Chief Engineer

Chief EngineerThe Chief Engineer leads the engineering team and oversees the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of all building machinery and systems. This role manages comprehensive fire and life safety, mechanical, and electrical preventive maintenance programs while ensuring high standards of building performance, safety, and tenant satisfaction. The Chief Engineer provides hands-on technical leadership, mentors engineering staff, and drives continuous improvement in maintenance practices and building operations.ResponsibilitiesSupervise and manage the engineering team, including training, mentoring, and supporting ongoing professional development.Oversee the maintenance and continuous operation of all building systems, including fire and life safety, mechanical systems (HVAC and plumbing), and electrical systems (lighting, generators, primary switchgear, and building automation systems).Identify maintenance objectives and develop a documented maintenance plan that includes all required preventive, corrective, and reliability-based procedures.Maintain in-depth knowledge of all building systems, equipment, and maintenance processes to ensure safe and efficient operation.Apply understanding of construction planning and execution to coordinate and support building projects and system upgrades.Execute comprehensive equipment inspection and monitoring programs to ensure optimal performance and early detection of issues.Implement maintenance best practices to improve mechanical equipment uptime and overall system reliability.Continuously evaluate existing maintenance, operations, and reliability methods and implement changes to enhance effectiveness and efficiency.Identify safety hazards within the building and lead remediation efforts to ensure a safe environment for building staff and occupants.Oversee and coordinate the activities of contractors and vendors working within the building to ensure quality, safety, and compliance with building standards.Maintain accurate records of building rounds, meter readings, logs, and data sheets to support regulatory compliance and operational analysis.Manage contracted maintenance staff and vendors, including performance oversight and adherence to service agreements.Order and manage all supplies and materials required for maintenance and operations, ensuring appropriate inventory levels.Perform additional job duties and special projects as requested to support building operations and organizational goals.Essential SkillsAt least 10 years of engineering work experience, including experience in customer service, leadership, and supervisory roles.Demonstrated technical expertise in facility-related systems, including mechanical, HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and building infrastructure.City of Chicago Stationary Engineer license.Strong background in facilities maintenance, preventive maintenance, troubleshooting, repair, and maintenance planning.Proficiency with building automation systems and computer maintenance management systems (CMMS).Working knowledge of computer applications, including Microsoft Office.Demonstrated verbal and written communication skills for effective interaction with staff, vendors, and stakeholders.Proven ability to lead and develop engineering and maintenance teams in a building or facilities environment.Experience with fire and life safety systems and related preventive maintenance programs.Additional Skills & QualificationsExperience in facility management and building engineering leadership roles.Experience as a chief building engineer or supervising building maintenance professional.Hands-on skills in mechanical systems, plumbing, HVAC, electrical, and facilities maintenance.Experience with carpentry, painting, drywall work, and general building repairs.Knowledge of boiler operations and boiler-related maintenance.Experience with maintenance repair, facility upkeep, and cleaning coordination.Familiarity with engineering change management in a facilities or building operations context.Ability to read, interpret, and act on building data, logs, and equipment performance reports.Why Work Here?Join an organization that is deeply rooted in the cultural fabric of Chicago and contribute to a legacy institution with a rich history and strong community presence. You will have access to comprehensive health coverage, including medical, dental, vision plans, and optional pet insurance, supporting your overall well-being. The benefits package promotes financial security through life and disability coverage and a 403(b) savings plan to help you plan for the future. Work-life balance is a priority, with generous paid time off, paid sick leave, and paid holidays so you can rest, recharge, and spend time with those who matter most. You will also enjoy exclusive perks such as great employee discounts and complimentary general admission to participating cultural institutions, enriching both your professional and personal life.Work EnvironmentThis role is based in a large, complex facility environment that operates a wide range of building systems, including fire and life safety systems, HVAC, plumbing, electrical distribution, generators, primary switchgear, and building automation systems. The Chief Engineer works on-site and spends significant time in mechanical rooms, equipment spaces, and throughout the building to monitor systems and supervise staff and contractors. The position requires regular use of computer applications such as Microsoft Office, CMMS platforms, and building automation interfaces to track maintenance activities, analyze system performance, and document operations. The work involves coordinating with maintenance technicians, contracted maintenance staff, and vendors, and may include responding to operational issues outside standard business hours to support continuous building operations. The environment emphasizes safety, reliability, and cleanliness, with a focus on maintaining a professional appearance appropriate for a high-profile public facility.Job Type & LocationThis is a Permanent position based out of Chicago, IL.Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $102000.00 - $104000.00/yr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.Comprehensive Health Coverage: Including medical, dental, vision plans, and even pet insurance. Financial Security: Life and disability benefits plus a 403(b) savings plan to help you plan for the future. Work-Life Balance: Generous paid time off, paid sick leave, and paid holidays to ensure you have time to recharge and spend with loved ones. Exclusive Perks: Enjoy great employee discounts and complimentary general admission to participating cultural institutions.Workplace TypeThis is a fully onsite position in Chicago, IL.Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Sep 25, 2026.