Facilities Engineer

Job Description

Title : Facilities Engineer
Location : Chicago, IL
Hire Type : Direct Hire
Compensation : $140-155k
Bonus/ Incentives/ Stock Options: Annual Bonus Potential
Benefits : Medical, Dental, Vision, 401k matching
Must have Skill Set :

• Industrial utility systems expertise (boilers, chillers, HVAC, refrigeration)
• Union manufacturing experience
• Mechanical troubleshooting and reliability leadership
• Safety and regulatory compliance knowledge

Overview:

We are seeking an experienced Building Engineer to lead the operation, maintenance, and reliability of critical facility infrastructure within a manufacturing environment. This position is responsible for ensuring safe, efficient, and uninterrupted performance of utility and mechanical systems supporting production operations.

This is a hands-on role requiring strong technical expertise, leadership within a union environment, and a proactive approach to equipment reliability, compliance, and continuous improvement.

Job Duties:

Facility Operations & Utilities

• Oversee daily operation and performance of plant utility systems including steam generation, chilled water systems, HVAC, and industrial refrigeration equipment
• Monitor operating conditions, system efficiency, and utility usage to support reliable production operations
• Coordinate treatment and maintenance programs for water, boiler, and cooling systems

Maintenance & Reliability

• Lead preventative and corrective maintenance activities across facility infrastructure and mechanical systems
• Troubleshoot equipment failures and implement long-term reliability improvements
• Maintain maintenance documentation, operating procedures, and equipment records
• Identify opportunities for upgrades, cost reduction, and improved system performance

Mechanical Support & Infrastructure

• Support mechanical repairs, fabrication activities, and facility modifications as needed
• Utilize tools and equipment safely to support ongoing plant maintenance requirements
• Maintain building systems and overall facility readiness for production demands

Safety & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with applicable environmental, safety, and regulatory requirements
• Promote and enforce safe work practices including lockout/tagout, confined space, and hot work procedures
• Support audits, inspections, and facility compliance initiatives

Leadership & Collaboration

• Provide technical leadership and coordinate work within a union manufacturing environment
• Manage contractor activity and partner cross-functionally with Operations, Quality, and Safety teams
• Support building controls, utility distribution, emergency systems, and facility performance initiatives

Qualifications:

• 8+ years of experience in industrial facilities, utilities, building engineering, or plant infrastructure environments
• Strong experience with steam boilers, chillers, HVAC systems, and industrial refrigeration systems
• Experience working within a union manufacturing setting
• Proven troubleshooting and hands-on maintenance experience with mechanical systems
• Knowledge of industrial safety and regulatory standards

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.

Meet Your Recruiter

Alicia Alexander
Technical Recruiter & Team Mentor

Alicia Alexander is a Technical Recruiter and Team Mentor at Sterling Engineering with four years of recruiting experience and nearly three years with Sterling. She specializes in engineering, manufacturing, and technical recruiting, supporting roles across maintenance, reliability, operations, engineering, and industrial environments, including food and life sciences.

Alicia is passionate about helping people find careers where they feel genuinely happy, supported, and positioned for long-term growth. She enjoys building meaningful relationships with candidates, helping them take the next step in their careers, and supporting companies as they build strong, high-performing teams.

With a background in psychology and human resources from North Central College, Alicia brings a people-focused approach to recruiting. Her understanding of relationship building, communication, and candidate motivation helps her create successful matches between talent and opportunity.

Alicia is known for developing strong partnerships with both candidates and hiring managers, with a focus on creating long-term placements that benefit both the individual and the organization.

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Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.

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