CITY OF PHILADELPHIA PERSONNEL DEPARTMENT
3B22
MECHANICAL ENGINEER II
GENERAL DEFINITION
This is mechanical engineering work at the full performance level applying engineering knowledge
to the design and/or installation of mechanical equipment in a variety of public works. Work includes
the preparation of designs, plans, specifications and estimates for small design projects, the design of the
more difficult phases of a major project, or the inspection for installation and/or maintenance purposes,
of major mechanical equipment. Work differs from the next lower class in that the assignments received
define the scope of the work but the employee uses independent judgment in planning work details and
making technical decisions. Establishing and maintaining effective work relationships with contractors,
consultants and fellow employees is a significant aspect of the work.
Work is performed under the general supervision of an engineering superior. Assignments
require analytical thinking and are performed in accordance with accepted engineering standards and
applicable regulations. Employees in this class work with engineers, contractors and others to complete
assigned engineering projects.
TYPICAL EXAMPLES OF WORK (ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY)
- Designs the more complex phases of a major project for a variety of mechanical equipment
installations such as heating, ventilating, air-conditioning, and power systems, electrostatic precipitators,
waste water or raw water pumping station and incinerator plant systems; makes difficult engineering
computations; prepares plans for the installation of complex mechanical equipment; prepares plans and
specifications including detailed cost estimates; makes field trips to secure data to be used in preparing
plans and specifications; prepares quantity lists of mechanical equipment and materials necessary for
various projects; prepares reports and recommendations on various phases of mechanical engineering
problems.
- Inspects installation or major alterations to mechanical equipment performed by private
contractors to insure compliance with plans and specifications; approves minor variations to plans when
field conditions warrant; may recommend halting construction when major instances of non-compliance
are noted; reviews contractors' proposed work schedules to assure the proper sequence of installation;
maintains records of work and shop drawing to determine adherence to work schedules; prepares periodic
work progress reports.
- Reviews mechanical phases of plans and specifications prepared by engineers to determine
accuracy and completeness of plans; checks contractors' shop drawings for compliance with technical
standards and specifications; explains and interprets specifications and requirements and refers more
complex problems to superior.
- May give assignments to, and supervise the work of a small number of engineers, engineering
technicians and engineering aides engaged in the preparation of designs, plans, estimates and drawings
or other related assignments.
- Performs related work as required.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
KNOWLEDGE OF:
- the principles and practices of mechanical engineering as applied to the design, installation and
operation of mechanical equipment.
- engineering mathematics and mathematical tables used in mechanical engineering.
- characteristics of materials as they relate to the mechanical engineering phases of construction
projects.
- the techniques used to prepare and compose technical reports, letters and memoranda.
ABILITY TO:
- apply mechanical engineering knowledge to the design, installation and operation of mechanical
equipment as well as analyze poor performance of such equipment and make recommendations
for correction and/or replacement.
- prepare complete contract plans, specifications and cost estimates for a major phase of mechanical
design projects involving the substantial adaptation and modification of mechanical systems and
equipment.
- obtain field information and data necessary for the design of complex mechanical equipment.
- review and interpret designs, specifications and cost estimates for mechanical engineering projects
and to obtain contractor conformance to established standards.
- check contractors' shop drawings of difficult equipment fabrications and installations for
conformance to departmental design specifications, and to make necessary corrections.
- assure compatibility of new mechanical systems and equipment with the remainder of design
package and/or existing plant facilities.
- assign and supervise the work of engineers, engineering technicians and engineering aides.
- interpret regulations affecting the work.
- establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, contractors and the general
public.
MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE
(The following statement represents the
minimum training and experience standards which will be used to admit or reject applicants for tests.
Applications submitted by candidates for this class will be reviewed based on training and experience
requirements as approved on 1/53.)
- Completion of a bachelor's degree program at an accredited college or university with major
course work in mechanical engineering.
- Two years of mechanical engineering experience in the design and installation of mechanical
equipment common to public works, structures and installations.
Or any equivalent combination of acceptable training and experience that has included the
completion of a bachelor's degree program in an acceptable area of engineering as an educational
minimum.
PHYSICAL AND MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS
- Ability to physically perform the duties and to work in the environmental conditions required of a position in this class.
PAY RANGE: EP19
Class Established: 1/1953
Latest Spec. Revision: 9/1976
CO/sr/deb
END OF JOB CLASS SPECIFICATION - 3B22