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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:

The Senior Counsel provides legal advice and guidance to the Bechtel Nuclear, Security & Environmental (NS&E) global business unit (GBU) on matters affecting Bechtel business related to this skillset. The work is typically complex and challenging, involving issues that are unique and require a high degree of original and creative thought for their solution. The work performed by the NS&E GBU covers both government work (for customers such as DOE, DOD, NASA), as well commercial nuclear power (both domestic and international).

Job Summary:

The Senior Counsel will work in Bechtel’s Nuclear, Security & Environmental Global Business Unit (NS&E GBU) with particular focus on the Nuclear Power business line. The successful candidate will be working as an integral part of a dynamic legal team, managing legal risk across the full breadth of the NS&E GBU in a manner that supports and facilitates the continued commercial success of the business and must be adept at building strong relationships and trust with business leaders and legal professionals both in the US and internationally.

"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:

• Responsible for provision of services in support of commercial nuclear prospects and projects both in the US and worldwide.
• Reports to the Principal Counsel of the NS&E GBU.
• Responsible for providing proactive legal advice across a wide variety of subject matters and jurisdictions.
• Advises on the development and negotiation of contracts for the delivery of major projects in the US and around the world and supporting them during execution.
• The legal work is typically complex and difficult because it involves matters that:
• Are unique and/or of critical importance to the business/undertaking in question and require a high order of original and creative legal endeavors for their solution; and/or
• Require extensive search and analysis and the obtaining and evaluating of company input regarding controversial issues in areas that involve legal and other multi-disciplinary functions.

Education and Experience Requirements:

• LL.B. or JD degree with at least 15 years of professional progressive related experience in a major law firm or major engineering, procurement, and construction company. Must hold a current license to practice law in the United States.
• In-depth understanding and experience in matters relating to the engineering and construction sectors.
• Specific exposure to, and substantial experience of, the structuring and negotiation of major public infrastructure projects both in the US and internationally.
• Exceptional professional skills plus the breadth of experience to advise on the full range of legal issues likely to be faced by the NS&E GBU.
• A proactive self-starter who will roll up their sleeves and delve into the detail when appropriate.
• An approachable, down to earth, straightforward, resilient and persuasive personality with strong negotiation, drafting, communication and influencing skills and a constructive, commercial and imaginative approach to problem solving.
• The self-confidence and strength of character to speak his or her mind, combined with the sensitivity, judgment and tact to know when to insist and when to pull back.
• International in outlook and able to work easily with people from different cultures and backgrounds.
• Willingness to travel regularly and extensively

Required Knowledge and Skills: 

Experience in nuclear-related and/or major infrastructure engineering, procurement and construction transactions.

• Intellectual Flexibility and Technical Acumen:
• Demonstrable ability to quickly understand a broad range of commercial legal issues
• Possesses strong lateral and analytical thinking skills
• Is astute at identifying new sector or technical knowledge which will be advantageous to the business and awareness of current and evolving customer needs
• Accustomed to a high degree of rigor, accuracy, detail and complexity

Project Management:

• Manages all elements of complex transactions with minimal supervision against tight deadlines
• Conscientious, detail-oriented, resilient and tenacious with the ability to prioritize workload and to run a number of projects simultaneously
• Handles complex negotiations independently and reaches solutions which meet the needs of all parties

Commercial Acumen:

• Understands how the business works and appreciates the role that the legal function can play in supporting business objectives
• Uses their knowledge of the business and the law to advise on risk/reward trade-offs
• Sees ahead clearly and can identify how to accomplish future goals; and
• Has the pragmatism to interact effectively with senior non-lawyers globally

Influencing Skills:

• Ability to influence major decisions having legal ramifications through reasoned analysis and business understanding
• Willingness to make hard decisions on legal advice and strategic business initiatives
• Possesses the intellect, stature and independence of thought to inspire confidence at the highest levels within Bechtel
• Comfortable operating as a senior member of the business

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.