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Building Systems Engineering Jobs in Chicago, IL

Minimum 8 years of experience in building automation systems, controls engineering, smart buildings, facilities engineering, or related disciplines. * Minimum 2 years of people leadership experience ...

Minimum 8 years of experience in building automation systems, controls engineering, smart buildings, facilities engineering, or related disciplines. * Minimum 2 years of people leadership experience ...

Systems Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$150K - $300K/yr

What We Are Looking For Required * 10+ years of experience in systems engineering, infrastructure ... Hands-on experience building and operating cloud infrastructure on GCP (or comparable major cloud ...

Systems Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$150K - $300K/yr

What We Are Looking For Required * 10+ years of experience in systems engineering, infrastructure ... Hands-on experience building and operating cloud infrastructure on GCP (or comparable major cloud ...

Showing results 41-60

Building Systems Engineering information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$62.3K

$146.4K

$201.9K

How much do building systems engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for building systems engineering in Chicago, IL is $146,353.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $117,400.00 and $178,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by building systems engineers when working on retrofit projects in existing structures?

Building Systems Engineers often encounter unique challenges during retrofit projects, such as integrating modern systems with outdated infrastructure and ensuring compliance with current codes. Limited access to existing mechanical, electrical, or plumbing systems can complicate upgrades, requiring creative problem-solving and collaboration with architects and contractors. Additionally, balancing energy efficiency improvements with budget constraints and minimizing disruptions to occupants are key considerations that demand both technical expertise and strong communication skills.

What is building systems engineering?

Building Systems Engineering is a multidisciplinary field focused on the design, integration, operation, and maintenance of a building’s essential systems, such as HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning), electrical, plumbing, and fire protection. Engineers in this field ensure that these systems work together efficiently to provide comfort, safety, sustainability, and functionality within buildings. They collaborate closely with architects and construction professionals to meet regulatory standards and optimize building performance. Building Systems Engineers play a key role in improving energy efficiency and supporting green building initiatives.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a building systems engineer?

To thrive as a Building Systems Engineer, you need a solid background in mechanical, electrical, or civil engineering, often supported by a relevant engineering degree and professional certification (such as PE or EIT). Familiarity with building automation systems, HVAC, AutoCAD, and energy management software is typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills enable you to collaborate with diverse stakeholders and ensure system reliability. These competencies are crucial for designing, maintaining, and optimizing safe, efficient building environments.

What is the difference between Building Systems Engineering vs Mechanical Engineering?

AspectBuilding Systems EngineeringMechanical Engineering
CredentialsBachelor's in Engineering, PE license often preferredBachelor's in Mechanical Engineering, PE license common
Work EnvironmentDesigning and managing building systems like HVAC, plumbing, electricalDesigning mechanical devices, engines, manufacturing systems
Industry UsageConstruction, building design, facilities managementManufacturing, automotive, aerospace, energy

Building Systems Engineering focuses on designing and maintaining building infrastructure systems, while Mechanical Engineering covers a broader range of mechanical devices and systems across various industries. Both roles require similar credentials and often work within the construction and manufacturing sectors, but their specific applications differ significantly.

What are popular job titles related to Building Systems Engineering jobs in Chicago, IL? For Building Systems Engineering jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Building Systems Engineering jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Building Systems Engineering jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Building Systems Engineering jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Building Systems Engineering job openings:

Building Automation Manager

UL Solutions

Northbrook, IL • On-site

$97K - $129K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago


UL Solutions rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 27 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

27th of 120 rated laboratories


Job description

The Building Automation Systems (BAS) Manager leads the global strategy, governance, and technical execution of building automation, smart building technologies, controls infrastructure, and connected building systems across the enterprise portfolio. This first-line people leader is responsible for developing a high-performing team while driving the modernization, standardization, cybersecurity, reliability, and optimization of building systems through the adoption of advanced automation, analytics, artificial intelligence (AI), and emerging technologies.

The role serves as the organization's subject matter expert for intelligent buildings and will partner closely with Facilities Operations, Engineering, Security, IT, EHS, Sustainability, Workplace Experience, and Capital Projects teams to deliver innovative solutions that improve operational efficiency, occupant experience, energy performance, asset reliability, and business resilience.

A global leader in applied safety science, UL Solutions (NYSE: ULS) transforms safety, security and sustainability challenges into opportunities for customers in more than 110 countries. UL Solutions delivers testing, inspection and certification services, together with software products and advisory offerings, that support our customers' product innovation and business growth. The UL Mark serves as a recognized symbol of trust in our customers' products and reflects an unwavering commitment to advancing our safety mission. We help our customers innovate, launch new products and services, navigate global markets and complex supply chains, and grow sustainably and responsibly into the future. Our science is your advantage.

Our global network of 80+ laboratories is constantly evolving, because the world around us is always changing. We embrace this - we invest in improving our equipment and our skills so we're one step ahead of the market. One day we could be setting up a burn test and the next, simulating a tornado. And because we're always evolving, your career will evolve alongside us, whether you're working on brand new technology or connecting with experts around the globe. Join our team, drive the growth of our organization and deliver real change - in a changing world.

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Building Automation, Controls Engineering, Computer Science, Facilities Management, or a related technical field.
  • Minimum 8 years of experience in building automation systems, controls engineering, smart buildings, facilities engineering, or related disciplines.
  • Minimum 2 years of people leadership experience, including direct management of technical personnel.
  • Demonstrated experience with modern BAS platforms such as Siemens, Johnson Controls, Schneider Electric, Honeywell, Tridium Niagara, Automated Logic, or equivalent systems.
  • Strong understanding of HVAC controls, electrical systems, energy management, lighting controls, and industrial networking principles.
  • Experience with system integrations, data analytics, enterprise applications, and cloud-connected building technologies.
  • Knowledge of OT/IT convergence, cybersecurity principles, and connected building architectures.
  • Demonstrated English language proficiency, including the ability to communicate effectively with global stakeholders, vendors, and technical teams.
  • Willingness and ability to support global operations and travel as required.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Master's Degree in Engineering, Building Systems, Computer Science, Data Analytics, Facilities Management, Business Administration, or related discipline.
  • Certified Facility Manager (CFM) designation from IFMA.
  • Certified Energy Manager (CEM).
  • Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.
  • Niagara, Siemens Desigo, Schneider EcoStruxure, Johnson Controls Metasys, or similar platform certifications.
  • Experience implementing AI-enabled building technologies, predictive maintenance solutions, digital twins, autonomous building systems, or advanced analytics platforms.
  • Experience supporting laboratory, testing, manufacturing, or mission-critical environments.
  • Knowledge of ISO 41001, smart building standards, energy regulations, and sustainability frameworks.

We understand compensation is an important factor as you consider the next step in your career. The estimated salary range for this position is $97,200- $129,500 and is based on multiple factors, including job-related knowledge/skills, experience, geographical location, as well as other factors. This position is eligible for annual bonus compensation with a target payout of 20% of the base salary. This position also provides health benefits such as medical, dental and vision; wellness benefits such as mental and financial health; and retirement savings (401K) commensurate with the standard rewards offered in each individual location or country. We also provide full-time employees with paid time off including vacation (15 days), holiday and personal days (totaling 12 days), and sick time off (72 hours). 

#LI-Hybrid

Global BAS Strategy & Governance

  • Develop and maintain the global roadmap for building automation and smart building technologies.
  • Establish standards, design criteria, architecture requirements, and governance for BAS platforms across the global portfolio.
  • Drive standardization of controls systems, integration methodologies, data structures, and operating procedures.
  • Evaluate emerging technologies and recommend investments that support operational excellence and business objectives.

Smart Buildings & Digital Transformation

  • Lead the deployment of next-generation smart building technologies and connected infrastructure.
  • Identify opportunities to improve operational performance through AI, machine learning, fault detection diagnostics (FDD), digital twins, predictive analytics, and advanced building controls.
  • Develop strategies for leveraging operational technology (OT) and Internet of Things (IoT) platforms to improve building performance.
  • Partner with IT and cybersecurity teams to ensure secure integration of building systems into enterprise architecture.

Operations & System Performance

  • Support regional facilities teams in maintaining reliable BAS operations across all facilities.
  • Drive continuous improvement initiatives to optimize energy, comfort, maintenance effectiveness, and equipment reliability.
  • Develop performance dashboards, KPI reporting, alarm management standards, and system analytics.
  • Provide technical leadership during troubleshooting of complex building system issues.

Capital Projects & System Integration

  • Support planning, design, and implementation of BAS-related capital projects.
  • Review engineering designs, controls sequences, and integration requirements for new construction and infrastructure modernization projects.
  • Ensure compatibility and interoperability among BAS, lighting controls, metering systems, energy management platforms, security systems, and other smart building technologies.
  • Collaborate with vendors, consultants, and systems integrators to deliver scalable solutions.

Leadership & Team Development

  • Lead, mentor, and develop a team of 4-5 building automation professionals.
  • Establish team objectives, performance expectations, and development plans.
  • Foster a culture of innovation, accountability, collaboration, and continuous learning.
  • Build technical capabilities that position the organization to leverage emerging technologies and evolving industry best practices.

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