Bechtel Reviews

Pros

They encourage you to move around and learn new things. The pay is above market for IT.

Cons

politics - just like any other company

Pros

You get to work with competent people. You get to work on very big projects which you can feel proud of. There is lots of opportunity to travel (if you like that). Many people get to see the world through Bechtel.

Cons

If you are inflexible in your ability to move, Bechtel can be a challenging place to work at time (depending on the role you have).

Pros

Well known company, a huge plus in a resume, if you ever worked at Bechtel.
Truly equal opportunities employee.

Cons

Below average pay
Majority of jobs are in Asia and Middle East, which makes you relocate every so often, which can also be an advantage for some employees.

Advice to Senior Management

Good job overall!

Pros

My supervisors were great, my successful problem solving was attributed to me with no subterfuge. Great training was provided while I worked there, broad and practical.

Cons

Very large company, so there were many inefficiencies that I had to put up with. While this was frustrating, I did learn later that there was a bigger picture that I was unaware of at the time.

Advice to Senior Management

Although it would be challenging, I believe a more earnest attempt at worker consultation to improve business processes would be beneficial.

Pros

Bechtel is increasingly winning work outside the US so there is real opportunity to travel around the world. The international pay is significantly better than domestic pay due to extended work weeks and decreased living costs.

Cons

International assignments are 24 months minimum in duration and often times in construction camps in undesirable places. Many places are 6 days work weeks and vacation time determined by rotation not personal plans. Often times you must go single status and leave the family behind for several months at a time. International assignments as a technical engineer are more difficult to get but generally more family friendly.

Advice to Senior Management

Provide more timely feedback as to job performance and recognize public ally good work done. There is a perception that as long as you put in your time you will become a manager, not everyone is competent enough to be a manager even if they have been working for 30 years!

Pros

I have an easy job. A lot to learn and I feel as if I am still learning. If you are like me (can't remember what was said when learning about something) write it down. My position has LOTS to do so I am NEVER bored. My location is close to home too. The week of Christmas we were off.

Cons

I hate their health plans.

I also feel isolated with the folks I work with. Coming from a company were there are a lot of employees around my age to a company where everyone is either a lot older than myself or about five years older than me (or five years younger than me)- I often feel at times I have nothing in common with them. I can always find something to talk about with them, but still... I feel lonely.

My boss has been there for YEARS and half the time when I ask them a question, I feel as if I am bugging them based on their reaction. When I ask a co-workers, she tells me, "Hold on a sec...." (because she's in the middle of something - fine finish what you are doing I'd do the same thing) but she never helps me so I am stuck to figure it out on my own then 50% of the time there is always a mistake. So - get a better training system - not just reading, but maybe a class for a week for new employees.

Advice to Senior Management

Take a hard look at some of the managers there, I feel as if I cannot talk to my manager because I am afraid of reaction I will get. And if I go to my func supervisor, I know they will talk to my day to day manager so its not even worth trying.

Scared to know that the department I want to go into - some of those positions have gone to the Reston office, so what are my chances of growing with Bechtel now? No offense, I dont want a long commute nor stay in my position for years and years! I guess I will have to wait and see.

Pros

Stability
Great people
They are making changes that seem exciting to step into the future.
Major player in EPC in the world

Cons

Salaries are not competitive.
Management is very difficult to talk to.
You get "lost in your cube".
Needs to develop young people better.

Pros

a place to grow in the company

Cons

alot of hours as a superintendent

Advice to Senior Management

get more involved with your men

Pros

Good work and personal life balance; people are very helpful

Cons

Not great compensation, does not match industry standard;
Not sure about career growth and how Bechtel promotes the employees;

Advice to Senior Management

Please focus on future leaders

Pros

Job security, good place to develop your resume

Cons

Long hours, low pay, no internet, management must possess navy experience instead of technical ability

Advice to Senior Management

Get used to having high turn-over in the professional ranks when the economy improves.