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Chief Engineer Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Chief Engineer

Normal, IL ยท On-site

$21 - $25/hr

Responsible for supervising the Chief Engineers or maintenance techs for properties in an assigned region. Ensures the repairs and maintenance of the hotel are accomplished. Directs the preventative ...

Chief Engineer

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$100K - $105K/yr

All HEI Chief Engineers are working Chief's. * Hotel experience preferred. * Knowledge of hotel operations, including marketing plans, security and safety programs, personnel and labor relations ...

Assistant Chief Engineer

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$45 - $60.56/hr

Responsibilities The Assistant Chief Engineer is responsible for the safe and proper operation of the power plant and associated control structures. They operate, maintain, and adjust boilers ...

All HEI Chief Engineers are working Chief's. * Hotel experience preferred. * Knowledge of hotel operations, including marketing plans, security and safety programs, personnel and labor relations ...

The Chief Engineer will safeguard the interests of the owners by maintaining the physical condition of property and equipment according to company guidelines and standards, and protecting the ...

The Chief Engineer will safeguard the interests of the owners by maintaining the physical condition of property and equipment according to company guidelines and standards, and protecting the ...

Role Purpose As Chief Engineer you'll manage the engineering/maintenance of your hotel and ensure the safety and comfort of hotel guests and team members. You'll be a master multitasker and be ...

The Chief Engineer reports directly to the Property Manager. While specific responsibilities will vary based on location, the janitor will be responsible for physical asset management of the property ...

The Chief Engineer helps oversee the maintenance staff in a fair and consistent manner and will build and maintain professional relationships with coworkers as well as professional rapport with ...

Showing results 21-40

Chief Engineer information

See Illinois salary details

$31.5K

$90.1K

$175.4K

How much do chief engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for chief engineer in Illinois is $90,066.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $57,200.00 and $116,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a chief engineer do?

A Chief Engineer is responsible for overseeing the engineering operations of an organization or project. They lead engineering teams, manage technical projects, and ensure that systems and infrastructure are maintained and improved according to industry standards. Chief Engineers also develop policies, coordinate with other departments, and solve complex technical problems to support the organization's goals. Their role often involves budgeting, staff management, and ensuring compliance with safety and regulatory requirements.

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

To thrive as a Chief Engineer, you need advanced engineering expertise, leadership experience, and a relevant degree such as a bachelor's or master's in engineering. Familiarity with project management tools, CAD software, and relevant certifications like Professional Engineer (PE) licensure are typically required. Outstanding problem-solving, communication, and team management skills help drive innovation and ensure smooth coordination across engineering teams. These skills and qualifications are crucial for overseeing complex projects, maintaining high technical standards, and achieving organizational goals.

What are some common challenges chief engineers face when managing multidisciplinary engineering teams?

Chief Engineers often oversee teams that include specialists from various engineering disciplines, which can present challenges in aligning different technical perspectives and ensuring effective communication. Balancing project deadlines, resource allocation, and maintaining quality standards while navigating these differences is a frequent part of the role. Successful Chief Engineers foster strong collaboration, facilitate knowledge sharing, and implement standardized processes to address these challenges. They also play a key role in mentoring junior engineers and promoting professional development within the team.

What is the difference between Chief Engineer vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectChief EngineerMechanical Engineer
CredentialsEngineering degree, professional engineering license, leadership experienceEngineering degree, possibly licensure, technical skills
Work EnvironmentProject management, overseeing teams, strategic planningDesign, analysis, testing, and development of mechanical systems
Industry UsageConstruction, manufacturing, shipbuilding, aerospaceManufacturing, automotive, HVAC, robotics
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

The main difference between a Chief Engineer and a Mechanical Engineer lies in their responsibilities and seniority. The Chief Engineer typically oversees projects, manages teams, and ensures technical standards at a strategic level, often requiring leadership experience and licensure. Mechanical Engineers focus on designing, analyzing, and developing mechanical systems, working on technical tasks without the managerial responsibilities of a Chief Engineer. Both roles are vital in engineering industries, but the Chief Engineer holds a higher-level, supervisory position.

How much does a chief engineer earn?

A chief engineer's salary varies depending on industry, location, and experience, but typically ranges from $80,000 to $150,000 annually. They often hold advanced technical skills and certifications, such as Professional Engineer (PE) licenses, which can influence compensation.

What are the most commonly searched types of Chief Engineer jobs in Illinois?

The most popular types of Chief Engineer jobs in Illinois are:

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Chief Engineer jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Chief Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Chief Engineer job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $90,066 per year, or $43.3 per hour.

$21 - $25/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 17 days ago


Job description

SUMMARY:ย  Responsible for supervising the Chief Engineers or maintenance techs for properties in an assigned region. Ensures the repairs and maintenance of the hotel are accomplished. Directs the preventative maintenance program, repairs and renovation projects for building and grounds of the hotel. Monitors, leads, directs and supervises maintenance personnel.

ย ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITES: ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย 

  • Cultivate a respectful workplace by maintaining respect of attendance, respect of performance, respect of behavior and respect of common sense and judgement
  • Supervises the responsibilities and performance of all Chief Engineers and Maintenance techs at each property in an assigned region
  • Provides maintenance training to all new hires as well as on-going training to maintenance staff
  • Assigns duties to maintenance staff and observes performance to ensure adherence to hotel policies and operating procedures
  • Selects or assists in the selection of hotel maintenance staff
  • Reviews employee performance; conducts coaching, appraisal, and progressive discipline up to termination
  • Effectively and professionally communicates with co-workers and supervisors
  • Ensures all fire and safety inspections are completed and any discrepancies are corrected
  • Administers the preventative and repair maintenance program as required: properly completesย work orders on time
  • Records and reports completed repairs and items that need further attention
  • Adheres to all local, state, and federal laws and safety regulations
  • Completes training regarding safety, security, department procedures, and service

guidelines

  • Informs management of hazardous situations, emergencies or threats to the safety and security of hotel guests, staff or assets
  • Ensures the security of all inventory, including but not limited to: tools, supplies, equipment, furniture, and televisions
  • Replenishes supplies and inventory efficiently to minimize waste
  • Assists other departments with moving furniture and unloading supplies
  • Maintains and services pool and spa areas according to state and city regulations
  • Maintainsย a professional image at all times through appearance and dress
  • Meets with vendors and suppliers to discuss scope of, and materials usedย for, repair activities
  • Obtains pricing and bids as directed
  • Conduct monthly, quarterly, and annual life safety inspections where allowed by local jurisdiction to ensure
  • Performs preventive maintenance of the major mechanical and life safety equipment at multiple properties within a geographic area or cluster.ย 
  • Act as a technical resource for locations regarding corrective, preventative, and/or routine repair and maintenance procedures and techniques such as, but not limited to: HVAC/refrigeration, kitchen equipment laundry equipment, electrical systems, boilers and hot water systems, and life safety systems.
  • Conduct emergency work on HVAC, kitchen, laundry, or water systems outages.
  • Performs routine audits of preventative maintenance programs to ensure compliance by on property engineers.
  • Travel as needed to various properties for various reasons. Must obey all Federal, State, and Local transportation laws while traveling on company times.
  • Follows company policies and procedures at all times
  • Ensures fair treatment and respect of employees and guests

Other duties as assigned by supervisor or management

QUALIFICATIONS: ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย 

Education/Experience: High School Diploma or GED equivalent. A minimum of two years supervisory experience in facilities maintenance, plant operations or engineering services for a hotel. Certification and/or License Requirement: Professional certification and licensure if required by law. Minimum Type III EPA Certification for refrigerant reclamation and charging. Valid Driverโ€™s License required.

Skills:

  • Technical crafts (HVAC, electrical, plumbing, etc.). Specialization in these trades is

desired. An ability to advance knowledge in these areas is essential

  • Basic knowledge of and experience with carpentry, plumbing, mechanical repair and painting
  • Proficient communication
  • Adaptability
  • Customer service
  • Interpersonal skills
  • Attention to detail
  • Ability to monitor contractor and subordinatesโ€™ activity
  • Ability to read, write, and speak the English language

Working Conditions:

  • Will be required to work nights, weekends, and holidays
  • Will be required to work in a fast-paced environment
  • Frequently exposed to fumes or airborne particles, moving mechanical parts and vibration
  • The noise level in the work environment and job sites can be loud

RELATIONSHIPS:ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย 

Internal: ย General Manager, Assistant General Manager, Peers, line level associates and Field Operations at the corporate level

External: Vendors - For purchasing and receiving supplies

ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย  Guests - To provide customer service

ย PHYSICAL/COGNITIVE ACTIVITES: ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย 

This description of physical and mental activities is not intended to describe essential job functions. Rather, its purpose is to give the job applicant a feel for the physical and mental activities of the job to the end that an applicant with a disability can determine whether he or she will be able to do this job either with or without accommodations.

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