Senior Mechanical Engineer

Metra is one of the largest and most complex commuter rail systems in North America, serving Cook, DuPage, Will, Lake, Kane, and McHenry Counties. The agency is linking communities in Northeastern Illinois by providing safe, reliable, and efficient commuter service.

Engineering is responsible for building and maintaining the majority of Metra's fixed assets, such as buildings, stations, bridges, track, electrical, telecommunications and signal systems. The Engineering Department also monitors the condition of and assists in building and maintaining the fixed assets on the freight lines where Metra trains operate. The Engineering Department is divided into two major groups: Capital Projects, and Communications and Maintenance.

Reporting to the Director, Electrical and Mechanical Engineering, the Senior Mechanical Engineer performs senior-level professional engineering duties in the design and analysis of complex mechanical systems and equipment on rail lines, yards, shops, stations, and buildings; serves as a resource and subject matter expert; and leads teams or projects. 

The primary duties include: Prepare mechanical design packages including drawings, specifications, budgets, materials, and technical calculations for mechanical systems. Provide direction, guidance, and supervision of design projects prepared by consultants; approve designs ensuring they comply with specifications,  applicable codes, and quality standards. Perform construction management duties including:  answering contractor questions, monitoring and inspecting the job site, reviewing product submittals, RFIs, invoices, changes order, and other construction documents. Manage project development and facilitates design reviews to ensure all stakeholders are provided with opportunities to provide their input. Inspect work-in-progress and completed work to ensure engineering and construction tasks are accomplished in accordance specifications with Metra's QA/QC standards. Perform other related duties as assigned to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.

Final salary will be determined in part by the qualifications of the selected candidate.

Metra is a railroad employer subject to the provisions of the Railroad Retirement Tax Act, not the Social Security Administration.

1. Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from a school accredited by the Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology (ABET).
2. In addition to #1 above, must have a minimum of seven years of engineering   experience in the design and/or construction of mechanical systems including HVAC, plumbing, fuel/oil, or compressed air.
3. Considerable knowledge of design, construction, and maintenance principles and procedures for mechanical systems.
4. Considerable knowledge of  mechanical equipment and components.
5. Considerable knowledge of building, mechanical, fuel,  gas, and plumbing codes applicable to Chicago and Metra's service area.
6. Good knowledge of project management methods, practices, and procedures.
7. Strong analytical critical thinking skills
8. Strong verbal and written communication skills.
9. Strong  inter-personal skills necessary to work with various departments and people throughout Metra, utility providers, governmental agencies, and partner railroads.
10. Skill using computer design software, such as AutoCADD, Revit and/or MicroStation.
11. Proficient in Microsoft 365 specifically Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, and Sharepoint.
12. Ability to present technical information in an organized, clear, and concise manner.
13. Ability to negotiate and resolve conflict.
14. Ability to apply engineering knowledge to complex Mechanical Engineering problems  and provide practical cost effective solutions. 
15. Ability to lead projects.
16. Ability to manage consultants.

Preferences: 

1.  Experience working in a railroad environment

Please note: Regardless of any state laws that legalize marijuana, Metra prohibits applicants and employees' use or possession of marijuana (or marijuana paraphernalia), or having detectable amounts of marijuana in their bodies, including synthetic and/or non-synthetic substances such as THC for any reason for pre-employment screening purposes, while on duty, subject to duty, on Metra property, or in Metra work equipment and vehicles.

Metra is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. It is our policy to fill vacant positions with qualified candidates without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, gender identity, disability, or any protected categories, assuming an individual can perform the essential functions of the job with or without accommodation.