Chief Engineer

Chief Engineer 1st Shift $102,000 - $104,000 Job Description The 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. Responsibilities Supervise 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 Skills At 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 & Qualifications Experience 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 c