Chief Operating Engineer

Department : Facilities Mgmt EV
Salary/Grade : 399/S7

Job Summary

Manages the safe and efficient operation of all Central Utility Plant systems and equipment including electrical, mechanical, plumbing, control systems, and limited associated utility distribution networks. Major equipment includes deep water intake and associated filtration systems, high pressure steam boilers and auxiliaries, steam- and electric-driven industrial chillers and auxiliaries, heat exchangers, chemical treatment, steam turbines, pumps, switch gear, generator, cooling pond, and control systems. This position ensures operation and maintenance of the systems and equipment is performed and documented properly and in compliance with University policies and all applicable codes. Provides technical advice to senior management, administration, faculty, staff, and outside consultants relative to design, installation, operation, and repair of plant systems.

The role will support the department's mission and values by exhibiting the following: inclusiveness, respect, initiative, collaboration, innovation, and accountability. The incumbent will strive to provide excellent service when performing job responsibilities and will practice safe work procedures, and follow safety rules at all times.

Specific Responsibilities

• Plans, directs, and coordinates maintenance operations of plant equipment, systems, and ancillary infrastructure to meet the established annual budget and reliability (uninterrupted operation) expectations;
• Organizes work for planned and unscheduled maintenance tasks directed to plant staff and supporting shops for efficient and effective performance while ensuring that adequate staff is available to respond to irregularities and/or emergencies;
• Maintains good order and discipline among personnel consistent with University and departmental policies, initiating commendatory or corrective action as appropriate;
• Prepares written and oral reports on the condition, renewal needs, and routine maintenance of facilities, components, and related activities including post‑incident summaries and root‑cause analyses;
• Identifies and recommends employee safety, technical, soft‑skill training, and professional development opportunities as required to ensure optimum unit performance and development;
• Ensures compliance with applicable EPA, IEPA, State Fire Marshal, MWRD, OSHA requirements, and other jurisdictional codes;
• Interviews and recommends hiring or promotion of qualified staff, and performs annual employee performance reviews of subordinate personnel;
• Actively participates in energy procurement process including spot‑market and storage balancing;
• Participates in design and construction reviews for capital projects;
• Other duties as assigned;
• Must be available and capable of responding to irregularities during evenings and weekends ensuring 24‑hour, 7‑day per week coverage.

Miscellaneous

Performed other duties

Minimum Qualifications

• Minimum of two years of college in stationary, marine, mechanical engineering, or the equivalent combination of education and experience from which comparable skills can be acquired;
• Minimum five years supervisory experience in planning, directing, and coordinating the maintenance of industrial‑grade utility plant systems and equipment;
• City of Chicago Stationary Engineer's License (or obtain within 6 months of start date);
• Experience with, and thorough understanding of the engineering theories associated with, straight condensing and back pressure steam turbines, ancillary equipment, steam and refrigeration cycles;
• Knowledge of occupational hazards and recurring safety precautions;
• Mechanical aptitude and proven ability to maintain operating standards;
• Possess and maintain a valid driver's license recognized by the State of Illinois, provide own reliable transportation, and purchase a University parking permit (as required);
• Be a member of Operating Engineers Local 399, or join after a satisfactory completion of a 90‑day probationary period.

Minimum Competencies

• Knowledge of electrical distribution and safe working practices;
• Excellent written and oral communication skills;
• Exceptional customer relationship skills and the ability to establish effective working relationships in a diverse environment;
• Demonstrated leadership skills and ability to effectively motivate work groups toward defined and agreed upon common goals;
• Comprehensive knowledge of the tools, instruments, methods and standard trade/safety practices pertaining to mechanical, electrical, and plumbing;
• Ability to perform calculations applicable to field of experience;
• Working knowledge of NFPA, State, Local, and other associated building codes;
• Ability to understand and adhere to applicable compliance requirements including CAAPP and NPDES;
• Ability to review construction drawings and make recommendations that will conform to University standards as well as complying with all pertinent codes;
• Receptive to feedback, willing to learn, embracing continuous improvement;
• Helpful, respectful, approachable and team oriented;
• Ability to build strong working relationships and a positive work environment;
• Seeks to build collaboration by encouraging trust, mutual respect and shared purpose;
• Balances listening and talking, speaks and writes clearly and accurately, keeps others informed;
• Integrates health and safety precautions into daily activities;
• Works effectively in an environment in which the parameters may change daily; adjusts behavior to meet the needs of different people and situations;
• Operating knowledge of DeltaV, pneumatic, and PLC control systems;
• Successfully uses multiple software program independently. Software may include Microsoft Office applications such as Word, Excel, and Outlook, CMMS Systems, and Peoplesoft;
• Proficiency with mobile devices including iOS.

Preferred Competencies

• Facilitates open and effective communication, cooperation and teamwork within and outside of one's own team;
• Plans ahead, manages time well and arrives on time;
• Familiarity with zone maintenance models;
• Recommends improvements and opportunities to increase efficiency and reduce costs;
• Analytical skills including critical thinking, decision making, trouble shooting and problem solving, reading and interpreting technical drawings;
• Achieves a standard of excellence with work processes and outcomes, honoring University and Department policies and all regulatory requirements.

Target hiring pay for this position will be $62.26 per hour as per the Local 399 CBA. Offered salary will be determined by the applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data.

Benefits

At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful, competitive, high‑quality health care plans, retirement benefits, tuition discounts and more! Visit us at to learn more.

Work-Life and Wellness

Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life's challenges and opportunities, and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles. We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at to learn more.

Professional Growth & Development

Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you're interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at to learn more.

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics, including disability and veteran status. View Northwestern's non‑discrimination statement. Job applicants who wish to request an accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance. View additional information on the accommodations process.