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Building Operating Engineer Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

As a CBRE Union Operating Engineer you'll be the hands-on expert ensuring commercial kitchen spaces ... Inspect and conduct ongoing maintenance on building HVAC equipment to ensure proper operation of ...

Building Engineer

Morris, IL · On-site

$58K/yr

Support energy management by ensuring all building systems are operating efficiently. * Inspect ... The maximum salary for the Building Engineer position is $58,240 annually. The compensation offered ...

As an Operating Engineer, you'll be the hands-on expert ensuring all facility and building systems meet the highest standards. From managing work orders and performing preventive maintenance to ...

Lead Engineer - Critical Environments

Aurora, IL · On-site

$101K - $133K/yr

Union Role The Lead Engineer - Critical Environments supervises and directs operating engineers in installation, repair, and maintenance of all base building and critical system machinery and ...

As an Operating Engineer at JLL, you will be a critical member of our facility operations team, ensuring the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of complex building systems. This part-time ...

Building Engineer

Shorewood, IL · On-site

$23.57/hr

To maintain the physical school plant and grounds in a condition of operating excellence so that full educational use of them may be made at all times. Reports to: Director of Buildings & Grounds and ...

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Building Operating Engineer information

See Illinois salary details

$17

$31

$51

How much do building operating engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for building operating engineer in Illinois is $31.35, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.71 and $35.38 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Building Operating Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Building Operating Engineer, you need strong knowledge of HVAC, electrical, and plumbing systems, often supported by a technical diploma or engineering certifications. Familiarity with building automation systems (BAS), computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS), and relevant licensing (such as a Stationary Engineer license) is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication help you respond quickly to issues and work with tenants or vendors. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring safe, efficient, and reliable building operations.

What are Building Operating Engineers?

Building Operating Engineers are skilled professionals responsible for the operation, maintenance, and repair of a building's mechanical, electrical, and HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) systems. They ensure that all building systems function efficiently and safely, addressing issues as they arise and performing routine inspections. These engineers play a critical role in maintaining comfort, energy efficiency, and safety in commercial, industrial, and institutional facilities. Their work often involves troubleshooting, preventive maintenance, and coordination with contractors or other building services staff.

What is the difference between Building Operating Engineer vs Maintenance Technician?

AspectBuilding Operating EngineerMaintenance Technician
CertificationsStationary Engineer license, HVAC certificationsHVAC, electrical, plumbing certifications
Work EnvironmentCommercial buildings, industrial facilitiesVarious settings including residential, commercial, industrial
Job FocusOperating and maintaining building systemsPerforming repairs and routine maintenance
Employer & Industry UsageProperty management, facilities managementFacilities, maintenance companies, industrial plants

Building Operating Engineers primarily focus on operating and maintaining complex building systems like HVAC, boilers, and electrical systems, often requiring specialized licenses. Maintenance Technicians handle repairs and routine maintenance across various systems. While both roles ensure building functionality, Building Operating Engineers typically work in larger facilities with more technical systems, whereas Maintenance Technicians have a broader, more general maintenance scope.

What are some common challenges Building Operating Engineers face in maintaining large commercial facilities?

Building Operating Engineers often encounter challenges such as troubleshooting complex HVAC systems, responding to unexpected equipment failures, and balancing preventive maintenance with urgent repair requests. They must also stay updated on building codes and environmental regulations, ensuring compliance while keeping systems running efficiently. Collaboration with other maintenance staff, vendors, and property management is essential, especially during large-scale repairs or upgrades.
Critical Environments Operating Engineer

Critical Environments Operating Engineer

Jones Lang LaSalle IP, Inc.

Riverwoods, IL • On-site

$72K - $97K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago


JLL rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 266 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

36th of 154 rated real estate companies


Job description

JLL empowers you to shape a brighter way.
Our people at JLL are shaping the future of real estate for a better world by combining world class services, advisory and technology for our clients. We are committed to hiring the best, most talented people and empowering them to thrive, grow meaningful careers and to find a place where they belong. Whether you've got deep experience in commercial real estate, skilled trades or technology, or you're looking to apply your relevant experience to a new industry, join our team as we help shape a brighter way forward.
Critical Environments Operating Engineer
What this job involves:
As a Critical Environments Operating Engineer at JLL, you'll be at the forefront of maintaining mission-critical data center infrastructure that powers the digital world. This role is essential to ensuring 100% uptime for our clients' most vital operations. You'll be responsible for the operation, monitoring, and maintenance of sophisticated electrical and mechanical systems including UPS, generators, cooling systems, and medium-voltage electrical infrastructure. Working in a fast-paced, high-stakes environment, you'll apply best practice systems and problem-solving skills to keep critical facilities running seamlessly 24/7. This position offers exceptional opportunities to work with cutting-edge technology while building a rewarding career in one of the industry's most dynamic and growing sectors.
Why You'll Love This Role:
  • Work with cutting-edge technology in a fast-growing industry
  • Clear career advancement opportunities in critical infrastructure
  • Be part of a team that literally keeps the digital world running

What your day-to-day will look like:
  • Operate and maintain all critical building systems to ensure 100% uptime, including fire/life safety, HVAC, chillers, CRAC/CRAH units, plumbing, controls, UPS systems, generators, switchgear, power distribution, and transformers
  • Monitor, adjust, and maintain refrigeration, chilled water, air conditioning equipment, boilers, pumps, valves, piping, and electrical systems to ensure optimal performance
  • Record equipment readings, analyze system operations, identify problems or malfunctions, and take immediate corrective action as required
  • Manage work orders through CMMS, coordinate with vendors, and respond to customer-facing tickets in a timely and professional manner
  • Learn and understand the data center infrastructure thoroughly to effectively manage incidents and events that could impact critical systems
  • Comply with emergency escalation procedures and respond to site emergencies to protect critical operations
  • Maintain safe storage, usage, and disposal of hazardous materials while keeping the workplace clean, organized, and compliant with all safety standards

Required Qualifications
  • 2+ years of hands-on experience working in a data center or critical facility environment
  • Demonstrated experience with mission-critical building systems including UPS systems, emergency generators, switchgear, and power distribution equipment
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to document activities and communicate technical information clearly
  • Working knowledge of computer applications including MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook), Google Suite, and computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS)
  • Physical ability to lift a minimum of 50 lbs, climb ladders up to 30 feet (300-lb weight limit), work at heights, and navigate rooftops
  • Flexibility to work different schedules, including holidays, and respond to site emergencies as needed
  • Ability to frequently walk, climb, bend, kneel, stoop, and work overhead in large campus-like settings

Preferred
  • Experience using Corrigo work order management system
  • Universal EPA 608 certification for refrigerant handling
  • NFPA 70E training for electrical safety in the workplace
  • Experience with critical infrastructure in mission-critical or 24/7 operational environments
  • Background in industrial controls, building automation systems (BAS), or energy management systems
  • Previous experience in vendor management and contractor coordination
  • Relevant trade certifications or technical training in electrical, mechanical, or HVAC systems

This position does not provide visa sponsorship. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.
Estimated compensation for this position:
85,762.00 - 107,203.00 USD per year
This range is an estimate and actual compensation may differ. Final compensation packages are determined by various considerations including but not limited to candidate qualifications, location, market conditions, and internal considerations.
Location:
On-site -Riverwoods, IL
If this job description resonates with you, we encourage you to apply, even if you don't meet all the requirements. We're interested in getting to know you and what you bring to the table!
Personalized benefits that support personal well-being and growth:
JLL recognizes the impact that the workplace can have on your wellness, so we offer a supportive culture and comprehensive benefits package that prioritizes mental, physical and emotional health. Some of these benefits may include:
  • 401(k) plan with matching company contributions
  • Comprehensive Medical, Dental & Vision Care
  • Paid parental leave at 100% of salary
  • Paid Time Off and Company Holidays
  • Early access to earned wages through Daily Pay

At JLL, we harness the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to efficiently accelerate meaningful connections between candidates and opportunities. Using AI capabilities, we analyze your application for relevant skills, experiences, and qualifications to generate valuable insights about how your unique profile aligns with the specific requirements of the role you're pursuing.
JLL Privacy Notice
Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL), together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, is a leading global provider of real estate and investment management services. We take our responsibility to protect the personal information provided to us seriously. Generally the personal information we collect from you are for the purposes of processing in connection with JLL's recruitment process. We endeavour to keep your personal information secure with appropriate level of security and keep for as long as we need it for legitimate business or legal reasons. We will then delete it safely and securely.
For more information about how JLL processes your personal data, please view our Candidate Privacy Statement.
For additional details please see our career site pages for each country.
For candidates in the United States, please see a full copy of our Equal Employment Opportunity policy here.
Jones Lang LaSalle ("JLL") is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process - including the online application and/or overall selection process - you may email us at HRSCLeaves@jll.com. This email is only to request an accommodation. Please direct any other general recruiting inquiries to our Contact Us page > I want to work for JLL.
Pursuant to the Arizona Civil Rights Act, criminal convictions are not an absolute bar to employment.
Pursuant to Illinois Law, applicants are not obligated to disclose sealed or expunged records of conviction or arrest.
Pursuant to Columbia, SC ordinance, this position is subject to a background check for any convictions directly related to its duties and responsibilities. Only job-related convictions will be considered and will not automatically disqualify the candidate.
California Residents only
If you are a California resident as defined in the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) please view our Supplemental Privacy Statement which describes your rights and disclosures about your personal information. If you are viewing this on a mobile device you may want to view the CCPA version on a larger device.
Pursuant to the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, JLL will consider for employment all qualified Applicants, including those with Criminal Histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance.
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Accepting applications on an ongoing basis until candidate identified.

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