1

Chief Engineer Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

Engineering Supervisor - Chief Engineer- Director of Engineering- Area Chief Engineer- Regional Director of Engineering - Corporate DOE- VP of Engineering Key Duties & Responsibilities: * Maintain ...

Engineering Supervisor - Chief Engineer- Director of Engineering- Area Chief Engineer- Regional Director of Engineering - Corporate DOE- VP of Engineering Key Duties & Responsibilities: * Maintain ...

Engineering Supervisor - Chief Engineer- Director of Engineering- Area Chief Engineer- Regional Director of Engineering - Corporate DOE- VP of Engineering Key Duties & Responsibilities: * Maintain ...

Engineering Supervisor - Chief Engineer- Director of Engineering- Area Chief Engineer- Regional Director of Engineering - Corporate DOE- VP of Engineering Key Duties & Responsibilities: * Maintain ...

Engineering Supervisor - Chief Engineer- Director of Engineering- Area Chief Engineer- Regional Director of Engineering - Corporate DOE- VP of Engineering Key Duties & Responsibilities: * Maintain ...

Showing results 41-60

Chief Engineer information

See Kentucky salary details

$28.2K

$80.7K

$157.2K

How much do chief engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for chief engineer in Kentucky is $80,725.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51,200.00 and $104,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

Is a chief engineer a high position?

A chief engineer is a high-level management position responsible for overseeing engineering operations, projects, and technical staff within an organization. It typically requires extensive experience, technical expertise, and leadership skills, and often involves supervising teams and managing budgets.

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, and may oversee engineering teams or projects in manufacturing, construction, or energy sectors.

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.

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 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 most commonly searched types of Chief Engineer jobs in Kentucky? The most popular types of Chief Engineer jobs in Kentucky are:
What are popular job titles related to Chief Engineer jobs in Kentucky? For Chief Engineer jobs in Kentucky, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Chief Engineer jobs in Kentucky look for? The top searched job categories for Chief Engineer jobs in Kentucky are:
What cities in Kentucky are hiring for Chief Engineer jobs? Cities in Kentucky with the most Chief Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Chief Engineer job openings in Kentucky as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $80,725 per year, or $38.8 per hour.

CHIEF ENGINEER - MAINTENANCE, ELECTRICAL, PLUMBING

Compass Group

Florence, KY

$115K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 6 days ago


Compass Group rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 1,087 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

337th of 481 rated business services


Job description

Position Title: CHIEF ENGINEER - MAINTENANCE, ELECTRICAL, PLUMBING

Salary: $115,000 - $120,000

Pay Grade: 16 

Other Forms of Compensation: BONUS 

ESFM is the corporate facilities management (FM) division of Compass Group USA, a Gold-level Corporate Sustaining Partner of the International Facility Management Association (IFMA), and a Platinum Corporate Member of the Association of Energy Engineers (AEE).

ESFM self-performs 80% of all FM services provided to clients. Our portfolio of solution categories includes Facilities Maintenance & Engineering, ESG Programming, Laboratory Support Services, Janitorial & Industrial Cleaning, Landscaping & Grounds Management, Workplace Solutions and Managed Services. 

This self-performance model creates a consistent hospitality experience for clients, resulting in higher engagement and productivity from their employees. ESFM’s clients include many household names from the life sciences, technology, oil & gas and manufacturing markets.

This position is eligible for an Employee Referral Bonus! If you know someone that is qualified for this role, please use the ‘job search’ in PeopleHub to refer your referral and email them a link to apply. Your referral will be able to apply by clicking the link in the email. You can check the status through your profile, accessible via Careers in PeopleHub, by clicking on ‘referral tracking.’ For Employee Referral guidelines, FAQs and the Compass Employee Referral Policy, email MyReferral@compass-usa.com. 

Job Summary

The Chief Building Engineer - MEP serves as the on-site engineering leader with full accountability for the delivery of Integrated Facilities Management (IFM) services, including hard services, critical infrastructure, and advanced liquid cooling systems supporting high-density compute environments. This role provides technical leadership, team management, and operational oversight to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient facility performance.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead all aspects of IFM hard services delivery across mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and critical infrastructure systems
  • Direct, manage, and develop a team of building engineers, technicians, and specialty contractors; establish clear roles, shift coverage, and accountability
  • Serve as the site technical authority for liquid cooling systems including CDUs, pumps, heat exchangers, piping, and integrated controls
  • Oversee operation, maintenance, and optimization of liquid cooling systems, including monitoring temperature, pressure, and flow performance
  • Lead incident response, troubleshooting, and root cause analysis for mechanical and cooling system failures
  • Ensure reliable 24/7 operation of mission-critical systems through preventive and predictive maintenance programs
  • Own site-level KPIs, SLAs, and compliance with safety, regulatory, and environmental standards
  • Manage vendor relationships, OEM coordination, and third-party service providers
  • Act as the primary engineering interface with client stakeholders and support operational reviews
  • Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on uptime, efficiency, sustainability, and system resilience

Required Qualifications

  • 7–10+ years of experience in facility engineering or mission-critical environments
  • EPA Section 608 Certification is required
  • Proven experience leading engineering teams or site operations
  • Strong technical knowledge of HVAC, mechanical, electrical, and liquid cooling systems
  • Experience working in data center or high-reliability environments
  • Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience with direct-to-chip, immersion, or high-density liquid cooling systems
  • Background in Integrated Facilities Management (IFM) delivery
  • Experience with BMS/EPMS and CMMS platforms
  • Relevant technical certifications (mechanical, HVAC, or electrical)

Apply to ESFM Services today!

ESFM is a member of Compass Group USA

Click here to Learn More about the Compass Story

Associates at ESFM are offered many fantastic benefits.

  • Medical
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Life Insurance/ AD
  • Disability Insurance
  • Retirement Plan
  • Paid Time Off
  • Holiday Time Off (varies by site/state)
  • Associate Shopping Program
  • Health and Wellness Programs
  • Discount Marketplace
  • Identity Theft Protection
  • Pet Insurance
  • Commuter Benefits
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Personal Leave

Associates may also be eligible for paid and/or unpaid time off benefits in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. For positions in Washington State, Maryland, or to be performed Remotely, click here or copy/paste the link below for paid time off benefits information.

https://www.compass-usa.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2023_WageTransparency_ESFM.pdf 

Compass Group is an equal opportunity employer.  At Compass, we are committed to treating all Applicants and Associates fairly based on their abilities, achievements, and experience without regard to race, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by law. We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with a criminal history (including relevant driving history), in a manner consistent with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the New York Fair Chance Act. 

Certain positions may require Florida Level 2 background screening. Details: https://info.flclearinghouse.com/

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.

Eurest Services maintains a drug-free workplace.

Req ID:1542109

ESFM 

Julia Lari 


What Compass Group employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom