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Building Operator Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Maintenance Associate

Dekalb, IL · On-site

$52K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Support energy management by ensuring all building systems are operating efficiently. * Inspect existing installations for compliance with building codes and safety laws. * Use existing procedures to ...

Senior Project Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$102K - $132K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

We look at the entire facility-inside and out-and can impact 70% of what a building operator allocates critical budget dollars toward, including: Strategic electricity and natural gas procurement ...

Maintenance Technician - 2nd Shift

Schaumburg, IL · On-site

$56K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Support energy management by ensuring all building systems are operating efficiently. * Inspect existing installations for compliance with building codes and safety laws. * Use existing procedures to ...

Project Manager

Schaumburg, IL · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

We look at the entire facility-inside and out-and can impact 70% of what a building operator allocates critical budget dollars toward, including: Strategic electricity and natural gas procurement ...

Senior Project Engineer

Schaumburg, IL · On-site

$97K - $126K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

We look at the entire facility-inside and out-and can impact 70% of what a building operator allocates critical budget dollars toward, including: Strategic electricity and natural gas procurement ...

Senior Project Engineer

Schaumburg, IL · On-site

$120 - $150/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

We look at the entire facility--inside and out--and can impact 70% of what a building operator allocates critical budget dollars toward, including: Strategic electricity and natural gas procurement ...

Project Manager

Schaumburg, IL · Hybrid

$100K - $122K/yr

We look at the entire facility--inside and out--and can impact 70% of what a building operator allocates critical budget dollars toward, including: Strategic electricity and natural gas procurement ...

Project Manager

Schaumburg, IL · Hybrid

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

We look at the entire facility-inside and out-and can impact 70% of what a building operator allocates critical budget dollars toward, including: Strategic electricity and natural gas procurement ...

[UNION] Operating Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

... the building(s) • Maintain heating equipment, chillers (air and/ or water cooled), DX units ... Operator, etc.) • May be required to have certification as a Universal Technician for CFC ...

(UNION) Operating Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

... building(s) Maintain heating equipment, chillers (air and/ or water cooled), DX units, pumps ... Steam Operator, etc.) May be required to have certification as a Universal Technician for CFC ...

[UNION] Operating Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

... the building(s) • Maintain heating equipment, chillers (air and/ or water cooled), DX units ... Operator, etc.) • May be required to have certification as a Universal Technician for CFC ...

[UNION] Operating Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

... the building(s) • Maintain heating equipment, chillers (air and/ or water cooled), DX units ... Operator, etc.) • May be required to have certification as a Universal Technician for CFC ...

[UNION] Operating Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

... the building(s) • Maintain heating equipment, chillers (air and/ or water cooled), DX units ... Operator, etc.) • May be required to have certification as a Universal Technician for CFC ...

[UNION] Operating Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

... building(s) Maintain heating equipment, chillers (air and/ or water cooled), DX units, pumps ... Steam Operator, etc.) May be required to have certification as a Universal Technician for CFC ...

[UNION] Operating Engineer

Rosemont, IL · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

... the building(s) • Maintain heating equipment, chillers (air and/ or water cooled), DX units ... Operator, etc.) • May be required to have certification as a Universal Technician for CFC ...

Showing results 41-60

Building Operator information

See Illinois salary details

$13

$23

$45

How much do building operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for building operator in Illinois is $23.25, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.78 and $28.17 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a building operator?

As a building operator, you oversee the operations of a building or facility to ensure that its electrical and mechanical equipment, as well as heating and cooling, are working properly. Your duties may include inspecting the building for safety hazards and regulation violations, performing repairs, and checking the facility’s ability to operate successfully. You may also supervise other employees. A career as a building operator typically requires a diploma or certification training program to gain hands-on experience in areas such as building science and energy efficiency. You may also need state certificates of fitness in facility components like interior fire alarms, sprinkler systems, and refrigeration to demonstrate your ability to handle these potentially dangerous materials. Additional qualifications include strong mechanical skills, attention to detail, and knowledge of industry regulations.

What are some typical challenges a building operator might face on a daily basis?

Building Operators often encounter challenges such as responding to urgent maintenance issues, troubleshooting complex building systems, and balancing preventive maintenance with unexpected repairs. They must also coordinate with vendors, tenants, and other facility staff to ensure smooth building operations while maintaining compliance with safety and environmental regulations. Adaptability and strong communication skills are key to managing the fast-paced and sometimes unpredictable nature of the role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a building operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Building Operator, you need strong knowledge of building systems (HVAC, electrical, plumbing), preventive maintenance procedures, and often a relevant technical diploma or certification. Familiarity with building automation systems (BAS), computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS), and safety regulations is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and effective communication are important soft skills in this role. These skills ensure efficient facility operation, tenant comfort, and compliance with safety and maintenance standards.

What is the difference between Building Operator vs Maintenance Technician?

AspectBuilding OperatorMaintenance Technician
CredentialsOften requires HVAC, electrical, or plumbing certificationsTypically needs HVAC, electrical, or plumbing certifications
Work EnvironmentManages building systems, often in commercial or institutional settingsPerforms repairs and maintenance, often in various facilities
Employer & IndustryReal estate management, property management, facilities servicesFacilities management, repair services, industrial settings

Building Operators and Maintenance Technicians share similar certifications and work environments, often overlapping in skills related to HVAC, electrical, and plumbing systems. Building Operators focus on managing entire building systems and ensuring operational efficiency, while Maintenance Technicians primarily perform repairs and routine maintenance. Both roles are essential in maintaining building functionality and are commonly sought in property management and facilities industries.

How much do building operators make?

Building operators in British Columbia typically earn between CAD 50,000 and CAD 70,000 annually, depending on experience, certifications, and the complexity of the facilities they manage. Salaries can vary based on the size of the building, location, and whether the operator has specialized skills such as HVAC or electrical systems knowledge.

What are the most commonly searched types of Building Operator jobs in Illinois?

The most popular types of Building Operator jobs in Illinois are:

What are popular job titles related to Building Operator jobs in IL?

For Building Operator jobs in IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Building Operator job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 16% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,358 per year, or $23.2 per hour.

Corporate Building Management Systems Engineer

Grainger Businesses

Lake Forest, IL • Remote

$80K - $134K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago


Grainger rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 181 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

25th of 364 rated logistics


Job description

 

Work Location Type: Remote  

Req Number  332685

About Grainger

W.W. Grainger, Inc. is a leading broad line distributor with operations primarily in North America and Japan. At Grainger, We Keep the World Working by serving more than 4.6 million customers worldwide with maintenance, repair and operating (MRO) products and value-added solutions delivered through innovative technology and deep customer expertise. Known for its commitment to service and purpose-driven culture, the Company reported 2025 revenue of $17.9 billion. For more information, visitwww.grainger.com. 

Compensation

The anticipated base pay compensation range for this position is $80,700.00 - $134,500.00. This role is eligible for an incentive target of up to 10 % or $ , based on the achievement of individual and company performance objectives in accordance with the current terms of the incentive program which are subject to change.

Rewards and Benefits

With benefits starting on day one, our programs provide choice and flexibility to meet team members' individual needs, including:

  • Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans with coverage starting on day one of employment and 6 free sessions each year with a licensed therapist to support your emotional wellbeing.
  • 18 paid time off (PTO) days annually for full-time employees (accrual prorated based on employment start date) and 6 company holidays per year.
  • 6% company contribution to a 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan each pay period, no employee contribution required.
  • Employee discounts, tuition reimbursement, student loan refinancing and free access to financial counseling, education, and tools.
  • Maternity support programs, nursing benefits, and up to 14 weeks paid leave for birth parents and up to 4 weeks paid leave for non-birth parents.

For additional information and details regarding Grainger's benefits, please click on the link below:

https://experience100.ehr.com/grainger/Home/Tools-Resources/Key-Resources/New-Hire

Grainger Benefits

The pay range provided above is not a guarantee of compensation.  The range reflects the potential base pay for this role at the time of this posting based on the job grade for this position. Individual base pay compensation will depend, in part, on factors such as geographic work location and relevant experience and skills.   

The anticipated compensation range described above is subject to change and the compensation ultimately paid may be higher or lower than the range described above. 

Grainger reserves the right to amend, modify, or terminate its compensation and benefit programs in its sole discretion at any time, consistent with applicable law.

Position Details:

The Enterprise Controls Engineer is accountable for functionality, reporting and maintenance of, but not limited to, all building management systems (BMS/BAS') and associated processes. The role will be responsible for the managing, budget forecasting, alerting, and network partnership to optimize the operations of all BMS/BAS'. Technical understanding of the system back-end operations of various monitoring & control tools is critical to being successful in the role. This Remote role reports to the Mgr. Facilities Controls and Optimization.

You Will:

  • Serve as the enterprise subject matter authority for BMS controls architecture, advising leaders on system risk, operational impact, integration strategy, cyber/network considerations, vendor capabilities, investment priorities, and long-term controls modernization opportunities.
  • Establish, maintain, and monitor compliance with enterprise BMS standards, including naming conventions, point and alarm standards, graphics standards, sequence templates, integration requirements, cyber/network expectations, commissioning acceptance criteria, and closeout requirements.
  • Develop business cases for BMS enhancements, FDD/AI tools, integrations, monitoring expansion, lifecycle replacement, reliability improvements, and energy cost savings opportunities in partnership with Real Estate Finance & Sustainability.
  • Create and maintain standardized reporting, dashboards, and critical-event notifications that provide timely visibility to Facilities, Operations, Engineering, Property, Construction, IT, vendors, and leadership.
  • Establish repeatable intake, prioritization, escalation, and closeout processes for BMS issues, controls projects, FDD findings, and monitoring requests, while supporting lessons-learned reviews to improve standards, handoffs, and future project quality.
  • Deliver and facilitate training and knowledge transfer for mission-critical operations, local facilities teams, Regional Property Managers, and other key partners responsible for BMS-supported facilities.
  • Plan, schedule, coordinate, and manage BMS infrastructure improvements, programming changes, graphics updates, integrations, system modifications, and related controls work.
  • Review controls submittals, point implementation, sequences of operation, integration scope, network requirements, and closeout documentation to ensure alignment with established standards.

You Have:

  • Bachelor's Degree or equivalent experience Engineering degree and/or equivalent experience in enterprise monitoring and controls, support, repair and operations. required
  • 3+ years Experience supporting building controls operations, maintenance, monitoring, automation systems, or related technologies. required
  • 1+ years Real estate project management experience preferred
  • Experience coordinating work with third-party vendors, contractors, system integrators, and service providers to support controls operations and project execution.
  • In depth knowledge & experience with monitoring/automation tools, techniques, and technologies. AI experience preferred
  • Knowledge of building automation systems, controls architecture, monitoring platforms, automation technologies, and system integration methodologies.
  • Experience administering controls platforms, alarm management, reporting tools, trend analysis, and enterprise monitoring solutions.
  • Certified Automation Professional-ISA Upon Hire preferred

We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or expression, protected veteran status or any other protected characteristic under federal, state, or local law. We are proud to be an equal opportunity workplace.

We are committed to fostering an inclusive, accessible work environment that includes both providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities during the application and hiring process as well as throughout the course of one's employment, should you need a reasonable accommodation during the application and selection process, including, but not limited to use of our website, any part of the application, interview or hiring process, please advise us so that we can provide appropriate assistance.


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About Grainger

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Grainger is a leading broad line distributor with operations primarily in North America, Japan and the United Kingdom. We achieve our purpose, We Keep the World Working®, by serving more than 4.5 million customers with a wide range of products that keep their operations running and their people safe. Grainger also delivers services and solutions, such as technical support and inventory management, to save customers time and money. We're looking for passionate people who can move our company forward. As one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For, we have a welcoming workplace where you can build a career for yourself while fulfilling our purpose to keep the world working. We embrace new ways of thinking and recognize everyone is an individual. Find your way with Grainger today.

Industry

Office administration and facilities support services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Lake Forest, IL, US

Year founded

1927