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Chief Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

MalaceHR

Chief Engineer

Geneva, IL

MalaceHR is seeking an experienced Chief Engineer to oversee the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of all facility systems within a large industrial manufacturing environment. This is a hands ...

Fernwood Property Management

Chief Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$90 - $130/hr

The Chief Engineer (SEIU Local 1 Head Janitor) is responsible for maintaining the physical integrity of the property at all times, and managing the safe and efficient operation of all building ...

Fernwood-Property-Management

Chief Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$90 - $130/hr

The Chief Engineer (SEIU Local 1 Head Janitor) is responsible for maintaining the physical integrity of the property at all times, and managing the safe and efficient operation of all building ...

Field Museum

Chief Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$102K - $104K/yr

Chief Engineer FLSA Status: Non-exempt Department: Facilities Our Mission: Since the 1893 World Columbian Exposition, our organization has aimed to connect people to the natural environment and human ...

Field Museum

Chief Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$102K - $104K/yr

Chief Engineer FLSA Status: Non-exempt Department: Facilities Our Mission: Since the 1893 World Columbian Exposition, our organization has aimed to connect people to the natural environment and human ...

Field Museum

Chief Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$102K - $104K/yr

Chief Engineer FLSA Status: Non-exempt Department: Facilities Our Mission: Since the 1893 World Columbian Exposition, our organization has aimed to connect people to the natural environment and human ...

Adler Planetarium

Chief Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$52.20/hr

Chief Engineer Full Time Non-Exempt Union Position About the Adler Planetarium The Adler Planetarium connects people to the universe and each other. Whether introducing a guest to the Ring Nebula, a ...

Nath Companies

Chief Engineer-NON-UNION

Rosemont, IL · On-site

$115K/yr

The Chief Engineer is responsible for the overall condition, safety, and operational reliability of the hotel facility. At Embassy Suites Rosemont, this role operates in a high-demand, full-service ...

Ascent Hospitality

Chief Engineer

Hammond, IN · On-site

The Chief Engineer supervises the operation, maintenance, and repair of the overall hotel operation. This position manages the Maintenance Staff of the hotel, ongoing preventative maintenance ...

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All JobsChief Engineer JobsChief Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Chief Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$33.5K

$95.7K

$186.4K

How much do chief engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for chief engineer in Chicago, IL is $95,729.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $60,800.00 and $123,600.00 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.
More about Chief Engineer jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Chief Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Chief Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Chief Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Chief Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Chief Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Chief Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Chief Engineer jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Chief Engineer job openings:

Chief Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Chief Engineer job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 98% Full Time, and 2% Part Time. Highlights an 96% In-person, 2% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $95,729 per year, or $46 per hour.

Assistant Chief Engineer

Fernwood Property Management

Chicago, IL

Full-time

Re-posted 14 days ago

Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION
Fernwood Property Management seeks an Assistant Chief Engineer to aid in the daily operation of building systems. Responsibilities include inspection and maintenance of all mechanical equipment, log all mechanical equipment operation readings, complete service requests in condo units and common areas. Training of the Janitor/Maintenance staff on building procedures and equipment. Assist Chief Engineer on Supervising outside contractor.
 
REQUIREMENTS:
Strong Written and Verbal Communication Skills: As an Assistant Chief, you will be the voice and written presence of our organization. Your ability to articulate ideas clearly and concisely is crucial to ensure effective communication both internally and externally.
Proficient in Outlook, Word, and Excel: Mastery of essential office tools is a non-negotiable requirement. Your proficiency in Outlook, Word, and Excel will be integral to streamlining processes, managing data, and facilitating seamless communication.
 
RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Under the direction of the Chief Engineer, ensure the effective administration of the building conducting transactions with suppliers, contractors and service providers, keeping records, reporting and communicating with residents, staff members in a timely and accurate manner.
2. Work with Maintenance/Janitorial Staff in a team spirit to support and direct their daily activities as specified in their job description.
3. To respond promptly and effectively to emergencies according to documented procedures.
4. Work with property management team, and Maintenance/Janitorial Staff to ensure use of the amenity spaces strictly complies with existing company policy.
5. Ensure the establishment and implementation of effective procedures necessary to the efficient and timely running of all maintenance tasks.
6. Communicate proactively with the Chief Engineer and the Property Manager to recognize opportunities for enhancement of office and administrative procedures.
7. Work and communicate with all other Staff members to promote and sustain the safety of the building, the residents and their guests.
8. Perform routine unit remodel inspection to ensure work is being completed to building and code standards.
 
BUILDING EQUIPMENT/SYSTEMS:
Maintain building daily logs on:
Chillers, Air handlers
Boilers, Circulating pumps
Water Heaters, Fire pumps
Booster pumps
Train Staff on how to perform rounds and what to look for and/or how to identify potential problems with the above equipment.
2. Maintain water treatment chemical reading logs.
3. Test and log elevator phone and intercoms.
4. Perform regular preventative maintenance along with Chief Engineer .
 
GENERAL MANAGEMENT:
1. Advise Management of building problems and corrected, needed resolutions (as they occur).
2. Interview and train Maintenance/Janitorial staff (as needed).
 
INVENTORY:
1. Maintain supply inventory and obtain approval for reordering.
2. Perform routine inventory of building equipment and supplies.
3. Responsible for ordering supplies for adequate stock
 
JANITORIAL STAFF:
1. Manage staff to ensure proper cleaning of the property (daily).
2. Perform building inspection and report to Chief Engineer & Property Manager.
3. Perform routine inspection of staff to ensure they are performing their daily duties.
 
UNIT MAINTENANCE:
1. Complete work orders provided by the Chief Engineer and follow through, (daily).
2. Perform preventative maintenance on residents’ HVAC units (semi-annually).
In the absence of the Chief Engineer, the Assistant Chief must take over the Chief’s duties and responsibilities.
 
Please be advised that ALL new hires will be required to successfully complete a criminal background investigation and a medical examination, which includes a drug screening, prior to employment. The receipt of satisfactory responses to reference requests, and the provision of satisfactory proof of an applicant's identity and legal authority to work in the United States are also required 

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