1

Assistant Chief Operating Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Assistant Chief Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$45 - $60.56/hr

The Assistant Chief Engineer trains operators to monitor and record device data, inspect equipment, and make minor repairs, perform preventative maintenance, and take responsible charge of a watch ...

Assistant Chief Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$45 - $60.56/hr

The Assistant Chief Engineer trains operators to monitor and record device data, inspect equipment, and make minor repairs, perform preventative maintenance, and take responsible charge of a watch ...

Assistant Chief Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$45 - $60.56/hr

The Assistant Chief Engineer trains operators to monitor and record device data, inspect equipment, and make minor repairs, perform preventative maintenance, and take responsible charge of a watch ...

Chief Operating Officer (COO) San Francisco, CA (On-Site) | Open to LA or Austin, TX About Autzu ... with engineering to integrate AI-driven and agentic systems into operations • Oversee fleet ...

New

Operating Engineer

Oak Lawn, IL

$70K - $95K/yr

Job Title Operating Engineer Summary About Cushman & Wakefield Our purpose is simple: to put our ... This position supports the Assistant and/or Chief Engineer and Sr. Facilities Manager in the day-to ...

Chief Operating Officer Reports to: Chief Executive Officer Department:General and Administrative ... Partner with Product and Engineering to ensure roadmap execution aligns with real client needs and ...

... operating budget process * Assist in the development of a capital improvement plan * Select ... Engineer, Assistant Chief Engineer, or similar role with some healthcare area experience.

Partner with product and engineering: launch readiness, project management, sequencing, dependency ... Prior COO, VP Operations, Head of Operations, Chief of Staff, or equivalent startup operating ...

New

The Healthcare Assistant Chief Engineer , under direct supervision of the Chief Engineer and oversight by the Director of Operations, Deputy Director of Operations, and Account Director, supervises ...

As a CBRE Union Assistant Chief Engineer, you will guide operations, vendors, and subcontractors to maintain and repair buildings, industrial systems, vehicles, equipment, and grounds. This job is ...

Assistant Engineer

Schaumburg, IL · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Potential Career Path Assistant Chief Engineer - Chief Engineer - Engineering Supervisor- Chief Engineer Essential Functions * Conduct room inspections and identify repair needs. * Install or repair ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Assistant Chief Operating Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$34K

$88.5K

$161.2K

How much do assistant chief operating engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for assistant chief operating engineer in Chicago, IL is $88,481.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $55,600.00 and $114,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Assistant Chief Operating Engineers?

Assistant Chief Operating Engineers are professionals responsible for supporting the Chief Operating Engineer in managing, coordinating, and maintaining the operations of a facility or building’s engineering systems. Their duties often include overseeing maintenance staff, ensuring compliance with safety and environmental regulations, troubleshooting technical problems, and assisting with the planning and implementation of facility upgrades. They play a critical role in ensuring that building systems such as HVAC, electrical, and plumbing are operating efficiently and safely. This position typically requires significant technical knowledge and experience in facilities management or engineering.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Assistant Chief Operating Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Assistant Chief Operating Engineer, you need in-depth knowledge of building systems, HVAC, electrical and mechanical maintenance, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree or technical certification and several years of experience. Familiarity with building automation systems (BAS), computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS), and certifications like EPA Universal or a stationary engineer's license are commonly required. Strong leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills help you manage teams and respond effectively to emergencies or complex operational issues. These competencies ensure safe, efficient building operations and compliance with regulations, which are critical for organizational success.

What are some typical challenges faced by an Assistant Chief Operating Engineer, and how can they prepare to address them?

Assistant Chief Operating Engineers often encounter challenges such as coordinating maintenance schedules to minimize downtime, addressing unexpected equipment failures, and ensuring compliance with safety and regulatory standards. Successfully navigating these challenges involves strong organizational skills, effective communication with both engineering teams and upper management, and the ability to quickly troubleshoot and prioritize issues. Proactively staying updated on building systems and fostering a collaborative environment with other departments can also help in effectively managing these responsibilities.

What is the difference between Assistant Chief Operating Engineer vs Chief Operating Engineer?

AspectAssistant Chief Operating EngineerChief Operating Engineer
CertificationsTypically requires HVAC licenses, boiler operator licenses, and relevant technical certificationsRequires similar licenses, often with additional managerial or supervisory certifications
Work EnvironmentAssists in managing building systems, maintenance teams, and operational tasks in large facilitiesOversees all building operations, maintenance, and safety protocols at a higher managerial level
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly employed in commercial, industrial, and institutional facilitiesFound in similar settings, often with broader responsibilities and authority

The Assistant Chief Operating Engineer supports the Chief Operating Engineer in managing building systems and maintenance. While both roles require technical licenses and work in similar environments, the Assistant role focuses on assisting with daily operations, whereas the Chief has overall responsibility for the facility's operational management.

Chief Operating Engineer

Chief Operating Engineer

Northwestern University

Evanston, IL • On-site

$399/wk

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago


Northwestern University rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 45 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

96th of 536 rated colleges and universities


Job description

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: (Education, experience, and any other certifications or clearances)
  • 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: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities.)
  • 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: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities)
  • 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 $63.97 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 and competitive benefits. The available benefits package for this position will include health, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance; paid vacation and holidays; paid medical/sick and parental leave; tuition benefits for the employee and dependents; pre-tax and flex spending accounts for commuting and dependent care; generous retirement savings options; and wellness programs. For a comprehensive overview of available benefits, including eligibility details, visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/index.html 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 https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/work-life/index.html 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 https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/learning/index.html 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 .
#LI-EN1

What Northwestern University employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom