Marketing Statement The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) is seeking an experienced Mechanical Engineer to join the Architecture & Facilities Engineering (AFE) Department. In this role, the selected candidate will design, specify, and support a wide range of mechanical systems across WMATA's rail, bus, and ancillary facilities, including HVAC, plumbing, pumping, and industrial equipment systems. The engineer will review consultant-produced designs to ensure compliance with WMATA standards and requirements, conduct field inspections during construction, and participate in commissioning and substantial completion activities. This position also serves as a technical resource to maintenance teams by providing troubleshooting and repair support for existing mechanical systems. The successful candidate must possess a valid driver's license and be able to access and inspect equipment located in physically demanding environments, including rooftops, tunnels, and other operational facilities.
Job Description
The Mechanical Engineer provides technical expertise regarding WMATA’s mechanical and plumbing systems. Serves as the mechanical and plumbing systems engineer developing and implementing new designs (or modifying existing) mechanical and plumbing systems at WMATA facilities. Reviews and coordinates drawings and specifications with respect to mechanical and plumbing systems and ensures compliance with engineering requirements, WMATA design criteria, and relevant mechanical and plumbing codes. Performs work in alignment with regulatory requirements when installing new equipment, applying new methods, and while developing and implementing engineering innovations in WMATA. Principal Job Duties
- Coordinates and reviews mechanical and plumbing designs and equipment for WMATA Metrorail, Bus, and Ancillary Facilities to ensure compliance with WMATA Design Criteria and Standards along with local codes and regulations.
- Supports Construction activities including support to field oversight and construction staff, along with support to the Office of Plant Maintenance (PLNT) when issues arise concerning Mechanical and plumbing systems on construction projects or existing systems.
- Provides direction to engineering consultants and other WMATA departments related to design and modifications to mechanical and plumbing systems including technical direction when issues arise.
- Maintains continuous oversight of the mechanical systems placed in the Authority's operations to determine the adequacy and effectiveness of mechanical engineering designs. Addresses and collaborates on resolving actual and potential problems that may arise during construction in the field, and during testing, and commissioning.
- Maintains and updates the mechanical and plumbing section of the WMATA Design Criteria and Standards. In addition, maintains and updates the various Standard WMATA Mechanical and Plumbing Specifications and standard drawings.
- Reviews work products and deliverables (e.g., drawings, calculations, testing reports, etc.) performed by internal staff and contracted engineers. Reviews preliminary engineering reports as well as final design drawings and specifications for current and proposed major construction projects.
- Performs Site survey work and assessments of Mechanical equipment for current state of repair, upgrades, and recommendations.
- Develops, oversees, and implements ‘scope of work’ descriptions for mechanical equipment / systems for small to medium installation work that is required.
- Develops or oversees the development of test procedures and maintenance instructions for mechanical and plumbing systems.
- Reviews and checks principal calculations and assumptions affecting the design and subsequent operation of mechanical systems required of the Authority's transit operations.
- Uses commercial technology for 2D and 3D computer-aided design (CAD) such as AutoCAD and Revit to create design drawings for mechanical and plumbing systems.
- Researches and stays current on state-of-the-art developments in the mechanical engineering field and applies those techniques and procedures to benefit the Authority's construction program and operations reconstruction work. Conducts periodic site visits to the field to assess progress, provide advice, and report project statuses.
- Prepares a n d reviews feasibility studies, special reports, and investigations on problems that have to do with mechanical systems and subsystems, their related user needs, and requirements.
- Coordinates efforts with various WMATA departments, jurisdictional authority, consultants, and contractors for all matters on assigned projects.
- Prepares accurate engineering reports.
- Performs related duties as required.
Other Duties
- N/A
- Maintains and promotes awareness and accountability with safety policies and procedures while performing job functions. Promotes a positive safety culture and encourages reporting of safety concerns consistent with our Agency Safety Plan, other regulatory requirements within the Safety Management System and just culture principles.
The functions listed are not intended to limit specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position. Nor is it intended to limit in any way the right of managers and supervisors to assign, direct and control the work of employees under their supervision.
Knowledge
- Extensive knowledge of pertinent Federal and local codes, ordinances, regulations, and Authority-related governing policies and procedures necessary to perform related work.
- Wide ranging knowledge of principles and practices of mechanical engineering, especially related to heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems.
- Knowledge of applicable building codes and safety regulations of Maryland, Virginia, and District of Columbia.
- Knowledge of engineering criteria for transit specifications, and related rules and regulations.
- Knowledge of engineering techniques and methods is required to apply and assess WMATA equipment/machinery, and when reviewing or modifying facility or systems design.
- Knowledge of safety regulations and policies, and proper use of safety equipment as required by federal, state, local and Authority regulations and policies.
Skills
- Skill in preparing comprehensive engineering designs, cost estimates, and technical reports.
- Skill in utilizing design software (e.g., AutoCAD, Revit, Visio, and/or other cutting-edge technology); and Microsoft Office Suite applications (e.g., advanced MS Excel, Word, and Teams) analytical and/or presentation, spreadsheets, word processing, email communications software.
- Skill developing, reviewing, and maintaining Authority mechanical engineering design criteria.
- Skill in collecting and analyzing data, reporting results, developing and recommending improvements, and exchanging information.
- Problem solving skills sufficient to analyze existing issues with mechanical systems and to determine solutions when problems arise.
- Multitasking skills are required to manage several phases of a project simultaneously.
Abilities
- Ability to prepare comprehensive engineering designs, cost estimates, and technical reports and to present them to various review boards and committees.
- Ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing with staff, senior management, and other stakeholders to present content and terminology.
- Ability to travel to various company locations and work sites, and work extended hours (including evening, weekends and/or holidays) when projects require. Working alternate work hours at various WMATA work locations, may involve visiting locations that are only accessible by car.
- Ability to work in a variety of physical environments, which may include outdoors in all weather conditions, on or around energized electrical equipment, and/or in confined spaces, which may require climbing, going underground, and visiting sites in noisy, dirty environments with proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
- Ability to coach and mentor staff members for effective knowledge retention and transfer.
- Ability to create / prepare detailed drawings in AutoCad/Revit.
- Ability to perform physical functions to include but not limited to accessing roofs and tunnels via ladders, hatches, or lifts.
Machine, Tools, Equipment, Software, Hardware Required
- Engineering design software
- CAD - software AutoCAD, Revit, etc.
- Microsoft Office Suite (e.g., Word, Excel, MS Teams, PowerPoint, etc.)
- Adobe Acrobat
Supervisory Responsibility
Guides work of others who perform essentially the same work. May organize, set priorities, schedule and review work, but has no responsibility to hire, terminate, review performance or make pay decisions.
Minimum Education
- Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field
- In lieu of a Bachelor’s degree, a High School Diploma or GED and four (4) years of technical experience in Mechanical Engineering or related field, in addition to the experience stated below, will be considered
Minimum Experience
- A minimum of eight (8) years of progressive experience in engineering design, and comprehensive experience in Mechanical Engineering field/industry (e.g., heating, ventilation, air conditioning, plumbing, and pumping systems)
Minimum Certification/Licensure
- Roadway Worker Protection (RWP) Certification, Level 2, within 6 months of hire and maintained for the duration of time holding the job
- Possession of or ability to acquire a valid driver’s license
Preferred Qualifications
- Mechanical Engineering or related field of study
- Professional Engineer (PE) License
The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), known as Metro, is the region’s leading public transportation provider. Serving a 2,054-square-mile jurisdiction, Metro operates six rail lines, 98 stations, 126 bus routes, and Metro Access, a shared-ride paratransit service. As one of the nation’s busiest transit systems, Metro connects communities, supports economic growth, and provides safe, reliable transportation.
Evaluation Criteria
Consideration will be given to applicants whose resumes demonstrate the required education and experience. Applicants should include all relevant education and work experience.
Evaluation criteria may include one or more of the following:
- Skills and/or behavioral assessment
- Personal interview
- Verification of education and experience (including certifications and licenses)
- Criminal Background Check (a criminal conviction is not an automatic bar to employment)
- Medical examination including a drug and alcohol screening (for safety sensitive positions)
- Review of a current motor vehicle report
Closing
WMATA is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by applicable federal law.
This posting is an announcement of a vacant position under recruitment. It is not intended to replace the official job description. Job descriptions are available upon confirmation of an interview.