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Senior Systems Manager

Clark Construction · Chicago, IL · Full time

Posted Sep 8, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about a commissioning effort you managed. What went wrong and how did you fix it?

What they are checking: Whether they understand testing and commissioning as a process that needs planning from early in the job.

Tell me about a time field installation didn't match the coordinated drawings.

What they are checking: Whether they catch deviations in the field and handle them before they cause bigger issues.

How do you help train younger engineers on MEP systems?

What they are checking: Whether they share knowledge, since MEP expertise is scarce and Clark expects staff development.

What would you do

The fire protection and low voltage trades are fighting over ceiling space. How do you resolve it?

What they are checking: Whether they can make coordination decisions fairly while respecting code and trade needs.

About the work

Walk me through how you run MEP 3D coordination meetings. How do you make sure clashes actually get resolved instead of just logged?

What they are checking: Whether they drive clash resolution to closure, which prevents rework in the field.

When you review contract documents for constructability, what MEP problems do you most often find?

What they are checking: Whether they have the field experience to spot code and coordination problems before work starts.

How do you use MCA labor rates and NECA factors when reviewing a mechanical or electrical change order?

What they are checking: Whether they can check labor pricing on MEP changes against industry standards instead of accepting the number.

How do you track long-lead MEP equipment so it doesn't hold up the schedule?

What they are checking: Whether they manage procurement actively, since switchgear and similar equipment can drive the whole schedule.

How do you review a monthly MEP requisition to decide if the percentage complete is fair?

What they are checking: Whether they verify billing against actual field progress to protect the project's cash flow.

How do you handle MEP closeout documents so the owner can actually run the building?

What they are checking: Whether they see closeout as a real deliverable for building operators, not just paperwork.

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The full job description

As published by Clark Construction.

Job Description As a Senior MEP Systems Manager, you have the opportunity to add to that legacy by being a part of the construction process from start to finish by utilizing your knowledge to drive successful completion of the project. You will be involved in all aspects of MEP from submittal to close out to include Low Voltage, Security, Fire Protection Systems, Controls and all critical MEP Systems that allow our clients to thrive in their industries. Responsibilities • Analyze contract documents for constructability, code compliance and functionality • Lead MEP trade 3D coordination meetings and coordinated drawings submittal approval process. • Guide and monitor MEP trade coordination and installation on site • Manage MEP trade material submittals in accordance with the contract documents • Manage MEP trade material tracking and procurement documentation • Develop, monitor, and maintain MEP schedule in conjunction with project field supervision team. • Review field installation • Analyze contract documents for constructability, code compliance and functionality. • Manage testing and commissioning efforts • Review and advise on MEP requisitions and contract changes. • Handle MEP related close out document delivery • Encourage and participate in staff training and development • Understand MCA labor rates and NECA factors when reviewing proposals and change orders • Provide leadership to foster an environment of diversity, inclusion and safety • Proactively identify and develop relationships with industry professionals to generate and win the right work • Take an active role in recruiting top industry talent to join the Clark team. Identify, hire, and retain outstanding people • Exceed our stakeholders’ expectations by anticipating their needs, desires, and goals Basic Qualifications • Undergraduate degree in mechanical, electrical or fire protection/life safety engineering, construction management or a related discipline OR 15+ years of relevant experience preferred • 10+ years’ experience in construction and managing MEP trades, experience with a general contractor preferred • Experience with successfully leading teams and working within MEP design review, drawing supervision, submittal review, field inspections, and testing & commissioning • Experience working on large scale construction, with MEP trade specific experience to create a vision that aligns the team to achieve desired results • Detail oriented with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines • A proven people leader with experience in attracting, developing, and engaging diverse talent by fostering a collaborative and inclusive culture based on trust and respect • Mitigate risk through proactive and timely reduction of change order exposures • Ability to quickly and effectively adapt to changes during different phases of the construction process • Demonstrated experiences and alignment with Clark’s Standards of Excellence: Results Oriented, Self Motivated, Ethical, Sets Direction & Executes, and Builds People, Teams, and Followership Preferred Qualifications • OSHA 10 certification • P6 experience • Procore experience Alignment to Clark Standards of Excellence: Self-Motivated, Results Oriented, Adaptable, Team Player, Accountable, Ethical, Innovative, Resilient, Builds Relationships, Builds People / Teams and Followership, Sets Direction and Executes The work environment and requirements described below are representative of those necessary for an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this role. The Physical Side of the Role: This is an active, hands-on role. You can expect to be on your feet frequently, navigating active job sites with uneven terrain, stairs, ladders, and hoists. The work is physically demanding and requires a full range of motion, including bending, kneeling, and reaching. You’ll need to be comfortable frequently lifting and carrying materials up to 25 pounds, and occasionally up to 50 pounds. This role requires the ability to communicate effectively, as well as visual acuity for reading plans and inspecting work. The role does include desk time in the office that may require prolonged periods of sitting for tasks like computer work, document review, and meetings. Your Work Environment: You’ll spend a significant amount of your time on active construction sites, which means being adaptable to all kinds of weather and moderate to loud noise levels, and comfortable in elevated or confined work areas with moving mechanical equipment and with the fast-paced nature of a project in progress. You will also spend time in a typical office setting with moderate noise levels. Your safety is our top priority, and you'll be expected to follow Clark Construction's safety policies and procedures, and all applicable laws, at all locations. Our High-Performing Culture: This is a demanding, high-performance environment. We are looking for candidates who are energized by challenge, thrive under pressure, and are prepared to do what it takes to achieve exceptional results. Success in this role requires significant commitment, including flexibility to work extended hours, especially during critical project phases or client deadlines. Beyond regular working hours, there will be occasions where business needs require your attention, particularly for time-sensitive matters or emergencies. You are expected to monitor and respond to communications (phone calls, emails, text messages) as required to address these situations effectively. Your ability to manage these expectations and be responsive when critical issues arise is key to your success in this role and our collective success as a team. A Drug Free Workplace: Clark promotes a drug free workplace. A pre-employment drug “fitness for duty” screening is required, and the company conducts random quarterly drug “fitness for duty” tests.

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