subcontractors and vendors throughout my career. One of my most recent projects was at an oil refinery where I worked with several vendors to ensure we met our deadlines. We had one vendor that provided us with all of our equipment for the project. When it came time to install the equipment, there were some issues with the delivery. However, I worked closely with the vendor to resolve the issue and get the equipment installed on time.”

12. Can you tell us about a time when you were working on a team project and there was conflict, how did you handle it?

Bechtel is a large company that often has many projects going on at once. The interviewer wants to know how you will handle working with others and resolving conflict if it arises. Use examples from your past experience where you were able to work through conflict and come up with solutions together as a team.

Example: “In my last position, I was part of a project management team that had five members. We all worked on different aspects of the project but met weekly to discuss our progress and any issues we encountered. One week, one of the team members didn’t show up for the meeting. When we asked why they weren’t there, they said they couldn’t make it because they were sick.

We decided to hold an emergency meeting later in the day so everyone could update each other on their progress. It turned out that two other team members hadn’t made much progress either. They told us they were waiting on information from another member who hadn’t provided it yet. After talking about what happened, we came up with a solution. The three of us would continue working on the project while the other two members apologized to us.”

13. Why do you want to work here?

Employers ask this question to see if you have done your research on the company. They want to know that you are genuinely interested in working for them and not just looking for a job. Before your interview, read up on Bechtel’s mission statement and values. Use these things to explain why you would be a good fit for the organization.

Example: “I am very passionate about engineering and construction. I believe that Bechtel is one of the best companies in the industry. When I was researching companies, I saw that Bechtel has an excellent reputation for its work. I also noticed that it places a lot of importance on safety and employee satisfaction. These two things are important to me because I want to work somewhere where I feel valued and safe.”

14. Do you have experience working with mechanical components?

Bechtel is a mechanical engineering company, so it’s likely that you’ll be working with mechanical components at some point in your career. Interviewers ask this question to make sure you have the experience necessary to succeed in their organization. In your answer, explain what types of mechanical components you’ve worked with and how you used them.

Example: “I’ve worked with many different mechanical components throughout my career. I’ve designed and built machines using both electrical and hydraulic components. I’m comfortable working with all kinds of mechanical systems because I understand the basics of each component. This allows me to troubleshoot problems more quickly when they arise.”

15. Give an example of a time when you had to solve a problem that was not straightforward. How did you approach the problem?

Bechtel is a large company that often works on complex projects. Your interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your problem-solving skills and how you approach challenges in the workplace. Use examples from previous jobs or describe a time when you faced a challenge at school.

Example: “At my last job, I was working with a team of engineers who were trying to solve a problem with one of our construction sites. The issue we were having was not straightforward, so we had to use several different approaches to try to find a solution. We eventually figured out what the problem was and fixed it.”

16. We are looking for someone who can work well alone as well as part of a team. In your opinion, which is more important?

This question is a great way to determine how the candidate will fit into the Bechtel culture. The company values both working alone and as part of a team, so it’s important that you show your ability to do both in your answer.

Example: “I think both are equally important. Working alone allows me to focus on my work without distraction, but I also enjoy collaborating with others. At my last job, I was able to work independently on most projects while still being able to collaborate with other engineers when needed.”

17. Which area of mechanical engineering are you most interested in?

This question can help the interviewer determine if your interests align with Bechtel’s projects. You should answer honestly and explain why you are interested in that particular area of mechanical engineering.

Example: “I am most interested in robotics because I find it fascinating how engineers can create machines that can think for themselves. My favorite project was my senior capstone where we had to design a robot that could complete a series of tasks without human intervention. It was challenging, but rewarding when our team won first place at the state competition.”

18. What is your experience with designing and releasing software?

Bechtel is a large construction company that often works with software to manage projects. Your answer should show the interviewer your experience in this area and how you can help Bechtel use software effectively.

Example: “I have worked on several software development teams, where I helped create new applications for clients and improve existing ones. In my last position, I was part of a team that developed an application for a client who needed a way to track their project’s budget. We created a program that allowed them to enter expenses and revenue as they occurred so they could see at any time if they were over or under budget. This system saved them from having to manually update their budget every day.”

19. When was the last time you had to deal with a difficult customer or situation?

This question can help the interviewer get a better idea of how you handle conflict and challenges. Use examples from your previous work experience to highlight your problem-solving skills, communication skills and ability to remain calm under pressure.

Example: “In my last position as an accountant for a small business, I had a client who was unhappy with our services. They were threatening to take their business elsewhere unless we lowered our rates. Instead of getting defensive or upset, I calmly explained that our company’s pricing structure is competitive in the industry and that we would be happy to provide them with additional services at no extra charge. The customer agreed to give us another chance, and they ended up being one of our most loyal clients.”

20. How much notice do you need to give if you decide to leave this job?

Bechtel is a large company with many opportunities for advancement. If you are interviewing for an entry-level position, it’s likely that the interviewer will ask this question to make sure you’re committed to your career at Bechtel and not just looking for any job. Your answer should show that you have a long-term view of your career and plan to stay with Bechtel for several years.

Example: “I understand that Bechtel offers excellent training programs and I would like to take advantage of those. As such, I am only looking for jobs where I can advance my career. I would give two weeks’ notice if I decided to leave this job.”