Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago

Assistant Mechanical Engineer (#20003751)

General Statement

Under immediate supervision, performs entry level mechanical engineering work in mechanical design, construction inspection and plant maintenance or operation. May review the work of sub-professional personnel.

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.
  • Prepares preliminary calculations and detailed plans and specifications of mechanical equipment for pumping stations, power plants, sewage treatment and sludge processing plants; assists senior engineers in design of special engineering systems and controls.
  • Utilizes computer programs, reviews and/or modifies CAD/CAM drawings and prepares correspondence.
  • Conducts engineering studies, tests and analyses; prepares reports, engineering cost estimates, and contract language; confers with vendors and contractors to obtain information on industrial equipment.
  • May act as resident engineer on small projects of simple complexity; reviews contractor designs and drawings for accuracy and conformity to District standards; plans, reviews and monitors construction scheduling and activities; inspects installation of mechanical equipment and enforces conformity with plans and specifications.
  • Inspects and analyzes equipment condition, determines repair or replacement needs; assists in the planning and execution of maintenance programs; issues required work orders.
  • Coordinates the compiling of plant equipment and facility operating data as applied to the analysis of proper equipment operation and processes.
  • Plans and maintains an inventory of needed parts for facilities equipment and engineering projects.

Other Job Functions

  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Environmental Conditions

Typical office environment.  May use standard office equipment and computer terminals.  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. 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

  • Some knowledge of the principles, practices and techniques of mechanical engineering.
  • Some knowledge of the technical application of mechanics, thermodynamics, fluids and related engineering sciences to problems of heating, ventilating and plumbing.
  • Some knowledge of recent developments, current literature and sources of information in mechanical engineering.
  • Some knowledge and understanding of basic engineering economics.
  • Ability to understand and interpret detailed construction schedules prepared by the critical path method.
  • Ability to use word processors, spreadsheets, database managers, and similar applications.
  • Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, orally and in writing.

Minimum Qualification Requirements

Graduation from a four-year accredited college or university majoring in mechanical engineering.

Promotional Requirement

  • Possession of a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering. 
  • One year of service with the District as a Treatment Plant Operator I or Engineering Technician IV.
  • Civil service status as a Treatment Plant Operator I or Engineering Technician IV, or civil service status as an Engineer Trainee.
CLASS: 20003751; EST: 10/1/2007; REV: 1/1/2020;