Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago

Senior Mechanical Engineer (#20003753)


General Statement

Performs supervisory and professional mechanical engineering work in connection with the mechanical design, construction, maintenance and operation of mechanical equipment in wastewater treatment plants or pumping stations.

Essential Job Functions

Essential job functions are fundamental, core functions common to positions in a classification.  They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties for any one position in the class.  Since class specifications are designed to be descriptive and not restrictive, incumbents may complete one or all of the job duties listed or tasks of similar kind not specifically listed here.

  • Assigns, directs and reviews work; takes necessary action or makes recommendations regarding work performance.
  • Directs or participates in the preparation of calculations, detailed plans and specifications for mechanical equipment for pumping stations, power plants, sewage treatment and sludge processing facilities; utilizes computer programs.
  • Prepares or reviews engineering studies, reports and cost estimates; presents budget information.
  • Acts as resident engineer on large size construction projects of above average complexity; reviews submitted proposals for conformance to specifications and bidding procedures; supervises engineering personnel involved in the inspection, investigation and testing of contracted engineering services and construction contracts; prepares correspondence related to contract administration, contractor inquiries and the resolution of contract disputes.
  • Supervises and participates in the identification, analysis and troubleshooting of mechanical equipment problems and provides solutions; determines repair or replacement needs; assists in the planning and execution of maintenance programs; issues required work orders.
  • Provides technical advice and innovative suggestions to other engineers and District personnel regarding the administrative aspects of engineering contracts and other mechanical engineering concerns; reviews engineering technologies and their application to the improvement of District facilities.
  • Prepares applications and related documents for Federal and state permits, grants and loans.

Other Job Functions

  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Environmental Conditions

May involve exposure to a variety of operating mechanical equipment and loud noise and/or noxious odors.  May include working in all types of weather conditions throughout the plant facility and collection system. Typical office environment.  May use standard office equipment and computer terminals. May involve working in close proximity to or in conjunction with construction activities and heavy equipment, and may require exposure to a variety of weather conditions, including extreme heat and cold.

Desirable Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

  • Thorough knowledge of the principles, practices and techniques of mechanical engineering.
  • Thorough knowledge of the technical application of mechanics, thermodynamics and related engineering sciences to problems of heating, ventilating and plumbing.
  • Thorough knowledge of recent developments, current literature and sources of information in mechanical engineering.
  • Some knowledge of the principles, practices regulations and techniques of wastewater engineering.
  • Some knowledge of regulations and procedures of federal and state grants, loans, and permits.
  • Ability to express oneself clearly and concisely, orally and in writing.
  • Ability to prepare and review plans and specifications for the installation of mechanical equipment and facilities.
  • Ability to plan and supervise the work of others in a manner conducive to full performance and high morale.
  • Ability to use personal computers in applications including spreadsheets, databases and word processing.
  • Ability to criticize and evaluate professional mechanical engineering design work.

Absolute Requirements

Registration as a Professional Engineer in the State of Illinois.

Minimum Qualification Requirements

Graduation from a four-year accredited college or university majoring in mechanical engineering and four years of full-time, post-degree mechanical engineering experience related to the District's activities.

Substitution

Full-time graduate study in mechanical engineering may be substituted for the required experience on a year-for-year basis to a maximum of two years.

Promotional Requirement

  • One year of service with the District as an Associate Mechanical Engineer; or possession of a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering and one year of such service as an Associate Civil Engineer, Associate Electrical Engineer, Associate Structural Engineer, Associate Process Control Engineer or Treatment Plant Operator III.
  • Civil service status in one of the foregoing classifications.

CLASS: 20003753; EST: 1/1/1900; REV: 5/1/2023;