MECHANICAL ENGINEER

Cook County Government; River Forest (IL); On-site; USD 88,000 - 108,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage

Pension Plan and Deferred Compensation

Employee Assistance Program

Paid Holidays, Vacation, and Sick Time

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

Job summary

Forest Preserve District of Cook County seeks a Mechanical Engineer to evaluate, plan, design and manage building or utility projects at District facilities. You will work with staff and consultants to ensure compliance with specifications and standards, while preparing bid specs and cost estimates.

The role requires coordinating multiple projects, interpreting MEP plans, and directing consultants. Travel to Cook County Forest Preserve sites is expected, with a focus on energy-efficient and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from an accredited college or university AND at least 4 years of full-time work experience as a mechanical engineer related to mechanical systems for buildings or utilities, such as HVAC, electrical, and plumbing system improvement projects.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license.
• Professional Engineer (P.E.) License or Engineer Intern in Illinois preferred.

Responsibilities

• Project management: prepare project scopes, manage the project schedule, budget, and coordination for assigned projects.
• Manages and directs outside consultants in connection with project designs, development of bid specifications and drawings and/or construction administration.
• Ability to read and interpret mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) plans and prepare letters and memoranda.
• Prepares plans, specifications and cost estimates related to mechanical, electric and plumbing (MEP), and related facility needs.
• Design and manage smaller in-house projects.
• Maintains records, reports, drawings and other project-related documents.
• Collaborates with District staff and other parties to understand project needs.
• Monitors and manages construction work in progress to ensure contract and specification compliance.
• Recommends any necessary changes; discusses and helps to resolve disputes with contractors over materials and methods related to mechanical design, time delays or cost over-runs.
• Advises on regular preventive maintenance and inspections.
• Recommends project priorities for the Annual Capital Improvement Plan update.
• Ability to travel to various Cook County Forest Preserve work sites.

Skills

Project management

Reading MEP plans

Communication

HVAC knowledge

Interpretation of specifications

Field inspections

Education

Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering

Professional Engineer (P.E.) License

Engineer Intern (Illinois)

Valid driver’s license

Tools

AutoCAD

microsoft suite

Job description

Job Description - MECHANICAL ENGINEER (00139457)

Job Description

Requisition ID

MECHANICAL ENGINEER: 00139457

Organization

Work Locations

536 N. Harlem

Job Posting

Sep 7, 2026, 5:40:50 PM

Closing Date

Oct 9, 2026, 4:59:00 AM

Posting Salary : $97,956 / Annually

Forest Preserve District of Cook County

Job Summary

Under the general direction of the Chief Building Architect and/or Director of Planning and Development, utilizes professional mechanical engineering knowledge and expertise in order to evaluate, plan, design and managea variety of building or related utility construction, renovation and other projects at District facilities. Works with other professional staff and manages consultants to ensure compliance with all specifications, designs and standards on various projects. Prepares bid specifications and contracts; recommends changes or revisions; conducts field inspections; provides guidance and direction to other staff, as necessary. Applies modern principles, methods, and techniques to the practice and application of mechanical engineering.

Typical Duties

• Project management: prepare project scopes, manage the project schedule, budget, and coordination for assigned projects.
• Manages and directs outside consultants in connection with project designs, development of bid specifications and drawings and/or construction administration.
• Ability to read and interpret mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) plans and prepare letters and memoranda
• Prepares plans, specifications and cost estimates related to mechanical, electric and plumbing (MEP), and related facility needs.
• Design and manage smaller in-house projects
• Maintains records, reports, drawings and other project-related documents.
• Collaborates with District staff and other parties to understand project needs.
• Monitors and manages construction work in progress to ensure contract and specification compliance.
• Recommends any necessary changes; discusses and helps to resolve disputes with contractors over materials and methods related to mechanical design, time delays or cost over-runs.
• Advises on regular preventive maintenance and inspections.
• Recommends project priorities for the Annual Capital Improvement Plan update.
• Ability to travel to various Cook County Forest Preserve work sites.

Minimum Qualifications

Must possess a bachelor’s degree or higher in mechanical engineering from an accredited college or university AND at least 4 years of full-time work experience as a mechanical engineer related to mechanical systems for buildings or utilities, such as HVAC, electrical, and plumbing system improvement projects.

Must possess a valid driver’s license.

Preferred Qualifications

• Possess a Professional Engineer (P.E.) License
• OR
• Certified as an Engineer Intern in the State of Illinois.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities And Other Characteristics

• Knowledge of the theory, principles and practices of mechanical engineering, current trends and developments relating to energy efficiency and the ability to apply such knowledge and skills to the needs and operations of the District.
• Knowledge of and the ability to prepare detailed drawings, designs and plans using computer-assisted design software.
• Considerable knowledge of standard sources of architectural and related engineering information and fire and building, safety and accessibility requirements and their application.
• MEP design and consulting experience.
• Working knowledge of energy modeling.
• Knowledge and skills relating to LEED building certification
• Experience with HVAC load calculations and duct sizing.
• Ability to provide direction, recommendations and/or technical assistance to others.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with other professionals and staff, consultants, bidders and other outside parties.
• Skill in the performance of a wide array of technical, analytical and advisory duties.
• Skill in the development and review of working drawings, contract specifications and facility development plans.
• Skill in the performance of field inspections and surveys and ability to supervise others so engaged.
• Ability to effectively coordinate multiple projects simultaneously and shift priorities as necessary.
• Skill in ensuring that projects are carried out and completed in an accurate, timely and cost-efficient manner.
• Ability to operate a car for purposes of traveling to various sites and locations.

The duties listed are not set forth for purposes of limiting the assignment of work.They are not to be construed as a complete list of the many duties normally to be performed under a job title or those to be performed temporarily outside an employee's normal line of work.

Benefits Package

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage
• Basic Term Life Insurance
• Pension Plan and Deferred Compensation Program
• Employee Assistance Program
• Paid Holidays, Vacation, and Sick Time
• You May Qualify forthe Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)

General District Employment Requirements

PROOF OF EDUCATION, CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES WILL BE REQUIRED.

The Forest Preserve District of Cook County is an equal opportunity employer and ensures against discrimination in employment on the basis of a person’s race, color, sex, age, religion, disability, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, military discharge status, source of income, housing status, or gender identity. We value our employees and the different talents, expertise, and viewpoints that each brings to the table. We believe a robust exchange of ideas results in better decision-making and we commit to providing a constructive, safe, and positive work atmosphere that promotes mutual respect and empowers individuals to thrive in their jobs.

When applying for employment with the Forest Preserve District of Cook County, preference is given in the application process to honorably discharged Veterans who have served in the Armed Forces of the United States for more than 180 consecutive days or during War Time.To take advantage of this preference, a Veteran must:

Meet the minimum qualifications for the position.

Identify themselves as a Veteran on their employment application by answering Yes to the question “Are you a military veteran?”

Attach a copy of their DD 214, DD 215, or NGB 22 (Notice of Separation) at the time of application by uploading it as part of your application.If there are multiple DD 214s, DD 215s, or NGB 22s, please submit the one with the latest date.Coast Guard must submit a certified copy of the military separation from either the Department of Transportation (before 911) or the Department of Homeland Security (after 911).

Veteran must provide original applicable discharge papers at time of interview.